Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Calorie Counting

I'm starting to include calorie/fat/fiber/protein counts with the food because a) I need to do it for my nutrition class; and b) I am trying to lose a few pounds for my friend's wedding next month. I feel pretty comfortable with my eating habits to know how much I need to eat on a regular basis to maintain my weight. I naturally keep a rough estimate in my head due to years of calorie counting. I don't think I will ever be able to completely stop because I know the calorie content for everything! So even if I don't want to count, I automatically do it. But in order for me to lose weight, I have to make sure I create a calorie deficiency. Nothing too extreme, I'm not looking to lose a lot of weight, just 5 pounds or so.

I'm not going to let this become obsessive like in the past. I want to lose weight, but at the same time I am training for a half marathon so I need to make sure I am eating enough to keep my body fueled. I will probably keep my intake at around 1500 calories..but if I truly feel hungry, I will eat more. Also, I tend to round up because I would rather overestimate than underestimate. So bare with me.

5 comments:

Jill said...

Good luck with the calorie counting. I find it funny you have to do it for class, as my teachers have all been anti-counting (as you said it gets obsessive.) I hope it doesn't become a problem for you again, I know too much about calories and most the time I just wish I didn't! It tends to cause guilt if I over-do something, ugh!

Monica said...

Jill- it's not so much about calorie counting as it is fat, protein, fiber, etc. I have to analyze my diet for a final project so that's why she is having us do it.

And I know what you mean about the guilt :(

Becca said...

Its so hard to break the obsessive calorie counting! Even when I try not to think about it, there are running totals in my head! I'm with you both about the guilt as well.

Good luck with your project Monica and your weight loss goal (although I'm sure you don't need to lose any weight :) )

Monica said...

Thanks for the support Becca. I'm sure it will be a challenge!

Anonymous said...

Monica,
I find calorie counting liberating more than anything! Plus it doesn't always have to be a negative thing. Sometimes when I'm tired or feel out of energy, looking back at my calorie intake helps me realize, 'hey, i need 200 more calories' or 'hey, i've eaten enough - maybe i'm having too much sugar?' It just gives me another clue into understanding my body - and I need all the help I can get!