Part of the reason why I love blogging so much is because well, I’m opinionated. I like to talk, and I like to get my word out there. I may not be so great with words when I speak (true story — I trip over words a lot), but if I can process my thoughts and get them typed down or on paper, I’m golden. I think that’s why I’ve always loved to write, loved to lose myself in my thoughts and daydream until someone snapped their fingers in front of my face to bring me back to reality.
Because that’s what blogging is — reality. Well, it’s reality to a point. I tend to lose focus on the fact that with blogging, the blogger only lets you see what he or she wants you to see. There have been so many times I go to type something out, only to realize I hadn’t told you all the whole story, so that one part would seem moot. It wouldn’t hold any value to you unless you got the whole story. I love sharing my life with the people who read my blog. I enjoy wording my stories and life into something that is somewhat interesting (fact: it’s not). I love the relationships I have built and continue building each day.
If you follow me on twitter (which you should - @cleaneatingchel), you probably get more of the full story. The things that happen day in and day out throughout the hours I’m awake. You get the happiness, the frustration, and more or less, the full story of me. Which is why when I received the following question on Formspring last night, I wanted to address is.
“Do you count calories/protein/etc? I keep seeing your protein counts popping up on Twitter…”
I am so glad this question was asked, and I am glad to address it. For the most part, if anyone asked me if I count calories, I would tell them no. There’s a reason for that too -
Me + Numbers = Not Friends at All.
(source)
Which is one reason why I gave up the scale in December (and haven’t looked back since!).
However, there’s a gray area — isn’t there always?
I do count calories — well — kind of. sort of. sometimes.
Last year when I was training for my half marathons, I dropped a lot of weight. There was a variety of factors as to why that happened — the stress of planning a wedding, my undiscovered medical problems — but I think one of the reasons why it happened was I was overestimating my daily caloric intake. Just as much as people eat too many calories, I was unknowingly eating too few calories for my physical activity level. Being a vegetarian as well as gluten free has its downfalls sometimes — especially in the summer. I tend to crave cold foods — fresh fruits and vegetables — which is find, but not when you’re training and running 30 miles a week.
Over the course of the last year or so, I have put on the pounds — for real, I have! About 10-15 pound to be exact (although I don’t know for sure because I haven’t weighed myself in six months) and I really don’t want to lose them. Seems odd right? Someone gaining weight but not wanting to lose it again?
Over the course of the past few months, I’ve been upping my runs in preparation for the 10 mile race at Soldier Field tomorrow. I also have plans to run another two half marathons in the next year. The last thing I wanted to do was have my performance be affected because I wasn’t getting the nutrition I needed to run well.
With that being said, I tend to take a peek at my nutritional breakdown every few days just to make sure I’m on the right track. I firmly believe in eating the calories you burn from workouts, and when you are gearing up to run long distances, eating = fuel, plain and simple. I use a calorie counting sight to make sure I am getting adequate protein, iron, calcium, calories, etc. It has really helped me to make sure I am eating enough for my activity level, and I have never felt better energy wise.
Am I going to be counting calories forever? Probably not. Am I going to do it every day? Heck to the No. Is it helping make my life more manageable right now? Yes it is. Which is all that matters in my opinion.
So for now, I’m going to be a kindasortamaybe calorie counter.
And I’m going to rock my race tomorrow.
Question: Do you/have you ever counted calories? If you don’t, what’s your reason not to?
{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the opposite problem. The more I run, the more I eat… and it doesn’t balance out! It seems strange that someone running over 40 miles a week could gain 25 pounds in less than three months, but that’s what happened to me. I plan to count calories when I start training again to make sure I am getting a lot of healthy fuel and not overeating junk!
This post is so great and I am so happy you shared this. I am JUST LIKE YOU! I simply can not count calories and look at numbers on the scale, but I also need to make sure I am getting ENOUGH because I have been trying to gain weight too. I always want to make sure I am either gaining or maintaing (which I have been as well for the past year).
Having health issues that causes limitations to your diet can be hard when your trying to maintain a solid weight but that is why its important to be aware. Not obsessed, just aware.
I used to be an obsessive calorie counter. I had a little notebook where I would write down EVERYTHING I ate. Through that process, I figured out that I was eating too little, but the weight had started coming off at that point, so the bad behavior was reinforced. Eeek…not such great times for Parita.
