So remember my little weight loss plan? The one that included eating less carbs and less sugar but not really doing much else differently? Aside from the food and drunkfest that was our weekend in Asheville, I really did feel like I was following it. I wasn’t snacking much at all. I stopped eating two slices of bread every single morning. I stopped buying ice cream. And then I stepped on the scale. And the number was higher than the last time I checked which was probably 2-3 months ago or so. So obviously my little weight loss plan wasn’t working.
There have been many times in the past when I’ve tried to count calories. Usually, what happens is that I count through the day and am up to about 1000 by the time I get home from work. I aim for roughly 1500-1600 a day for weight loss so that leaves a decent chunk for dinner. But instead of figuring out a meal that fits into the remaining calories, I would just eat whatever and tally it up when I was done. Because I’m such a snacker, I’d usually end up eating more than I was “supposed” to, going over my allotted daily calorie amount.
But, and here’s the “duh” moment, until recently, I never really thought about viewing it like a bank account. If I find myself eating more than 600 calories in the evening on a regular basis, I should subtract those extra calories from another meal where I don’t “need” it as much.
I also decided to pour some water into a wine glass to see what a proper 5 oz pour of wine looks like. Unlike a beer where you know exactly how much you’re getting, a glass of wine can really differ depending on how heavy the bartender’s hand is. I think I saw in a magazine that it’s a good idea to measure so you can see for yourself and I thought that was smart. Here’s 5 oz in both a red and white wine glass.
Honestly, I was expecting 5 oz to look tiny compared to what I usually get in a restaurant, but it seemed pretty comparable. Why are red and white wine glasses different sizes anyway?
I’m really hoping this works for me. I know that I don’t need to lose a lot of weight and if I never do, ultimately I’m still healthy and that’s what really matters. I think I can do it though. It just requires more planning than I’m used to, but I think it can be done. And that cookie, the one that you guys all couldn’t believe I only ate half, here’s a picture that better illustrates how big it was.
Monster cookie!! I remember the first time I portioned out 2 tbsp of peanut butter to really get an idea of what a serving was…. not as much as would have hoped!
PB and cereal are really the two things that I measure on a regular basis because my idea of their portions are so much bigger than I think they are.
Okay, what I just typed makes absolutely no sense. I think it’s bedtime for me. You know what I mean though!
“I know that I don’t need to lose a lot of weight and if I never do, ultimately I’m still healthy and that’s what really matters. I think I can do it though. It just requires more planning than I’m used to, but I think it can be done.”
Girrlll….I know. I wish we lived closer because I think we are at the exact same place (broken record much) and I could use a diet buddy who gets it. I told myself I was going to count calories again and I did a great job for two days. And now I’m in “holiday” mode which ain’t helping. Sigh.
I think I wasn’t viewing it right. Instead of thinking that I was going out to dinner that night and should eat a smaller lunch to equal everything out, I would just think, “Oh, there goes that day.” and subsequently be mad at myself. I wouldn’t view one bigger meal/treat as the whole day being wasted, but it didn’t really occur to me to compensate (before or after) the bigger meal/treat.
I think counting for a bit to see whats breaking the bank can be helpful. You just have to be careful that it doesnt become consuming! That is a giant cookie
Red wine glasses are bigger because red wine has a different bouquet on it, and it needs to “breathe” differently than white wine for improved taste.
And, restaurants will always pour you a pretty exact amount of alcohol because that is the one part of their business they measure VERY carefully: It’s where they make the most money! I worked in restaurants for years when I was in my early and mid 20s, both as a server and as a bartender, and we were taught how to be EXACT with our pours — every ounce costs $!
Aha. I always gave people wine in the correct glass because they were just supposed to go in those glasses, but never knew why. Plus, I don’t like red wine.
I am so glad that you are trying this approach! I think it will honestly help retrain you in certain areas where your habits may be messing up your ‘bank’ a bit (I too would be a snacker as I made dinner, and those little bites and snacks add up!). The planning ahead or eating less at certain meals to have more for meals where you feel you need the boost in calories is a good idea. I also did the wine glass test and was pleasantly surprised that the 5 oz was about what I was pouring anyway. *whew*
“I know that I don’t need to lose a lot of weight and if I never do, ultimately I’m still healthy and that’s what really matters. ”
YES! Keep this in your mind and you won’t get discouraged. Health>weight. Keep your happiness in mind as well and just make sure your quality of life is up to par as always, too
I’ve been counting calories, but I’m not very good at it. I like to know how far over I went, but I very rarely stay in the limit it sets for me (1200 because I’m short and need to lose weight). It does motivate me to make better decisions when I can and work our regularly though.
