The problem with counting calories.

[TKay]

This is such a trivial thing, but I wanted to share. I've been on a kick about dropping some of this holiday poundage, right? So, in addition to working out, I've been giving myself a set allotment of calories per day and then loosely keeping track. Every night about nine, I glance at my calorie count (and here's the problem). If I have ANY calories left, I think to myself, "Ooh, I still have 142 calories. What could I have?" I should be thinking, "Cool, I'm under my limit. Think how fast I'll lose at this rate." But nooooo. "Hmm, popcorn is how many calories? Do we have fudgcicles? How many calories would a half a cookie be?"

:D

[SusanMac]

Just keep it to the popcorn, then at least you won't feel TOO guilty :-)

Half a cookie? Now that's just really impossible, isn't it?

[LakeMartinGal]

Yeah, I have the same problem... when I keep track, that is...:o What we should be thinking is something like, "great, I'm under my limit! Another couple of days like that and that <insert clothing item here> will fit!;)

[lindrusso]

I used to do that too! But it beats the heck out of having no idea how many calories you ate and then eating that popcorn or fudgsicles anyway. As long as you're staying within your range, you're fine!

[LakeMartinGal]

I've finally decided that counting calories (using a PDA program to do it) is the only way for me to lose weight. WW and all the focus on whole-grains is all well and good for feeling full, but in the end, it's the eating less calories than you need to maintain your weight that makes you lose... Too bad I had to get to this age/weight before I came to this realization!:eek::o:rolleyes:;)

[green1]

Counting calories have really helped with my weight loss! In addition to eating the right foods and exercising. That combination has been the only thing that worked. It keeps me in check. And when hunger strikes, I go for the popcorn without butter. 26 pounds later!!!! :D

[TKay]

Wow, 26 pounds, green1? That's fantastic! Congrats.

[green1]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!:)

[GlobalKnives01]

I found the same thing used to happen to me about dieting, until I read two books. First, Retrain Your Brain, Reshape Your Body: by Georgia D. Andrianopoulos which explains the brain's role in dieting and how the reason you're getting fat is not the food. You're eating excess food because of mind "wobbles" as she calls it. Secondly, French Women for All Seaons. That book expanded my knowledge from the retrain book and put it into practical usage. Using the techniques from both books my weight just fell off. From time to time, I do have to go back through the mind exercises and refresh the practices when I notice that I'm eating heavily. The best part about this is that these exercises take away my stress, rather than having a diet add to it. Good luck!