Fast forward to today, and I no longer count calories. Sure, I’ll look at the calorie content of most food I eat, but I no long obsess. I figure that as long as I eat enough fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, the chocolate I “sometimes” consume will balance out. So far so good!
woah! So interesting how much weight you lost.
I’ve recently been struggling with the whole calorie counting/obesessing over food.
I work out HARD about 6 days a week. I don’t count calories, but I eat very healthy give or take one nice meal here and there. This time last year, I lost almost 20 lbs from training for a half marathon. I know ive gained weight since then. I seem to be working out just as hard this year as last year but Im not dropping weight like I was… its bummin me out!
You seem to have a good formula. I hope I can figure mine out soon
I used to count calories, but now I don’t. It’s much healthier (physically and mentally) for me to just eat what I feel. I can understand your situation though, where you’re training for something and you have dietary restrictions/preferences that limit the foods you eat…in that case, counting (in my opinion) is good…you’re making sure you’re getting enough fuel! In my case, though, it was obsessive and restrictive…I’m much happier now that I don’t count
I dont count anything. Ppl write to me asking for nutrition stats for my recipes all the time and I seriously am like I have noooo idea. Use online software and plug in the #’s
B/c I have no idea!
I just have never found it useful and if anything, it makes me a little OCD so I dont. When i train tho, heavy, like you are, I have a tendency to have my appetite suppressed so even tho i dont count, i make a concerted effort to eat even if im not super hungry b/c i know i need to.
do what works for you!!
I used to be obsessive over calorie counting but now I know there is no way to tell how exact they are! Now I have to guesstimate because I’m trying to gain weight and I have been running more lately. It’s no where near exact but I just want to make sure I get enough in!
I don’t count calories. I used to and I found that it took up too much time and energy for me. It makes me feel a little obsessive, too. It sounds like you know what works for you, so that’s awesome.
I used to count calories until I hit the proverbial ‘weight’. I’ve recently added more protein and started being much more aware of eating more during the day (I could go all day without eating, it’s so busy!). Good luck on your race!!!!
I like to have a very general idea of how many calories I’m eating–Â so I am probably a kind of calorie counter, too! I don’t play hard and fast to it, and now that I am home, I just eat dinner until I am full (my parents make it). I’d like to think I am more of an intuitive eater than anything else. I used to be more strict about it (as you know) but it just made me crazy! I feel like more of a normal person now, even though I am 10-15 pounds heavier.
Me too! When I told my mom I had to shop for shorts because none of mine fit me, she said.. “man it blows being healthy, doesn’t it?” Well, yes - but not really!
I think it’s a great idea to keep track to make sure you’re getting adequate amounts. For me, I was using calorie counting in an unhealthy way so I had to kick it to the curb! Never been happier!!
and I LOVED your post.
Used to . Don’t any more. Sometimes think about doing it but I got kinda obsessive about it and would NOT like to fall into that trap again. Good luck on your race, girl!!
I belive that you an proceed with caution. For me? If I counted and I wanted that extra snack? Something weird might go on in my brain. I hope you are able to avoid that.
I really applaud this new tilt on your blog. I have been reading for a very long time and I feel in the past months this amazing thing is going on where you are just being more honest and just…it’s magial. So inspiring. I can’t get too mushy because I am too shy….but I always wondered why you’d be able to share suh insightful comments on my blog because (obviously..hahaha) you are perfect! I now know that you an relate to some of the iky stuff that goes along with body image, dieting, eating..etc.
I think it is certainly important that you do the ounting because I, like you, an am over-estimator.
I recall a time with a someone when I disussed a bowl of brocolli. 200 calories? No.
You are amazing too - and I’m glad the lens looks like I’m being more honest and open now. I would never want to put on a mask and make people think I don’t struggle with that kind of stuff!
I use the Lose It iphone app to count calories. I tend to use it more when I am training for a race
I definitely hear you on this one…like all things food-related I think its good to be conscientious. If you eat meat, where does it come from? If you produce, where was it grown? At least that way you can make the decision one way or another.
For me its the same with calories. I definitely don’t feel its necessary to restrict them but its nice to at least be aware of generally how much energy is in what foods so that you can make good informed decisions!
Thanks for writing this post! It’s always interesting to share these types of things. I think its good because it shows that keeping track of nutrition is a good thing, when not taken to an obsessive level. Knowing what we’re feeing our bodies and how much is useful information. I don’t track calories daily, but I usually have a general idea of how many I eat on a regular basis. It helps with my current goals and keeps me fueled properly as well.
