obsessed?

Has anyone heard of people being obsessed with dieting? Not something nearly as drastic as an eating disorder, but being constantly obsessing over calories, new tricks, and that sort of thing?

I'm only trying to lose about 10-15 pounds. But I find myself constantly thinking about dieting, and doodling possible calorie combinations for the day in my notebooks during class. i've found this site pretty recently, and can seriously spend hours just reading recipes, forums, etc.

maybe i'm just weird haha..just curious what you guys think.

I've heard of it. I am obsessed with calorie counting too. I am not concerned because I usually become obsessed with things until they become second nature to me.   In a way, obsession is the only way I accomplish things. That how I got through college and how I changed my career from sales to research.  A little obsession can accomplish a lot.

I don't call that being obsessed, jenn; I call it being conscientious.  I do the same thing.  I'm very consistent in entering my calories in the Food Log, and I think about what I have in the fridge and cupboard to decide what I'm going to eat.  I have about 600 calories left to spend today and have thought about different food combinations to get me there.  I also have a lot more to lose than you do, so I have to make sure I'm still enjoying my food so I can stick with it.  When I first joined in 2004, I lost 85 pounds.  I still had about 50 pounds to go, but stopped counting and paying attention, and I gained back over half.  I rejoined this past May 23rd and have lost 35 pounds.  I might just have to continue counting and planning forever, but if it works, then so be it.  Right now my life centers around losing the remaining 13 pounds I regained plus at least another 25.  Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on.  In my opinion, you are just being conscientious, and I don't see anything wrong with that.

Oh wow, we're like twins.  My journal is FULL of calories and ideas and notes on which food options in the various eateries around school are best.

Calorie-counting can often become obsessive.

I think counting calories is fine, but you need to keep a rational perspective about it, and perhaps a little distance too. By that I mean counting calories should not take over your life, and if you happen to go over your calories that shouldn't be heartbreaking either - just a minor blip in the big picture.

You might also want to consider what you plan on doing after weight loss. Some people are happy to continue counting calories forever, but many people like to try and maintain with minimal or no calorie counting and a focus on listening to hunger and fullness signals or portion control instead.

If you don't plan on counting calories forever, it's good to bear this in mind and not get too carried away with the whole counting business - it's pretty hard to break the habit once you're in it.

story of my life

"Calorie counting is a good servant but a bad master"

It's good to be conscientious and pay attention to detail but not to the extent that it's interfering with you doing other things in your life.  So bear the above in mind and try to keep calorie counting/dieting where it belongs i.e. as a tool to achieve an objective rather than as a lifestyle in its own right.

I am obsessed with health, nutrition and fitness... but I don't count my calories. I just love reading anything & everything that has to do with food, wellness & lifestyle! And I also find it really fun to look at all the junk food nutrition facts... I guess when I do this it makes me really happy with the way that I eat (I don't eat that processed junk)... I have always wanted to write some sort of book or have a talk show (I am a broadcast journalism student)... about health & nutrition but unfortunately my name doesn't have an MD (or RN or any of those reputable initials) after it, so I don't think anyone would think I was credible at all.

I really enjoy helping others achieve their goals and feel good... perhaps I could be a wellness coach? Hm... Yea it's weird... I love counting other people's calories and coming up with ways for them to better theirselves... I think I like and want to continue doing this because I myself feel wonderful... and want others to feel the same way!

  Im obsessed with weighing myself, everytime i use the bathroom at home, before I go AND after I go, before I get in the shower, AFTER I get out the shower. I use the scale here at work, whenever I go to the restroom just like at home.  Yes I know obsession and yes I am a "scale whore"