Calorie counting just doesn't work with me

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Posts: 47
6/7/11 7:07 P

Thanks everyone. I am not breastfeeding that couldn't be the problem. I think I was just trying to restrict myself way too much..my new plan of eating 3 serving sized meals and 2 snacks is working out so far so good..it's alot more satisfying..even if I lose the weight a little slower than if I counted calories I'll be happy because at least this is something I can stick to..but that's just me..I used to be able to tough out the calorie counting but it's way too much stress doing math all day long, especially with a baby.

Posts: 384
6/6/11 10:55 P

PS: if you are breastfeeding, your body needs 500 extra calories, especially if your baby is young and only on the breast. My son is 15 months and eats full meals and drinks homo milk as well as water throughout the day. He nurses about 4 times a day.

Also, babies are up a lot at night. Make sure you get enough rest, it'll make you hungry too if you're exhausted.

Posts: 384
6/6/11 10:53 P

Are you breastfeeding? If yes, you'll likely have hunger pangs. Even if you're not, this soon after giving birth your body takes a while to get back to normal. Don't beat yourself up. Negative self talk won't make you do better.

Also measuring is so important, and you need to do it. No ifs or buts about it. What you might need to do is plan your meals so you know when to eat what. Make sure you have 5 or more so you don't have a stretch of time where you'll get hungry. Plan your meals and prepare your snacks ahead of time so you don't find yourself to hungry to make your snack and go for something else. And example would be to have an apple, an ounce of cheese and a few almonds measured out and ready to put on a plate together.

If you do slip, don't beat yourself up and don't let it ruin your whole day. Just carry on.

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6/6/11 9:51 P

I think the pre-portioned meals/snacks is a good idea, just set up a menu for yourself to follow that is within your calorie range. (Example: if you're trying to eat 1500 calories a day, have three 400 calorie meals and two 150 calorie snacks.)

One other thing - I am not a mom myself, but I have heard that if you are breastfeeding, your body needs extra calories compared with someone who is not, so if you are breastfeeding your daughter, it could be that your body truly needs the extra calories, and that's why you're craving the extra food.

Posts: 47
6/6/11 9:49 P

Have you tried to remove the donuts and etc out of your house. For me, if I have a cake in my house, I will eat it. lol But if it's not there, I won't. Calorie counting AND measuring are important because all meals aren't created equal. 2 people can eat the same 3 meals and 2 snacks a day and 1 gain weight while the other loses. Person A could be eating 6oz of steak while Person B is eating 3 oz. Or having 2 cups of veggies with every meal instead of 1 cup. If you can't count everyday. Try counting 2-3 days a week. Then once you get used to that count more days.

Also, if you have a smart phone sparkpeople has a free app you can download. It's easy to use and convenient.

SparkPoints: (198)
Fitness Minutes: (40)
Posts: 47
6/6/11 7:25 P

For the past 7 weeks everyday I try to eat within my calorie range but I always end up overeating. Like today, I PROMISED myself I would do good no matter what, then I got up from my nap and ate a donut and 2 brownie bites! I had my daughter 13 weeks ago, and ever since then..for some reason it's IMPOSSIBLE to do the calorie counting thing. Then, I feel so bad and depressed because I failed..yet again. A few years ago I counted calories and lost 60 pounds and it wasn't nearly as hard as it is now to do I just can't stick to it. I have noticed that if I eat 3 portioned sized meals and 2 snacks a day (without counting calories) I can stick to that..and it's soooo less stressful, but I haven't tried it long enough to actually see if I'd lose weight or not..do you think I should try that to lose weight? Because obviously counting calories isn't working for me for some reason ..I'm running out of ideas!! help! :(

Edited by: MOMMYAMBER85 at: 6/6/2011 (19:25)