And good luck tomorrow!!!
It’s too much of a hassle to count calories! They only time I’ve ever kept them in mind was when I was dieting before prom (the only dress they had in stock was about one dress size too small, ambitious, i know) and I just followed a pre-planned diet that had everything pretty much counted out for me!
As for the scale, I never look at my weight! I feel like as long as I am happy with how I am feeling, I don’t need to weigh myself to know that I’m doing well.
Go YOU for being so confident! You’re awesome Dominique!
Meekly raising hand to claim that quesiton… lol.
But your use of calorie counting seems perfectly healthy and I so admire you for beinga ble to take care of your body in a world that always encourages people to lose MORE weight!
Personally when I count calories I end up getting too obsessed with it but I do try to keep tabs on the general caloric values of things i’m eating.
Good luck tomorrow! You are def gonna rock it
)
<3
n
THANK YOU for asking the question! It brought up such great conversation. There was a time in my life where I could have taken it to the obsession level, but I’m not so perfectly healthy!!
I used to, because I wanted to drop a few pounds, but it became obsessive far too quickly. I would feel extreme guilt for going over my “allowance” and would than end up binging a few days later.
Now, I use the sites like you do, to make sure I am eating enough to keep up with my running. I have to do many checks with myself to make sure I don’t start obsessing again!
okay, i love this post for a few different reasons! first, i kid you not i had the VERY same problem today as i was going along and typing out a post. i hadn’t been able to tell the full backstory so no one would ‘get’ the point i was trying to make. but if i were to then explain it all the post would be epic and no one would want to wade through all that to get to one point. haha. well, you put it into much better words, and i also adore the part where you joke that you are able to turn your life into something so much more interesting. (tho i’m sure you’re far from boring!)
then on to the calorie thing, me and numbers really shouldn’t belong together either. that little OCD part of me that gives me the ability to stay dedicated to my training works against me in other areas. but your point of still needing numbers sometimes is dead on. when we are people that are so active we have to make sure we get enough of the fuel we need to complete that training. i am like you and it’s easy for me to lose weight not meaning to, so i think you doing a little check in with the numbers is completely needed. but it’s a slippery slope, so i think for the people who know numbers can sometimes be a problem, we have to just be careful with it all.
but on to the even bigger issue here…KICK BUTT in your race!! you’ve worked so hard and i’ll be sending all my positive thoughts your way. i’m so happy to have found your blog, your honesty is commendable, i love your way with words, and of course the humor. looking forward to reading more!
Good luck on your race! I think using calorie counting sites can be useful in certain situations like losing weight (as long as people are safe about it) or with running. I always worry about getting enough calories on long run days, so I kinda estimate calories in my head and just eat more bowls of granola!
Good luck in your race tmrw!!! I also like to do a little checkup of my nutrition, which is def a good idea. knowledge = power (to run!!
)
I think there is a time when calorie counting can be a helpful and useful thing and times when it can be dangerous and obsessive.
you my friend seem to have your head on straight and are doing it for ALL the right reasons.
Girl, you ARE going to rock at your race tomorrow! WOOOOOO! Go get ‘em!
I don’t count but I know the nutritional value of everything that passes my lips. Sometimes the craziest calories can sneak in when you aren’t expecting them. Just being aware is what I do. Don’t forget, ROCK THAT RUN tomorrow, Chelsey!!!!
I love your attitude Chelsey! SO good to hear you are counting to make sure you are getting enough! You are such a great role model!
I used to count calories when I first started dieting when I was younger. I was already super thin, lost some weight, and ended up with my ED. Over the years I started the whole no-carb thing, and stopped counting calories. I have swiched diets soo many times (no Im working on NO being on a diet or following stupid rules), but at least I havent gone back to counting calories, and I dont want to start either!
How ever, I find starting the blog helps me. I always worry I eat to much (although I dont count, I worry way to much on this!). But taking photos of my meals (I have only done this for WIAWs, and its been a huge eye-opener), has made me see that Im actually eating WAY too little. I run a lot, and should be fueling my poor body.
Now, Im not skinny anymore, I think I look normal. But I think my body stresses over my low calorie-intake and holds on to the pounds. I feel cranky a lot, dizzy from time to time, and sleep so little. I think all of this has to do with my poor diet. I eat healthy, but too little! Working on it, but it is a long way!
