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I don't believe in counting calories. Since our bodies are not lab instruments (and our kitchens are not laboratories), counting calories is an inexact science. On top of that, we are less efficient in digesting some foods than others. For example, compare 100 calories of raw apple to 100 calories of applesauce. We will use more of the calories from the applesauce as some of the calories from the raw apple pass through our digestive system along with the fiber.
So, why bother counting calories? Theoretically, if we eat only healthy, minimally processed, nutrient dense foods we would naturally stop eating when we'd had enough.
But, reality bites. I do not live in a perfect world. I am surrounded by overly processed unhealthy food and my appetite is more driven by emotional needs rather than nutritional needs.
Therefore, counting calories is a mechanism I have for helping put order in my world. I can use tangible numbers to override my emotions and plot my course. Until something better comes along I will continue to do this.
Diet Calendar Entry for 01 March 2014:
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1178 kcal
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Fat: 55.36g | Prot: 131.99g | Carb: 33.49g.
Breakfast: Yellow Summer Squash, Butter, Egg, Coffee. Lunch: Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Hannaford Stir Fry Mix Peppers & Onions, Ground Turkey (Cooked), Bolthouse Farms Caesar Parmigiano Creamy Yogurt Dressing, Dole Asian Blend Chopped Salad. Dinner: Cottage Cheese, Skinless Chicken Breast, Sweet Red Peppers, Radish Seeds (Sprouted), Cabbage, Onions, Zucchini, Cooked Broccoli (Fat Not Added in Cooking), Cooked Carrots (from Fresh). Snacks/Other: Chicken Breast, Coffee, Pork Loin (Tenderloin, Lean Only), Coffee. more...
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1 to 20 of 22
 Comments
It's a nightmare, isn't it? And different people will post completely different thoughts and science on calories. I find it helps to watch my calories but it's not the be-all and end-all, otherwise that's how WW would do it without the Points system. Even within the Points system I've got to figure out the BEST way to eat those points and stay satisfied. And what satisfies this month may not do so next month as my body gets complacent with the food. On to the next adventurous day !! ;)
01 Mar 14 by member: erwinwarrior83
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I don't count calories. I don't bother recording my food. It makes me feel like a crazy person, always thinking about food. It works better for me to just focus on what I'm eating, not the calorie content.
01 Mar 14 by member: lovingmomma
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Erwinwarrior82 - Yes, a nightmare it is! And I think you have hit the nail right on the head - we are all individuals and what keeps one person satisfied won't work on the next. But let's not ever give up!
01 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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Lovingmomma - Wish I were more like you. I agree that all this micro management of food consumption could drive someone off the deep end - LOL.
01 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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Well I count points..that's almost like counting cals...but I haven't lately but will start again as of today...:O) Your right about the way food are digested...Way to go Buffy...:O)
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Bren - I think it is very much the same. You are counting something and it helps guide you toward your goal. Different strokes for different folks!
01 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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What a great, insightful journal… it certainly has me thinking! As you know, I've been trying to eat more mindfully. While mindful eating does not encourage calorie counting, it accepts that for some having a meal plan &/or counting calories allows them to more easily eat with intention & attention. I'm in that category, at least for now for the most part. And, for me to, it helps me to be more mindful in the long run. xoxox
01 Mar 14 by member: Ruhu
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Ruth - Counting calories is just a poor substitute for the balance you are trying to achieve. To be truthful, at least for me, it is the lazy way out.
01 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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So true, Buffy! Ugh... I do wish it were simpler, but at the same time, I'm so glad I've found this method. At least it is something that gives you something tangible to grasp onto. At least for me, without this method, you never quite knew what you were doing wrong. Now, I sometimes still feel like that (that's what's so absolutely infuriating about our situation), but at least most times, I feel the control -- the power!! -- is in my own hands. WTG, Buffy! Great journal entry!
02 Mar 14 by member: Rob.c.weiss
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Okay, everyone can gang up on me now (bracing myself). I tried just "eating well" and I spent 3 months not losing weight. Then I tried logging food and counting calories and in 6 months, I lost 51 pounds. I'm going to say that calories works FOR ME. And I believe that's the key - it's what works for each of us that matters. One thing that I believe works univerally for all of us and that is the support and friendship we get from each other both on good days and so-so days. :D Thanks for this post, BB.
02 Mar 14 by member: mrsmole
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it is undeniable that calorie deficits lead to weight loss, it's but one of the tools in our toolkit, if it works for the job then why not be happy you have it?
02 Mar 14 by member: LotusLandJoe
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Rob - I just caught this. Glad to have a companion in the "controlling our lives by numbers" psych ward.
03 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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mrsmole - I lost my first 30 pounds by just eating low glycemic foods. Then, for now apparent reason, the weight loss JUST STOPPED! I tried counting carbs (with limited success). So now, out of desperation, I've moved on to counting calories. The irony is that I have to resort to something I don't believe it. Kind of like changing your religion because there is a knife at your throat.
03 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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LotusLandJoe - I am very happy to have this tool. I just think there must be a better tool out there.
03 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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I agree; counting calories works and also works better with lots of water and exercise!
03 Mar 14 by member: springskinny
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I think counting calories keeps things in order for me and gives me a sense of control too.
03 Mar 14 by member: springskinny
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I agree; some calories like to make their presence known more than others, but unless we've got the brain of R2D2, then counting calories makes sense of a senseless world. By counting calories, we might short ourselves a bit on what we could have eaten, but we'll get over it.
03 Mar 14 by member: DairyKing
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I don't even know what to say here because the only thing I really know about calories is that it is a measurement of fuel or energy of food, that's it.
03 Mar 14 by member: LadyBea40
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I'm with you, Buffy. I think it was important when beginning low-carb to forget about the calories and focus on nutrition....whole, fresh, unprocessed foods. That said.....I absolutely believe that calories DO count on some level. Some folks (the lucky ones) can get by on low carb and never worry about calories. Others.....we know who we are...find that low carb only gets us so far and that to continue on, we've got to pay attention to calories - to some degree. I do believe that a person would gain weight eating 4000 calories of chicken, even though the net carbs would be zero! Hang in there....eventually we'll find just the right combination!
04 Mar 14 by member: Sandy701
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DairyKing - You are too funny! But I couldn't agree with you more. And yes, we will get over it LOL!
04 Mar 14 by member: BuffyBear
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