Focuses other than calorie intake for weight loss

[EmmaH27]

I currently keep track of the amount of calories I eat per day and try and keep it under 1,700, I tried lower calories initially but struggle to eat enough to fuel me through the day and be within the calorie goal. I’m also quite a fussy eater and work an office job so struggle to find foods that fit in with my life, under the calorie goal and that I also enjoy eating.

What have the rest of you found that helped you with weight loss in terms of tracking (i.e. proteins, carbs, macros, micros, salt, sugar etc.) and what are the goals you set for yourself per day?

[SunsetRunner]

My two main goals are actually carbs and sodium. If I handle that correctly, the calories seem to take care of themselves. I limit carbs to <50 for 1 month and then <100 for a month and alternate. Watching sodium definitely limits most processed foods (and helps my BP)

[holisticlibra]

Try focusing on eating whole foods! One ingredient, not processed, can't be stored in a cupboard... Even if you exceed your daily calorie goal, eating whole will nourish you with the right nutrients rather than promote weight gain. 

Another idea is doing a cleanse or detox, even for just a three day period. There are many to choose from, but a simple one that I've done (it feels amazing by day three, and is a great way to give your body a chance to replenish and restore) is the JSHealth 3-Day Nutritionist-Approved Cleanse. It involves  cleaning up your diet by cutting out:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Cow’s dairy
• Soy milk
• Refined sugar and sweeteners
• Wheat and gluten
• Red meat
• Trans fats, such as those found in processed and deep-fried foods

Just this small change can make your body feel more energized, and promotes healthy weight loss. 🙂 I know this didn't directly answer your question of tracking, but I still hope this helps!

Xx, G.

[EmmaH27]

Thank you @SunsetRunner , I'll look into doing this!

And @holisticlibra a cleanse is a great suggestion, I have done Jason Vale's 5 day juice detox which I really enjoyed. May have to do another cleanse soon just to get myself back on track.

[ThérèseMonet]

I agree with Concord...If you are on a low carb diet then you don't have to concern yourself with counting calories but MyFitness Pal is a great tool to keep track of food and create your own recipes and get nutritional information for what you prepare. If you need help with this send me a message and/or add me. We can weather the journey together