Tips for calorie counting?

[Redhothoochycoocher]

I'm on week 4 of couch to 5k and been doing some strength training so now that I've started exercising I'd like to look at tracking/reducing calorie intake a little bit.

Every time I've done this before I get fed up because it becomes so onerous. Any tips for tracking calories or do I just need to bite the bullet?

An app is a good place to start. There are loads to choose from, I use Nutracheck, it's excellent and simple to navigate. There is a charge though after the free trial runs out.

Next, work out your calories. Plenty of calculators online to use. I'd do a few and find an average.

I'm on 1500 cals per day, it's manageable, I aim for higher protein options to keep me satisfied.

Good luck!

Don't do it - they are too small and it makes your eyes hurt.... ?

Keep a
Notebook and have the Same dinners each week so you know how much to weigh out?

I like nutracheck too. I've just restarted calorie counting. Don't go too low on calories, better to be slow and steady particularly if you're running too. Aim for higher protein to feel fuller.

Nutracheck is very good

Myfitnesspal is awful in comparison!

I was looking for an app that supported 5:2, lots don't. I've started using the Lifesum app and paid a reduced price of £19.99 for a year. Working great so far although searching foods is a bit tricky. Have to put the brand last or not at all.

Nutracaheck has a 5:2 option. So easy to use and really good database.

Didn't see that one! thanks!

When you're in the app, under Diary options there is Nutrient Goals where you can select 5:2.

I use MyNetdiary which is free. It is a little basic but suits me (it shows macros too).

My top tip is to get a set of (food) scales and weigh everything, where possible. And be honest about how much you’re really eating.

I don’t really limit foods (although I do try not to overdo snacks) as long as I keep within my daily calorie budget.

It might seem tedious at first but stick with it. Good luck!

Nutracheck is, I think, under £30 for the year. I like it as its uk based and you can just scan bar codes. Inputting recipes is a little tedious but once they're in, they're in.

Thank you! I've started using nutracheck and I've been having the same breakfast and lunch everyday so pre-logging that. It's been fine when I'm cooking but DH cooks I'm struggling with how to log it.

Also I'm going for 1500 cals and finding it so hard for some reason! I'm getting so pecking between lunch and dinner

Maybe 1500 is too low for you, to start with?

I find the kinds of foods I have affect my hunger. Lunch today was homemade butternut squash, chilli and carrot soup with a few lentils in it. Quite thin so I got a big bowlful for few calories. Then leftover roasted veg from dinner the night before, with salad, light hellmans and some sliced ham. All easy, but really satisfying as it was hot (I feel fuller with hot food) and I didn't think about food till I was preparing dinner at 6.30.

Calories for lunch came in at 380 so pretty low.

I like the fitbit app. The no monthly subscriotion option shows you both your calories out (if you have a fitbit) and you can add your food each day to track calories in. It then tells you if you are on target based on your daily expenditure. I find it to be quite accurate and very motivating.

Surely if you've just started exercising your body needs more calories to maintain weight? If you plan to lose weight then just maintain calories. Why the need to exercise and dramatically reduce calories at the same time?