I have been using the calorie counter Noom has — you can plug it in based on the number of units or servings. I was using cups too for things like oatmeal or yogurt amount- or cheese. I will start using the scale… I feel like it will make tracking even more tedious than it already is but may be the only way.

If you're not willing to weigh your food, when you track calories eaten and burned, add 50% more calories to what you've eaten and take off 50% off your calories burned.

For example, if you have a big salad with just balsamic vinegar as dressing, the dressing will still add up assuming it's purchased (90 calories per 2 tbsp serving). I'm assuming you're using more than 2 tbsp of dressing on a big salad.

Either way, 95% of the time, those who watch what they eat will underestimate their calories and overestimate how much they burn. Just watching your portions or assuming fat free or fruits are low calorie isn't going to cut it.

If you're just guesstimating portions for calories you may be eating more than you think. A food scale is the only really accurate way, although it's very tedious

How do you know if you're within your caloric range if you aren't weighing? Also, one month is nothing. Be patient. And use the scale.

Anonymous wrote:Two days with food scale. Remember cup measurements can be wildly off.

OP here. I didn’t realize this… I need to start using the scale. I just don’t think I’m eating too much. Either fat free yogurt with fruit, or rolled oats with fruit, yogurt or eggs and fruit for breakfast. Big salads with only balsamic vinegar as dressing , or Turkey wraps for lunch, and I watch my snacking and dinner portions. So frustrating.

Two days with food scale. Remember cup measurements can be wildly off.

Yeah, you probably just need to eat less. I say "just" but I know it's difficult.

Check your base calorie count using a TDEE calculator — they’ll pop up if you google TDEE. Noom has a very broad range of calories that may not align with what your body needs. For example, I don’t lose weight if I consistently eat at the top of my Noom range.

I started Noom a month ago. Have tracked everything, stayed within weight loss calorie range, eaten healthy, exercised 6 days a week. Yet I’ve actually gained 4 pounds since beginning it!

Starting weight was mid 140s and trying to get down to 125. As part of my exercise I did start doing weights several times a week and I read that in the beginning that could cause some weight gain due to water weight and muscle fibers breaking. But the weights I’m using are between 3-8 right now so that seems unlikely.

I feel so defeated to see the scale going the wrong way. Has this happened to others?