Thanks to you, and other good role model bloggers, I keep working on it! Thanks for sharing you healthy attitude Chelsey! Love you!
GREAT post!! I think it’s great that you’re counting enough to make sure you’re getting what you need! And I know what you mean about the weight gain! I don’t weigh myself either but I know I’ve put on a few since last year when I needed to and I really LIKE it!
You ARE gonna rock that race Chels!! I’ll add to my shout-out list
I used to count obsessively, and it was a really hard habit to break. I have to say that once you do that every single day for three years, I think you always are calorie-conscious, just because you know the count of everything you’re eating. That’s part of the reason I really love eating out- it’s easier for me to enjoy the food when I honestly have no clue what the calorie content is. That being said, I think counting can be really valuable to people both trying to lose and gain weight for health reasons. Numbers don’t lie, so if that’s how someone’s brain works and they won’t get obsessed with it, then I say go for it!
I am with Gabriela.. i used to count like a mad woman but now i dont.. altho i know the rough cal count in foods.. i mean all that memorization doesnt just LEAVE the brain! so i do know that i am getting enuf for my body becuz i know the amount I need.. so i defs dnt tally it up everyday but if i did a rough estimate i would be in my range! ithink its a good idea tho esp since u wna make sure ur getting enuf!
I have counted calories for years. It’s not something that I enjoy doing all the time, and just recently I stopped counting calories because I want to learn how to eat. Without the obsession of counting every calorie. I want to learn how to eat when I am hungry, and eat what I want to eat. I’m sure I will go back to calorie counting because I have some weight to lose, but I think I needed to take a break from it, and just be able to enjoy eating.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with counting calories, to a degree. I do it when I’m trying to get in a new eating routine, to make sure I’m on the right track, and then I stop.
Sounds like you are counting calories in a healthful way.
I have never gotten into it before…probably a mix of laziness and no real desire. I have always been happy with my diet and have not found the need to count everything that i eat.
i go through the same thing. i underestimate how much i’m actually burning when i run, and don’t supplement enough which leads to unwanted and frustrating weight loss. I’m also a vegetarian and CRAVE cold vegetables andf ruits once it gets warm, so I have to be extra mindful.
I’ve never really kept track of my daily calories, but back in my disordered eating days, I would obsess over the calories in everything and try to keep the calories as low as possible. When I started eating properly again, I just started eating more but I didn’t keep track. I just eat to keep myself full and I figure that’s enough.
I’m tracking currently because I have a broken ankle and am unable to exercise but I’m getting married in 3 months. I need to make sure I can get into my dress. =)
Good luck on the race! This one always seems to allude me due to scheduling conflicts, but I’m bound and determined to do it next year!
I’ve tried to write down everything and tally up calories but it’s a lot of work. I’m way to lazy for that habit!
Love you! It’s so refreshing to hear someone say that they’re doing what’s right for their body. And big, BIG kudos for being able to accept your body’s happy weight
I used to count calories to the point where it became an unhealthy obsession, and then I had to count to make sure I was getting enough to gain. Now, I still keep a rough estimate because it’s hard to completely forget all that, but I go more by hunger and how I’m feeling.
Good luck on your race tomorrow! Everyone will be in Chicago this weekend, I’m loving! it!
I don’t count calories, ever.
I track my calories, fat, protein, and carbs at Livestrong.com because like you, I was underestimating my calories. The site helps me to see what areas of my diet are lacking and what areas I should cut back in. I’m definitely not an obsessive calorie-counter, but I find that being aware helps me stay healthy.
I count for very similar reasons, I used to be VERY obsessive to make sure I wasn’t getting too much, but in reality, the way I was eating was disordered and I was not fueling myself enough at all.
Now, in recovery from my ED, I still know the counts of basically everything that I eat, but I use that knowledge to make sure I am getting enough, the same way that you said. I love fitness and track and working out, and I would hate to think that my performance was being negatively impacted by something so fix-able like not eating enough (especially when I love to eat!)
I think, especially on blogs, admitting to calorie counting can be viewed as a negative, but you need to look at both sides of that habit, those doing it to stay healthy and on track with training, and then those using it in a disordered, unhealthy way.
