how to count calories

[bonniekins]

I’m just starting to get the hang of counting calories. I’m not entirely on a calorie based diet, but I do use them as a form of guideline as to how much I should be eating.

I am struggling with one concept. I know that every food that I add to my daily food diary is somewhat of a guessed calorie count. I mean, no two apples are exactly the same size, I might be just slightly off in the amount of an ingredient that I add to a stir fry, etc.

So if I’m slightly off being accurate for every food, will that make my final total very inaccurate? How much would a difference of 50 calories or so make in a day?

[Jake_Jona2]

You don't have to be entirely accurate about it but accurate enough to give you an idea of what you're putting in your body. That's the whole point of it.

[Ron]

You don't have to be entirely accurate about it but accurate enough to give you an idea of what you're putting in your body. That's the whole point of it.

I agree. If you're off by a handful, it's not going to make the slightest difference. Just make sure that you're eating the right foods and avoid junk. That's what matters.

[jenny25]

I agree. If you're off by a handful, it's not going to make the slightest difference. Just make sure that you're eating the right foods and avoid junk. That's what matters.

Exactly. Aim for the mark, but don't obsess over a few more or less. Do what you know is right for your diet.

[sarah]

If you have a smartphone or a tablet, you might consider looking into an app. There are tons of them out there that help to count calories. They aren't accurate right down to the 1 or two because there are size variances in food, but those final handful of calories don't make any difference.

You'll know when you're on the right track or when you're cheating yourself. Use the right tools but listen to your instincts, too.

[Tiff]

If you have a smartphone or a tablet, you might consider looking into an app.

That's a good idea! Thanks

[bigbobby]

Apps are good, but try paying attention to what it actually is showing you because otherwise you'll have to rely on it completely and you'll never be able to do it in your head. If you can't do it in your head, you'll give up because of the inconvenience after a while.