Good luck!
I used this calculator to figure out that number. It said 1700. I’m tall though.
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm
You hit the nail on the head – the counting calories thing can work if you make sure you use it to your advantage. In other words – if you know you’re a snacker at night, rather than fight it, save 150 cals or so at the end of your day for a treat. If you find that you like more calories saved up for dinner, eat lighter at lunch or lighten up your afternoon snack. You can totally make it what it needs to be – a plan that’s unique to you and only you. That’s what I’ve learned by counting calories – it’s about learning to eat for what your body needs, and not ignoring it when it wants to eat at a certain time or whatever. You can do it!!
I should just keep this text copied so I can continually re-paste it on your blog “I am you and you are me!!”
Literally, what you described with your calorie intake/eating habits/frustration with doing everything “right” and not losing weight (and freakin’ gaining!) Don’t you just feel sometimes like anyone else that did exactly what you do would lose weight?
I am also guilty of eating (SNACKING) too much at night- but it’s hard not to. I’m at work all day, and the only time I get to take time to prepare and enjoy meals is at home. Plus, the hubby snacks all night long and doesn’t gain a pound.
I really think that just doing the intuitive eating thing is the way to go, and to be aware of why and when you’re eating and have the discipline to just eat when you’re hungry and not for other reasons (way easier said than done). It seems like you eat and crave foods that are good for you anyway- you’re not filling your body with crap, so just cutting back should do the trick.
Okay, I’ll stop now.
I think we are the same person. Except I don’t really like oatmeal that much!
I do struggle with eating too much healthy food. Still adds up, you know?
love for the statement about how you SWEAR anyone else would lose. i’m a “good during the week” type and sometimes the scale goes UP from mon to fri and it PISSES me off!!
I swear I’ve been counting calories on and off since high school. But for the most part I’ve been the same weight since high school (give of take 5-10 pounds). I’m about 3-5 pounds above my ideal weight now and trying to limit the night time snacking! And those glasses of wine…I swear I pour more like 8 ounces in mine
pffft…i’d still polish off two of the cookies!!
That’s a really good idea to visualize a glass of wine! Of course, glasses can differ from restaurant to restaurant, but having a general idea is so much better than not knowing at all.
I think reminding myself of actual portion sizes is interesting. And good to know about wine portions in restaurants being pretty close!
Do you think there’s a chance you’re eating too few calories for your activity level and stalling your progress? Just a thought (and genuinely a question, since I don’t know what your daily intake looks like – not an accusation or anything!)?
I wish that was the problem. I eat a lot!
I know many people are turned off by calorie counting but it worked wonders for me. I used it for about 4 or 5 months religiously and then once I grew to understand portion sizes, I weaned myself off. I still keep a 1/4 measuring cup and a tablespoon out on the counter for easy access and use it every day for stuff like cereal or pb that is easily over estimated. What Errign said above is interesting though b/c I’ve heard about that eating too little for your activity level and then your body basically refuses to lose more weight even if you’re calorie counting b/c it goes into “starvation” mode. I think that may have happened to me too b/c I hit a plateau half way through and when I only had 10 pounds left to lose, I had severely increased my exercise and was only eating 1200-1300 calories a day. Until I upped that amount I didn’t start seeing results again. Just a thought…
Good luck and I love your attitude about being healthy no matter what the outcome.
Counting calories is so tough! You’ve probably already thought about this, but keeping a food journal is a great way to keep yourself accountable. I do that and it always makes me realize when I’m brainlessly eating 12 cookies over the course of a day (yes, it happens…) or having far too many adult beverages over the weekend. You can see the correlation with your weight (I track that too) and it is really quite interesting.
I just realized a food journal is essentially the lazy man’s calorie counter…
Haha!
Most people think I’m a freak for counting calories, but my weight has been steady since I started counting years ago. I will tell you that since I changed my nutrients recently, I have seen a difference in my physique. Since I started studying for my nutrition certification I have made some significant changes to my diet and I now have crazy amounts of energy!
I was just about to ask how you figure out how many calories to eat in a day but then I saw the link you posted above- interesting! I rarely drink, but when I do I get the super sugary blended drinks that probably have an ungodly amount of calories.
I have GOT to start counting again – I. mean. really!
Love the wine glass pics – it is definitely restaurant standard but not normal for everyone standard, right?! I feel like peeps really overpour!
I definitely pour myself bigger glasses than that!