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I know that I just need to do what works for me and the rest will follow, but regaining weight is NOT an option for me and I really want to give myself the best chance at success possible. Thoughts?
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The best chance at success? Always keep that desire, that feeling, that "regaining weight is NOT an option".
Definitely not one that can rely on intuitive eating. I intuitively ate my way up to 287 lbs. Now of course, granted, I've learned a lot since than, but I will never, ever be able to rely on that. I rely on the good habits that I've established, and yes - calorie counting. I don't find it burdensome at all. At all, like not even a little bit. What I DID find burdensome was being grossly overweight.
But, the fact is, I really don't *count* so much these days. My breakfasts are always the same amount of calories, as are my lunches, my dinners and snacks. I just switch them around and know exactly how many calories I'm consuming. It's easy shmeazy.
I really, really need that calorie allotment, that budget to tell me when to STOP eating, otherwise I'd most likely eat until I was uncomfortable and DEFINITELY overspend my calories.
Most often, I'll finish up my pre-determined amount of food, and I WILL want more - but I won't have it, my calories for that meal is up. I usually than have a glass of water and before I even know it I am completely *satisfied* and there is no need/desire for me to eat anymore. And once again, having that calorie budget kept me from overeating.
One more thing, this calorie counting is so automatic to me, I couldn't even fathom not doing it. For me, it makes my choices clearer. I mean I don't go into a store without knowing the cost of something, why would I EAT something with out knowing the amount of calories that it has? At this point, that seems irresponsible of me (now of course, not prior to my weight loss).
My plan is to calorie count/estimate/track for years and years to come. Why should I guess when I could know for certain, especially about something so important which directly pertains to my health???