Getting started - calorie counting

[wakywoo]

I dread the thought of counting calories. How do you manage to stop it being all consuming and restricting i.e. If you go out?

[SLBaker]

Hi, I think when I go out I will be sensible and eat things I know are not as fattening as some foods on the menu but I will probably have a treat and then be careful the next day or two. Everyone needs a treat otherwise dieting would be even more challenging. Try to avoid things like roasts, bread. A trick I try and it works for me is to have a spoon of something I really want from one of my non-dieting friends and then I feel like I have not missed out because the first taste of anything yummy is always the best. xxxx Good luck, I am sure the thought of being able to fit into something beautiful will help xxxxxx Make sure you have a treat to aim for, that is just for you, a spa day, or a new outfit xxxx

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello wakywoo and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum 😊 I follow a portion counted plan which I find easier but after a while you get to know the calorie content 😊 Have a look at the Daily Diary for details of what other people eat.

Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of the forum. Please note if you are using the new HU App many of these features are not available so I suggest you use the full website version.

The first place to look is at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you ☺

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Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for ☺

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Best wishes

Anna

[wakywoo 1 stone in reply to IndigoBlue61]

thanks anna

[elliebath Maintainer]

Some restaurant chains have the calorie value on their menus ( sometimes online ) which can be helpful to see in advance. But generally when I eat out I just go with what I fancy ( but smaller amounts ) and adjust my eating on the days either side. There are several easy tips for eating out: skip the bread roll, choose chicken or fish where possible, ask for sauces "on the side" so you can control how much you pour on ( I found most places oblige. I often ask for this with Chicken Caesar or Pasta)

And if you fancy dessert try and share one, and ask for small glass of wine not medium/ large ( under Responsible Drinking Licensing Laws, ALL bars must offer a 125ml measure, not just 175 or 250 ml, even if they dont show it on the bar list, just ask for it ) !

But don't beat yourself up if one meal out is a bit excessive. Just enjoy and get back to your healthy eating plan next day.

[Chandelia]

Like anything, it just becomes a habit. I find knowing calories is a way to making better choices. When I go out I think about the menu choices ahead of time - if we're going somewhere that has a website I'll quickly check the info on line - so I can make informed choices. But they are still my choices: I can eat what I really want as long as I own it and count it up. So if I want that pud/margarita I won't have the starter, or I'll share it with someone. And I'll leave the rice/dressing/bread on the side. If it's lunchtime I'll often choose soup or try to make sure we end up somewhere that offers easier options - current favourite is sushi. And if I blow the budget I'll cut down a little the next day. Oh and I have days off - birthday, xmas etc - though to be honest I find myself making healthier choices on those days too - as I said, it just becomes a habit!

[chris1959 Maintainer]

I totally sympathise. I hate the idea of calorie counting! So I don't do it. I decided to cut down on portions, eliminate snacking between meals, drastically cut down alcohol (to only 2-3 glasses a week), up the exercise and then see what happens. It's worked for me. But I do see that many experts (which I am definitely not) consider it essential. Good luck!

[wakywoo 1 stone in reply to chris1959]

It does seem a pain. However, I am sure that soon I will now what my regulars are. I will think of it as having money to spend for the day. I need to plan ahead and make my choices. If I bank some, I can spend more another day. I do like your way of thinking too, but to start with need a few more boundaries.

[Bernieis8]

What you outlined is exactly what I have done some home dishes are limited to once or twice a month now like cheese sauce and verges in oil

Also focus on life enhancers which are NO T consumption related like texting a friend instead of a biscuit