I would eliminate that quote calling calories "The C-word." 
It's a shocker like calling fructose, "The F-word." 
There is a "C-word," and it's highly inflammatory.

Interesting, I will get this book! I like the science behind it all, actually explained, it's easier to follow through if I understand what I'm doing.

Counting calories makes all the difference, as far as I'm concerned. You have to know if you are in credit with extra exercise or going overdrawn with unwise cream cakes. I tell people that it's all bookkeeping in the end.

Original Post by: bioluminescent

I would eliminate that quote calling calories "The C-word." 
It's a shocker like calling fructose, "The F-word." 
There is a "C-word," and it's highly inflammatory.

As a member emeritus of the Cancer Club, I have another use for the "C" word. Gordon Ramsay has another use for the "F" word: FOOD. Let's not get carried away with ourselves. I'd rather be in your "C" word club than in mine.

well said.

The rage with friends right now is a diet called "Ideal Protein".  Both men and women on this diet are losing 6-10 lbs. weekly.  Many of the people using the Ideal Protein Diet were once calorie counters or on the Weight Watchers point system.   Personally, I think losing 6-10 lbs. weekly is a little scary. I don't know, but perhaps after my friends have lost enough weight, they will return to calorie counting to maintain, but I have my doubts.  I would like to see an article on this diet and comments.

When I first started losing weight I didn't count calories. I started eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. I stuck to low calorie dairy and lean meats. I started exercising and I started losing. But I got down to about 12lb to go and stayed the same for over 9 months. It wasn't until I then started counting calories that I started losing again. I guess I had cut down on my calories a lot from before I changed my eating habits. When I was heavier I burned more calories. I plan to continue my good eating habits the rest of my life, but I may also have to count calories off and on the rest of my life. But I have discovered it isn't that hard and it is certainly worth it to get to my goal weight.

Original Post by: bleaxx

Interesting, I will get this book! I like the science behind it all, actually explained, it's easier to follow through if I understand what I'm doing.

Lol that's what I was thinking!

Original Post by: hobbbs

Original Post by: bioluminescent

I would eliminate that quote calling calories "The C-word." 
It's a shocker like calling fructose, "The F-word." 
There is a "C-word," and it's highly inflammatory.

As a member emeritus of the Cancer Club, I have another use for the "C" word. Gordon Ramsay has another use for the "F" word: FOOD. Let's not get carried away with ourselves. I'd rather be in your "C" word club than in mine.

Reactions are relative; the point was meant to be public relations.  Avoiding offense where it might exist.  Helpful?  I'd hoped.

My sympathy on your cancer.  Sincerely.

Original Post by: loweedalama

Original Post by: bleaxx

Interesting, I will get this book! I like the science behind it all, actually explained, it's easier to follow through if I understand what I'm doing.

Lol that's what I was thinking!

I just got the book for my Kindle, I hope it will be a good helpful read!

Good read, love nutrition book reviews, thanks so much :) 

-hm

Counting calories helps me eat better.  I thought I was gaining weight because I ate too much.  I discovered it was the exact opposite, I wasn't eating enough.

I thought I was doing well.  Gave up soda 35 years ago, fast food 30 years ago (except for pizza once a month), caffeine 10 years ago, starting eating correct serving size of snacks 8 years ago, cut salt 2 years ago.  But the weight kept on coming.

On Calorie Count I can make each meal or snack contribute to my overall health in a positive way.  I eat healthier meals and eat more frequently.

Even going out to eat is cheaper now.   I always split my meal in half and get two meals for the price of one.  Sometimes I can even get one dinner and two lunches from the amount they serve! (except for veggies, they rarely give you enough of those)

Once you eliminate all the "fillers' from your diet, you really have to eat a LOT to get up to your minimum calorie intake. 

I don't think of calories as the "C-Word".  They are the F word ... FUEL.  And my body seems to like premium grade.

Counting calories definitely makes a difference in losing weight.  I stick to a 1200 calorie day when I am losing weight.  Counting calories keeps me accurate with food portions and honest with my food choices.

I agree that counting calories works and that making those calories nutrient dense is the key to health and steady weight loss (and eventually maintenance). The author of this text is in the midst of what is now being referred to as a scientific revolution as it pertains to biology and nutrition. Much of the information we have been sold by the food and agriculture industry has been de-bunked, but unless you research this, you will not find it easily. Things are changing and the information found in this text that is grounded in solid science is much needed.

I am interested in the content of the book.  It appears to address the missing information for me?  Discounts are always great, but we already get this great service for free.  How much can we expect?

