How do you know how many calories a day you eat? Will the dietician have me record eveything? Is this how you know? And do you have to keep track forever?

you dont have to keep track forever ... it eventually 'clicks' in your head and you know what to eat, etc... it took me forever to finally let go of my program and im seriously having withdrawl not having it - even if i havent used it in over a month.

there are several free websites out there:

fitday.com

sparkpeople.com

mydailyplate.com

i used one that was 9$ a month

myfooddiary.com LOVED it.

good luck

Journaling is such an important part of your life. Not only to track your calories but also to be sure that you are getting the adequate grams of protein. It is my habit to decide what I am going to eat the day before and journal it even before I eat it. That way I don't come home after the gym starving and start grazing in the kitchen. I know exactly what I am going to eat and know what I am eating is the right calories and enough protein. Some people might find this too rigid but for me to be successful this is what I need to do. Good luck.