I counted and measured religiously as a part of my ED for the past year and just recently (5/14/11 to be exact) I gave it up because I decided that I was finally ready to take that first step to recovery (again). It gave me control and kept me from eating too much at once. Since I gave it up, I have eaten to the point of discomfort on more occasions that I can count and it’s scary, but I know that it’s part of the process of learning to trust my body and myself to not regress back into old (bad) habits.
I still weigh myself every day (but only ONCE a day, I make sure of that), and although the scale has been more variable in the past 2 weeks, my weight hasn’t really changed all that much in the “big picture” situation. I did not explode overnight like my ED told me I would.
I’m learning to love myself as the weight (slowly) comes back on. The weight that I know that I sorely need to put on. It’s hard to gain weight like training for my half, but what’s most important right now is that I haven’t LOST any weight. Nutrition is SO important, and especially for athletes. What I eat (or don’t eat as the case may be) affects my performance AND my recovery.
Thanks so much for this post!
I liked this post a lot because it was very relatable and real.
Calorie counting is obviously a controversial subject. I am recovering from an eating disorder. I used to count my calories to make sure I was getting few enough for my disorder to be “happy”. Now, like you, I am on the other end of the spectrum. I try not to count calories every day because numbers make me go crazy (I also gave up the scale), but now I count to make sure that I am eating enough to maintain a healthy weight.
Thanks for sharing (:
You’re definitely a role model for me Chelsey.
I like many others used to count calories, and it got obsessive. I ended up with anorexia and was nasty underweight.
Then I had to do the opposite & count to gain weight..
Now I don’t count and i’m finally at a healthy weight, but sometimes i still have days where I know i’m way under or way over.. still working on restricting/bingeing :/
Anyway, just thought I’d leave you a comment saying I read but rarely comment.. But you really are an awesome woman and inspiration.
<3 Haley
Good luck…TODAY! I am doing my long run tomorrow - 4 miles. Ha! Seems nothing in comparison to your 10 miles! I will get there soon. I am planning on doing a half marathon in September!
About calorie counting. I do it from time to time. I like to see if I am getting enough protein, especially now that I am eating A LOT LESS meat.
Such a great way to discuss the topic!
Personally, I’m not much of a calorie counter. I’ve found that when I do count, I am always thinking about food. Generally, it leads me to under-eat during the day, and stuff my face during dinner. While I know that it is an awesome tool for some people, it’s way too stressful for me. Plus, I know the calorie content of most foods from old counting habits.
I love your attitude and am finishing this comment and following you on Twitter just because of it/this post. I struggled with my weight, and specifically to gain weight, for awhile, and am finally happy where I’m at and kinda counting calories too
Good luck for the race! And I think you’re doing exactly the right thing by counting calories for that reason - to make sure you’re fuelling properly which is what it’s all about
Ahh to count or not count. I go through that debate ALL the time. Sometimes counting helps me be more aware of what I’m eating (I never just count calories, I always track everything, so I can keep track of protien, fiber, etc.) but it also makes me get too caught up in the numbers and that’s not good either!
Girl, you posted this in the absolute PERFECT time! I try not to count calories, but I do sometimes use a calorie counter to see how I’m eating — nutrient wise. I’ve been striving to up the protein in my diet, so it really helps to see how I can improve in that regard.
I loved this post! I am also a sometimes calorie counter as well. I used to use it in an unhealthy way and now I use it to make sure I am getting enough protein, iron, etc. Because after all fuel=awesome runs! Now that it is summer I only really crave fruits and veggies and with training for a 1/2 marathon and then a marathon that is just not going to cut it!
I’m not a counter of calories, but I do track macros year round as part of my lifestyle for competing. it’s normal to me now and it’s comforting know how my body reacts to different things.. but sometimes just just annoying!
I don’t count calories anymore (I became a bit obsessed in the past) but I try to stay mindful of the nutritionals (carbs/proteins/fats)to help me plan and balance out my meals.
I don’t obsess over calories, but I agree that food = fuel and just like you can’t run a car on fumes, putting more into a tank than it needs won’t help the car run any better either!
I use a food tracking app to be sure that I’m on track but I don’t obsess. I’m always aware of calories in the sense that having too many nuts, dried fruits or protein can really jack up my intake for a day.
With clean eating, it can feel pretty secure in that I’m usually certain that I’m in a good place intake-wise: being in habits with my intake makes things that much more clear!
Thanks for your post!
http://makinthemwork.wordpress.com
I count for the same reason you started back up. I was consuming too few calories for my activity level.
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