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

I stopped counting calories, is that bad?



Recommended Posts

One thing's certainly true ... tools like My Fitness Pal and Fitbit make it a helluva lot easier to track your food and exercise than it used to be "back in the day" when we all just hand-wrote this stuff in little Weight Watchers diaries.

Technology has many benefits for humans, and for my money these tools (some of them free) are wonderfully beneficial.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I track calories in and out daily. I find I like the added accountability and I like seeing the numbers in front of me. I had to track during my six-month monitoring, and I see no reason to change now. It's a good habit to get into, IMO, but YMMV. Do what's right for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I use MFP to track my food. I'm not far enough out from surgery to intuitively know if I've had enough Protein. I don't pay attention to the calories -- just aiming for that 60 grams of Protein and watching to keep the carbs low. If I get 60 grams of protein, I can't eat much of anything else. Lately, I added Fiber in to watch because I've been having issues in that area. If I don't get about 20 from food, I take Fiber supplements (which is every day - ugh).

I also wear a Fitbit everywhere. I'm a data geek and love to see the numbers. But, I don't take any of the Fitbit or MFP calories seriously for calories burned in exercise. They are all over the place. I certainly don't eat back my calories.

So, for me -- keeping track of all the data makes me happy -- I can see charts and graphs and trends.. fun stuff! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I recently had an injury that slowed down my physical activity. To keep myself balanced I went back to counting to maintain control. When I have my regular activity I don't count calories but I do track what I eat to make sure that I am getting my Protein in.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At this point, if you're getting your Protein in, the calories aren't really a big deal. You're not getting so many in that you need to worry about it. If your loss speeds up significantly or stops, then you might track for a day or two to see what's going on, but as far as counting calories themselves, it's not really necessary.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I read this thread today for the first time (tough to keep up sometimes). Like just about everything else with medicine in general and bariatric surgery specifically, everyone is different. So with absolutely no judgment of what works for others, this is what works for me.

I've been logging in MFP since the day of my surgery and right up to what will be three years in October. It's no secret that I'm passionate about logging. I could write a book on the benefits - for me. Of all of the many advantages that logging offers me, one stands out above all the rest - control. Since reaching my maintenance weight of 155 lbs (just under fourteen months after my surgery), my weight has never been below 151 or above 156 (which is my personal "weight window"). Once I reached my maintenance weight, I started weighing pretty much every day and I continue to do so to this day. My weight this morning was 152.8.

I manage my weight with absolute confidence. Logging gives me the real-time feedback that enables that weight management and the confidence that results from knowing I am in control. Like many others, I monitor Protein, carbs, sugar and fiber (ugh). But the metric that corresponds most directly to changes in my weight, up or down - is calories.

My daily goal is 1600 calories. Do I hit that goal every day? Absolutely not. Do I stress about not hitting my goal every day? Absolutely not. The key for me is treating that goal as an average. Hitting any calorie goal every single day of your life is unrealistic, unsustainable and most importantly - unnecessary. Monitoring my weekly average calorie intake is priceless. If I have an 1800 calorie day, I simply make a mental note to reduce my calories by 100 to 200 calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. If I have a 1400 calorie day, mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. I've done both many times. It works like a charm.

I use the same principle in response to changes in my weight. If my weight is at or near the upper 156 limit of my window, I make a mental note to reduce my calories for a day or two and it comes right back down. If my weight is at or near the lower 151 limit (it does happen), mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and it comes right back up.

There are many awe inspiring success stories in the weight loss journey. We're all different and we all find the strategy that works best for our individual lifestyles and preferences. The "best" one is the one that works best - for you.

You guys have a terrific day!

Edited by DLCoggin

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I counted my Protein for the first 4 weeks after surgery. After that I stopped and have not looked back. I learned how to listen to my body. When I feel like I need to eat I do so. Do I ever over eat? Yep. That being said this is what has worked for ME. I have been able to maintain the same weight now for over 2 months and I am happy where I am at. If i lose a few more no biggie. As long as I do not gain I am good.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So good to hear from all points of view. We all need different things and different tools. I am logging now and it helps me stay accountable and aware. The electronic tools help make it easy. I look at trends too. For example today i realized I'm eating more carbs than I thought.

Edited by JustWatchMe

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just a hint: I get bashed for saying this exact thing. I got wls cuz I was tired of dieting. I don't count anything. My labs r good and I only have a few lbs to goal. I plan on continuing with my way forever.

While the loss was much slower than those who got to goal within 6 mths (I'm a yr out), I'm happy with the way things are going.

Not many people here believe this theory. Prepare to get some comments...

Congrats on ur refusal to continue dieting. If I wanted to count everything, I coulda done that wihtout removing 85% of my stomach...

