Steve,

I couldn't agree with you more. In my experience, I've encountered more people who frown at the thought of having to count calories, carbs, fat grams, points, etc., especially those who are battling weight loss. They've been there done that and it tends to make them feel like they're on a restrictive diet when they have to constantly keep track of something.

I will say, however, that for some counting calories is actually quite helpful. It almost helps them to relax (which seems counterintuitive) because they don't have to worry so much about eating certain foods or feel guilty for eating when they know that they are still within their calorie allowance. Does that make sense?

For example, in counseling those with anorexia I highly encourage calorie counting. They tend to be experts on calorie content anyway. Since they have a great amount of fear attached to food, they are constantly afraid that they've over-consumed. If they keep track of every calorie, then they can be sure that they are within an appropriate range and they don't have to obsess as much about what they've eaten.

I haven't had much experience in exercise physiology or fitness, so that's an area I could learn a lot in. I hadn't even considered that someone like yourself would want to count calories in an attempt to maximize performance and muscle mass, but that definitely makes sense.

Anyway, I agree that it is very much an individual thing. If you want to count calories, then by all means do it. If you don't, it's not necessary in order to reach a healthy weight.