I think that FitDay does something different because of basal metabolic rate. For a person of my size walking 20 minutes at a 3 mph pace burns about 260 calories. On the other hand Fitday lists me at like 116

Oh, if that's the case for one mile cannon, then it would be 520 calories for two miles, which is closer to what my pedometer says.

I certainly hope that walking 2 miles tonight helps but the Jack In The Box sitting in my stomach!!

Hi M2M! This message board is great, isn't it? Everyone I've seen has seemed really supportive, and I love reading other people's diaries when I get a chance. It's comforting to know that other people are dealing with the same things, and also inspiring to see someone succeed in his or her goals.

I've always found counting calories to be frustrating (it's okay if it's packaged food that has the calorie content listed right on the side, but if it's not, it leaves me scratching my head and going "HUH?" :P) Thanks for mentioning fitday and foodfacts - I'll have to check them out. Maybe it'll make things a bit easier!

Good luck to you!

Hi WorkInProgress

I really, really, really thought I would never count calories for a multiple of reasons. I didn't want to 'focus' too much on food, I just wanted to eat less and enjoy what I ate and of course, there was that dreaded "HUH?" of which you speak

I've only been actually counting for a few days, and I'm really happy I started. Like you, it was easy with the prepackage things, but harder, when I whipped up some dinner. Not only did I not know calories, I had no idea quantity when I scooped a wooden spoonful of prepackaged rice on to my plate. It was way more work then I wanted to put into it!

What I really like about counting calories now, is that I know at my weight, I can eat 2760 calories and not gain weight. I know that if I want to lose 3 pounds a week, I need to eat around 1260 calories. Knowing that, I can decide what I want to eat, not feel deprived and stop (hopefully) somewhere around 1200 calories. Pretty easy.

For me, I generally have to have something in my mouth at least every two hours - and I didn't do that today, the last thing I ate was the Pria Bar around 12:30 - No wonder by 5:30, I agreed with my husband to fast food

That is great M2M. Like you say, if you weren't counting calories and had been good all day then had fast food, you would have probably thought you had spoiled your diet and been down on yourself. But by counting calories you were able to realise that you have actually been very good, and even if you ate that every day you would still lose 2 lbs a week!!

I tend to do portion sizes combined with healthy choices, where I have a list of what a portion is and I have 7 carb, 7 fruit and veg, 2-3 protein, 2-3 dairy, 2 fat and 2 'occasional' foods a day. But if I have something that I don't know where it would fit in, like a sandwich filler with lots of mayo, or something from a take away, I switch to calorie counting to check on what I have had that day. It saves that whole, I can't quantify it so I might aswell munch whatever!, feeling.

Good going and keep up the good work

Thanks Mrs. B It sounds like your portions idea is a really good way to make sure you're getting all you need! And you're right, if I hadn't been counting calories, I would have felt like I "blew" the diet - this way, I just incorporated the calories into the daily total and walked 2 miles to burn it off.

I feel much more in control!

I don't count calories mainly because of my ED past - it is too easy for me to become obsessive about it! At the same time, I've done so much calorie counting in my life that I can usually estimate what I'm consuming so that I don't go way off track.

You are doing so well. The weight you've lost already is such an accomplishment, and it's only the beginning! You can do this!!!!

SillyGirl, thanks for the words of encouragment! When you have so much to lose, it really is easy to get discouraged - but every time I get to move that ticker down towards my goal, I am reminded that I CAN DO THIS!!

It took me 16 YEARS to go from 185 to 257 pounds - that's only 4.5 pounds a *year* and I took off 3 pounds last week. That's almost a year's worth of weight gain, lost, in a week!

I have never in my life felt more empowered to say enough is enough, I want to be healthy.

Several years ago, I applied for health insurance, and my application came back rejected because I was too over weight - in truth, it wasn't rejected, it was just a HUGE amount of more money because I was over weight. I decided not to pay it and have been without health care coverage because of it.

That is SO stupid! I know it is! I haven't been to a doctor since I was pregnant with my daughter in '96. Ten years I've been playing russian roulette.

My luck can't hold out much longer!

When I was 257 pounds, thinking I would be 230 pounds seemed almost unattainable - but now I know different. I have a party at my house on 23 August - realistically, I can be down to 210 by then - that would be 20 pounds in 8 weeks - and a total weight loss of 47 pounds! That's less then I've already lost, so I *KNOW* I can do it!



As for my daily intake so far:
Breakfast
60 calories Dannon Light 'n Fit
170 calories - Pria Bar

Lunch
156 calories - Grilled cheese sandwhich (1 slice 100% whole wheat bread, 1 slice 2% lowfat american cheese, 1 tsp Smart Balance Light Spread)
154 calories - Orange, mandarin, canned or frozen, in light syrup, drained

Totals 540

That is such a good way to look at it, and it is so true.

He doesn't want me changing ... he says he loves me just like I am. And that's really sweet, but he just doesn't seem to realise how much it matters to me and how I feel about my body. If he's not willing to motivate me, I'd like him to at least support me in this...

The judged feeling is a motivating factor for me. I'm good even when I eat out because of it. If I choose to "cheat", then it's my perogotive. But it does feel worse, I know what you mean.

You're doing so good on your food! Keep it up!

Howdy! Hey, did you notice Sillygirl is running off and leaving us. We were all 230 and now she's dropped another 2 pounds! We better stay on track!

Speaking of on track, I would like to formally accept your 20 pound challenge. (Yes, I know you weren't talking to me, but if we are buddies, I've gotta keep up! ) I was already looking hopefully at reaching that weight by Labor Day weekend, so that's not so far off. 2 1/2 pounds a week, right? We can do it! 210 by August 23!!!! You stay on me if I fall behind, okay???

OMG Girl, you're going to keep me moving aren't you!

You are ON!

210 by 23 August!

As for sillygirl, no I couldn't tell she left us in the dust because her numbers over lap on my screen, I know she lost 2 pounds, but can't read her starting weight - GO SILLYGIRL!! Twin & I are ON your tail!!

Your funny, M2M. I tell my partner as soon as I get off the scales. There is no chance of him not knowing I lost 50lbs, but wouldn’t it be something if that really happened? Your doing great. I'm with you and the Avocado....I will not give up my Avocado!!!

My Food Tally For The Day

Breakfast
60 calories Dannon Light 'n Fit
170 calories - Pria Bar

Lunch
156 calories - Grilled cheese sandwhich (1 slice 100% whole wheat bread, 1 slice 2% lowfat american cheese, 1 tsp Smart Balance Light Spread)
154 calories - Orange, mandarin, canned or frozen, in light syrup, drained

100 calories - Ritz Snack Pack

Dinner
190 Calories - Packaged Pasta Mix
170 Calories - Pot Roast
35 Calories - Steamed Mixed Vegies

Totals 1035

Water 48oz (I'm working on my last 24)
And...urgh...one diet dr. pepper (I was grocery shopping, wanted something to drink and didn't want to spare the 250 calories for the leaded version)

I played Hard Core Pool Play for 1 hour - tossing 80lb kids around, sharks & minnows, keep away, & a few laps - I have no idea how many calories burned.

I walked 2 miles in 35 minutes for 443 calories burned (according to my pedometer)

Pineola, mine still hasn't noticed...today he said something about all I fix is rabbit food (I kindly reminded him of his 3030 calorie coronary special last night) and today, I asked my daughter if the bathing suit I was wearing looked alright, she said "yeah mom, it doesn't make you look fat or anything - you know, it even makes you look skinny."

So that's the extent of my family's awareness

And no, I can't give up avocados - and did you know ONE avocado supposedly has 5 servings??? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!