What it comes right down to it.  You have to count SOMETHING!!!

As an economist noted regarding calories, Mother Nature is a ruthless accountant.  Nice to see some common sense again.  Eating less than you burn works every time.

I'm a bit of a fitness buff, I've always loved running and the gym and have even run a few races (definitely for fun, not competitively) but until I started counting cals no amount of exercise made any difference to my waistline, and it was really frustrating me!! In finally joined CC and have lost over 20lbs from my highest weigh (when I was still running 5 miles a day) and am only 6 lbs from my goal. My exercise routines are easier and especially my running has improved. It's definitely a combination, and I'm glad I discovered CC! 

I agree that calories have gotten a bad wrap over the years. And the act of counting them has had it even worse. This idea of counting calories has been associated with dieting, deprivation and, ultimately, obsession because so many of us have gone off the deep end, well aware that there is a limit to how much we can consume before we start to gain weight, and turning that informative awareness into parylizing fear. This, of course, means that counting calories has often proved to be an overwhelmingly negative experience for both ourselves and those around us.

But as we've learned (and are still learning) on this website and the many resources that are available to us now (looking forward to reading this book), the act of counting calories can be as constructive as keeping track of the gas mileage in your car. Someone mentioned it earlier and it's not a new analogy, but comparing food to fuel is the only image that reminds me that it really does just come down to science--the only way I can remove myself emotionally from the act of eating. I am actually a machine. The exact amount of fuel I need is directly related to how much energy my vehicle expends. If I put too much fuel in the tank, it overflows (i.e. spare tires and saddle bags). If I don't put enough in, I run out of gas. If I put low quality fuel in the tank I get poor mileage (i.e. lethargy, lack of focus and motivation). It really is that simple.

Of course, besides being fuel for our bodies, food is also a sensory experience. But that is where the awareness comes in handy. Making informed decisions about how many and which kind of calories go into our bodies allows us to appreciate the foods we love--and learn to love the foods that our bodies will appreciate. When I'm just stuffing my face with whatever junk food is around, I'm not having a positive sensory experience, I'm not enjoying what I'm eating, I feel bloated, fat and guilty and my body isn't even getting the nutrition it needs. But if I pay attention and eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, I not only feel less guilty about indulging in dessert every now and again, but I can actually take the time to enjoy it because I'm not shamelessly stuffing everything into my face in hopes that I might get a much-needed nutrient or two out of an entire one-pound bag of M&Ms.

I used to think that getting more bang for my buck meant that all I needed to find were foods that were high in volume but low in calories. I purchased every low-calorie product out there and still gained weight because I was actually malnourished and would binge at night to make up for it (something we often mislabel as self-sabotage). It wasn't until I started reading ingredients along with the nutrition labels that I learned the obvious, which is that most "low-calorie" foods are terrible for you. So many of them have chemical fillers or have even removed parts of the food that help you properly digest it. I was trying to survive on chemicals and genetically modified garbage and my body new it wasn't working!

All in all, I think that counting calories can be a very important tool in rediscovering and maintaining our health. But only if paired with some basic knowledge about nutrition. We should always be careful not to skimp on the nutrients for the sake of minimizing calories. I truly believe that if you're eating a good balance of lean proteins, complex carbs, heart-healthy fats, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies, your body will eventually start doing the counting for you.

But until we reach that balance, we must use the tools available to help guide us into better habits and more informed decisions.

Thanks Calorie Count for being such a great resource and source of motivation!

I have had weight issues all my life. The only time I was successful is this last time which started about 8  years ago and resulted in a loss of 109lbs which I have mostly kept off for 7 of those years. I really feel that keeping a journal and counting the calories is what made the difference. I still count calories , but do it so fast , I hardly realize I am doing it. It became a habit and I know most calories immediately , so it is easy for me. Most people ask how did you do it and when I say calorie counting it is all over. They can't be bothered. 

Does anyone feel that when they eat the same amount of calories, but much less carbs they lose the weight, but add the carbs and they stop losing? I must have some carbs or I will not be able to sustain the loss for a long period of time. I am eating the good carbs. So are all calories the same or not? From my experience it seems they are not all the same.  

No, I don't think they are all the same. That is one reason I love the analysis feature. I think it is very important to get enough protein and fat. I have gotten to where I really love vegetables and fruits, but I sometimes struggle to get enough good fat and protein. It really helps me to look at the analysis and at the end of the day try to finish up the calories I have left with what I need to keep me food balanced. I know when I get enough protein and good fat in I never feel hungry.

I read the book above, and apparently after scientific studies they are all the same.