So, I'm curious what other people's experience with this has been... So, I easily lost about 40 lbs with Atkins, and then plateaued about 10-15 pounds from my goal. I kind of lost focus and gained back 10 pounds. This time, though, I decided to count calories while following low carb.

I know that DANDR doesn't really talk about calorie counting (just portion control and only eating until you're full). However, it's been really helpful to me since I think I've never been able just to "eyeball" what a healthy portion is. Does anyone else here count calories? Did anyone else find that eating less became really important as they got closer to goal?

i've heard a number of people say they have to watch calories when they get very close to goal. i think it's an individual thing. i do know the last 10 or so tend to be the most challenging for most people as well.

i also think tracking /measuring instead of eyeballing food may be necessary for some, especially when you're down to the last mile. little things begin to make more of a difference when there is not much left to go, from what i've seen.

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I know I have to watch my calories if I want to get close to my ideal weight. I don't really count them but if my portions are too big, I won't lose.

People have differnt 'goals' and I think it depends on how close to your ideal weight your goal weight is. I think if you are happy being 20 lbs overweight then calories might not be an issue, but the closer you get to your ideal weight, the more calories (and exercise) matter.

I'm about 20 lbs over what I want to be and I'm noticing that portion control as much as carb intake must be paid attention to.

Congrats on your 40 lbs lost!!!

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"Failure is not an option" ~ me


01-03-09 213/213/180
01-11-09 213/205/180
01-18-09 213/204/180
01-25-09 213/201/180
02-07-09 213/200/180
02-15-09 213/198/180
03-01-09 213/197/180
03-08-09 213/195/180
03-22-09 213/194/180
03-29-09 213/193/180
04-06-09 213/194/180
04-13-09 213/193/180
04-20=09 213/192/180

Some people look to calories, and some do not. I've never counted calories, but I seem to have a pretty good satiety feedback mechanism. I think that if I didn't have that, I might have had to use some external measure.

I do journal and occasionally weigh things as "eyeball retraining."

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Too much work!

I have gotten to the point that I don't even count the carbs. Maybe as I move thru Owl and past I might ( have to??), but I have read here and there about calories and I think Doc Atkins......is turning over his grave.

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I just keep rowing toward shore....

PQ, if you are not counting the carbs how are you losing? You seem to be losing pretty quickly. Do you eat low carb foods and just don't keep track?

katlupe