Heck no! Isn't that one of the benefits of having the surgery--- getting away from all that dieting shhhtuff! My NUT said, if you count anything, count Protein grams to make sure you're getting enough. I imagine, after you do that for a few months, you'd have it down & wouldn't even have to do that.

Congratulations on your continuing progress. It sounds like you're working hard.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From all my years of dieting, I'm a pretty good walking, talking calorie counter. I don't need to weigh or measure "it", to know what I'm taking in. I know good and well when I've got too much on my plate, and what are good and bad choices. I'm with MarFar.....no more of that for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have always resisted logging what I eat. Don't wanna; ain't gonna, was my motto. And guess what? All my "successful" diets eventually failed (Diet Center twice, Weight Watchers 3 times, Nutri System, self-starvation, and a 400-calorie in-patient stay in a hospital on a ketogenic diet.) I lost 100 lbs three times, and they all found their way home - and brought friends. So this time, I got on board with Protein counting. And then I discovering MyFitnessPal and now I'm logging everything that goes in my mouth, plus exercise. For me, not logging gave me permission to make bad choices - and not have any accountability for them. Logging forces me to be honest with myself. And logging in the early stages of this journey is really easy because you don't eat very much variety, so the food you usually eat are remembered by the app. Web-based logging has made all the difference. And since I hope that this is my last weight loss/lifestyle program, I plan to do whatever it takes to succeed. Even if that includes [gasp!] logging.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not on a diet, yippee! Because I was such a restrictor (with inevitable bounce-backs, obviously), it is better for me not to count and measure. I know what's right and if I'm having too much. I don't count Protein grams but love protein -- it is great for me to be more relaxed about food. I'm happy I still really enjoy it -- and all the prep, etc. -- but I use my planning, counting, obsessing energy for exercise instead. Love counting that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In the beginning of my WLS journey, I was diligent about logging everything in MFP. I did it for the first 6-7 months, and then realized that I was eating pretty much the same most of the time. Even though I know what a Tbsp, tsp, ½ cup, etc. looks like, I was starting a brand new journey of a different kind, and wanted to do everything as I was instructed. And in the beginning of this undertaking, tracking my food was a good thing. It served a purpose as I launched this new lifestyle; like training wheels. My struggle with obesity was never about losing track of what I was taking in. I always knew what were good and bad choices; serving sizes, etc. At 59 years old, I've been on strict diets since the age of 7. I go back to my original comment above.....that I'm a walking, talking calorie counter, without the use of tools :rolleyes:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The USA has one of the worst food supply, nutritionally speaking, in the world. It's full of chemicals and junk our bodies don't need. The reason we have one of the highest number of obese people in the world. American Sumatra has the highest. People are literally getting fatter and fatter because their bodies are perpetually hungry for nutrients that the food supply isn't providing.

When I began eating for nutritional value, I felt a lot better with a higher energy level throughout my day. It was like a revelation. I started to really drop the lbs without starving. I eat to satisfaction, Usually, with my smaller plate plate than before organized with 1/3 Protein, 1/4 grain & 2/3 veg. I'm able to listen to my body much better now. I rarely crave sweets.

My tongue still gets in the way of progress. I shake it off and get right back on the horse. I allow myself something once in awhile though now I'm considering nutritional value when choosing a treat. If it has no nutritional value, I don't get it. For instance, I buy only raw sugar. It has nutritional value. White sugar doesn't.

Here's how to ween yourself into this way of eating:

Buy the highest quality food you can afford, like, buy all organic if you can, free range, grass fed and whole grains; NO BioGenectically-Engineered foods, and stay away from highly processed foods.

If you can only afford to buy a couple organic items, choose what you can on this list:

buy meats without antibiotics or hormones.

Buy thin-skinned & root veggies organic.

Swap usual white carbs for sweet potatoes. It's one the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Seaweed is too.

Avoid grains, corn & soybeans that grew from disease resistant seeds. Our bodies don't knowhow to process the bio chemical-mix of toxins and people are getting very sick. Many countries around the world have banned Bio-genetically engineered foods. You can pick a couple/few on this master list to start with & go from there.

I discovered that if I eat for nutritional value rather than calories, I'm not hungry all day. My body finally tells me when it's time to eat. I feel satisfied, not full. I feel sustained throughout the day.

The Protein you eat can be measured like this: if it fits in the palm of your hand without the fingers, it's about as much protein as you need, per serving. It works for men and women if they use their own hands to measure for themselves. Each cheese stick is 1oz (16g). Each egg is about 1.5g. Whole grain carbs have protein in them already- a few grams.

I still have my scale & measuring utensils but the more you get used to cooking everything (& ween off packaged stuff) you can eyeball it to pretty close to true measurements using palm measuring.

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×