What's the point of counting calories if I always go over?

[Anonymous]

Don't count calories. Follow The Smarter Science of Slim podcasts and understand the science behind the hormonal regulation of fat storage, energy burn, and "weak" willpower. If you eat good vegetables, good protein, enough fat, and lots of water all day, you will eventually lose your regular desire for foods with sugar and grains.

[Anonymous]

If you cut out the sugar, you will stop craving it. I PROMISE!

Also, you said you have small meals during the day and then a big dinner. Try to eat more of your calories earlier in the day and you won't feel as starved at dinner.

[Anonymous]

Counting calories works but as you know you have to stick to the daily goal. What I did was intermittent fasting. Basically I save most of my cals for dinner and when I do eat during the day it's high protein low carb. Carbs will just make me hungrier an hour later. So keep your sugars, grains and starches low. I'm not a breakfast person and don't have any health issues so this works for me. All that stuff about breakfast and eating often jump starting your metabolism is hogwash.

[Anonymous]

to avoid snacking during TV time get a hobby with your hands - ie knitting, painting your nails, even surfing the web or playing on the ipad. Things you can while watching tv, but can't do while eating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use the Lose It app to count calories. I have a reasonable daily goals (1800 cals) and understand what kinds of foods to eat to properly fuel myself, meet my macros, and still fall below my calorie limit.

I always do great until dinner time. I eat light during the day because I need that big meal at the end of the day to feel sated (and I usually eat dinner after an intense workout). But then I might want seconds. Or dessert. Or a snack during Breaking Bad...

I just lose control by the end of the day. I'm tired, I'm bored, the kitchen is right there...

How do you stay on track?

I feel you! I can do perfectly at breakfast and lunch, but then I get home, open a bottle of wine, and the night goes downhill from there. I think planning dinner meals in advance helps so you know what you're getting into and have something specific to look forward to. Also, not keeping snack-y junk around the house. I like air-popped popcorn or apple slices for a TV snack - healthy but still gives me the volume.

[Anonymous]

If you know your breaking point times, try to have healthy snacks at the ready. Are you hungry or just bored?

With the former, it's better to go over your calorie count by by having roasted, unsalted nuts or carrot sticks with humus vs. inhaling a pint of Ben & Jerrys.

With the later, PP is right try to find yourself a way to keep your hands busy. Maybe even brew a flavored tea.