Question regarding actually logging calories

Does everyone actually log in and log in everything they ate for the day?  For how long?  I have been doing this for a couple months now and am wondering for how long I need to do it.  I am losing weight but don't know if I can keep up with this logging forever.  Anyone not logging and still losing weight?  What about maintainers?  Surely, they are not logging in every bit of food they eat.  What about just writing it down on a pad of paper? 

I've done it both with and without logging.  The first time I officially dieted, I did the SlimFast diet combined with increased exercise, and that did the trick.  No calorie counting. 

After my pregnancy, I did have to start counting calories, and I did it for almost a year.  This time around I'm on 3 months so far.  I miss maybe a day or two a month, but it helps me keep portion control, so I keep doing it.  Basically, I log calories as long as I need to lose the weight.  Maintaining is pretty easy for me, so I don't feel the need at that point. 

I'd say you need to figure out what works for you.  If you can stick to a healthy diet without logging it, more power to you.  If you find yourself eating too much without thinking about it, then you should continue to keep track whether online or in a notebook, whatever is easier for you. 

I hope this helps!

I've been logging my food here almost 2 years.  There have been periods of time when I didn't log, but for the most part I've been consistant.  Yes, I log everything I eat.  Logging becomes easier the more you do it.

I usually log in advance so I can see if I have the right balance and nutrients.  Also, this way I have no nasty surprises later on when I log something and realize it's either much higher or lower than I thought.  I've found that even on days when I don't log, I'm able to stay within my calorie allowance automatically. I can see that I won't have to do it forever.

Since I've lost 41 pounds during that time, and maintained it, I'd say it works for me.  My goal is to lose another 30 to 35 pounds and to maintain that for life.  Another goal is to be well nourished and healthy.  I'm not interested in quick fixes or gimmicks.

I have been logging calories pretty regularly since June. I find that when I think I have eaten "really bad junk" and am feeling disappointed, that after I actually log everything I've eaten, it isn't as bad as I thought -- which then makes me more motivated! Logging in my food helps me stay accountable. If I am at my friends house, she always has yummy snacks (cookies, chex mix, chips, etc.) it is easier for me to resist the urge to "have a couple" when I KNOW I have to go home and log it in! I have skipped a couple of days while traveling. I still ate quite healthy, I just didn't have the opportunity to get to a computer and log it in and by the time I did get on cc, I had forgotten most of the items anyway! Oh well, that is life!