Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

told not to count calories



Recommended Posts

i have been counting calories everyday and found it helps me to keep track but my eating disorder specialist warned me not to. He thinks it will turn me into diet mode and won't work for me but I don't know any other way. The idea of relaxing around food terrifies me completely as I feel I need control around it. I tried this before but it makes me a bit anxious and, in my head, I run through what I ate all the time if I don't write it down. He wants me to lead a normal life, without these dieting rules I set myself but I find it so difficult to relax. I can only eat tiny portions so I have 6 or 8 meals a day and I worry if I stop counting I might eat too much as it may be like grazing, wheras if I write down all 6 meals, I'm confident it's not grazing as it only adds up to 600 and I eat proper food; just half the amount every hour or two.

He told me "I don't want to scare you but don't count calories anymore." I am lost with this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I dont count calories or carbs for the same reason. It triggers the most amazing dysfunctional process around food. Its hard. Sometimes I have to actively fight the urge to "diet". I am a very slow looser too and that doesnt help because I panick that it wont all come off or I want to speed up the process.

Your specialist is right though..... we have to be "normal" around food or we will always have these issues. One of the ways I combat the anxiety is that, although I never count, I am very careful about WHAT I eat. I eat only foods that I know wont put weight on me. For me this is whole foods.... nothing processed. I make all my own Soups using lots of high Protein Beans such as pinto or black Beans. I dont eat potatoes or bread or other starches that break down quickly. My sister calls it "eating close to the earth" If its been alterd by humans I avoid it. You may find a different plan.... there are options out there that dont require counting things.... South beach for instance. I just like eating 100% whole foods and its working, although slowly.

I still have a little anxiety around food and eating as much as I want.... but if I know its wholsome and will nourish me (no empty calories) I feel better about it.

I dont know if this helps... but it does get better.

hang in there

stacey

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would be lost as well. Because not counting calories, carbs, intake in general got me fat, and kept me fat.

I didn't want to be in diet mode forever either, and now that I'm in maintenance I do not track food anymore.

I'm not sure how I would have managed through the losing stage without tracking. Especially if you're already counting in your head, and tracking mentally, it seems that you're going to be obsessive about it even if you aren't technically "logging your calories". I became obsessive about tracking, I input every lick, swipe, swallow, it didn't matter how little, 1oz of fruit juice got logged, and I adjusted my day to accommodate those calories.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have to count calories, carbs, and fats at my losing stage to stay focus. That's me. It's working for me. Once I get to maintence that's a different story. I totally agree with Tiffykins.

Good luck :D

Deb B)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have to count calories, carbs, etc, as well. It has acutally helped me understand how I became so big. Carbs are hidden in foods everywhere. Counting everything keeps me accountable to myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I totally agree with that. I told him I'm only doing this until I reach maintenance mode because I want to be accountable for what I'm eating. Sometimes I track to even make sure I have enough, because left to my own devices I can go through the day with 300 calories and at 2 months out that's not healthy.

Also if I experience a stall, it's good to look back at my calorie intake and be aware of what adjustments I can make. Of course I want a healthy and normal relationship with food but equally I want to maximize weight loss at the stage where losing is easier.

I don't track carbs as I always am careful around them and rarely ever go over 50 and am mostly 30 or under, and my Protein intake is pretty good.

My parents think I'm getting obsessed with the type of food on my 'won't eat' list. I will start eating chips and pizza but not right now...I think I need a bit of time to adjust and get the most from my food as there is so little going in.

I had a piece of brown whole grain toast tonight before bed, which is unusual for me, but I had this horrible emptiness. I was sick earlier with my salmon, even though I ate a tiny portion. So I think my body was craving the bread because it can settle a sick tummy. I think in certain circumstances it is good to listen to what the body needs. I find if I run very low on carbs for a few days, I yearn them so I eat a carb that is healthy and non triggering- if that makes sense?

I would be lost as well. Because not counting calories, carbs, intake in general got me fat, and kept me fat.

I didn't want to be in diet mode forever either, and now that I'm in maintenance I do not track food anymore.

I'm not sure how I would have managed through the losing stage without tracking. Especially if you're already counting in your head, and tracking mentally, it seems that you're going to be obsessive about it even if you aren't technically "logging your calories". I became obsessive about tracking, I input every lick, swipe, swallow, it didn't matter how little, 1oz of fruit juice got logged, and I adjusted my day to accommodate those calories.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I totally agree with that. I told him I'm only doing this until I reach maintenance mode because I want to be accountable for what I'm eating. Sometimes I track to even make sure I have enough, because left to my own devices I can go through the day with 300 calories and at 2 months out that's not healthy.

Also if I experience a stall, it's good to look back at my calorie intake and be aware of what adjustments I can make. Of course I want a healthy and normal relationship with food but equally I want to maximize weight loss at the stage where losing is easier.

I don't track carbs as I always am careful around them and rarely ever go over 50 and am mostly 30 or under, and my Protein intake is pretty good.

My parents think I'm getting obsessed with the type of food on my 'won't eat' list. I will start eating chips and pizza but not right now...I think I need a bit of time to adjust and get the most from my food as there is so little going in.

I had a piece of brown whole grain toast tonight before bed, which is unusual for me, but I had this horrible emptiness. I was sick earlier with my salmon, even though I ate a tiny portion. So I think my body was craving the bread because it can settle a sick tummy. I think in certain circumstances it is good to listen to what the body needs. I find if I run very low on carbs for a few days, I yearn them so I eat a carb that is healthy and non triggering- if that makes sense?

It makes perfect sense. And, I am the same way about not eating. I can go an entire day without food and never feel hungry. I get cranky and moody, but not hungry.

It's taken a lot of work for me to "let go", and really focus on "best food options", and to live a life of moderation.

Best wishes, and when you need support, shoulder to lean on, we're here for ya too ! ! !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told not to count calories either but I did, until about a month ago, and I stopped losing, so I need to start counting again ASAP if I want to reach my target weight :huh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yep, that makes sense too. I think when we have lived with bad habits for years, if we aren't tracking, we can begin to add more in, with little bits here and there. I know if I won't write down calories, I can take sips of this and bites of that, without registering it and underestimating my intake but when its in black and white in front of you, you have no where to hide it!

It makes me feel accountable for my day and I think during the losing stage, it can be very helpful. There are those who can eat and not track and lose weight but I'm not one of those people. With the tiny portions I eat right now, I can't sit down to a full lunch and have to break meals into 6 and sometimes add a Protein shake to take me to 800 calories if I exercised a lot that day. But ask me to remember what I ate yesterday, without writing it out and I will forget.

I was told not to count calories either but I did, until about a month ago, and I stopped losing, so I need to start counting again ASAP if I want to reach my target weight :huh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told not to count calories as well. I use an iPhone app to log my food and It does the calories for me. I more use it to be sure I get enough Protein in. But I have to say, I always seem to eat between 800 and 900 calories a day per average. Journaling is the most imporant thing you can do to keep on track. Studies show it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×