Admit it. If you have been struggling to lose weight in the past, you must have tried to control your calorie intake by counting calories. This method is easy to understand and was all the craze in the 80's. (along with aerobics and spandex tights) I remember my mother used to bring her little trusty calorie chart with her when she dined out. Up to this day, why something so scientifically sound but never works has been a great mystery to women across the country.

Well here's some personal experience of mine from the past. In the morning I would eat a bowl of small oatmeal with an orange. Okay, no problem. Calories is about 400 for breakfast. However, when lunchtime comes. I panick. 200 gram of lean sirloin steak? 1 small portion of salmon? 1 small wholewheat muffin made of vegetable oil instead of shortening? How am I supposed to know how much is 200 gram, or the exact ingredients in a muffin? Then, what I did was measuring my food portions according to my own standards. I would eat the whole sirloin and pretend that I followed the little booklet. And you can imagine that counting calories to lose weight did practically nothing for me.

Most of us lead busy lives nowadays, with different roles and responsiblities to juggle. That is the main reason why counting calories do not work for most people in the weight loss department. It's simply too much trouble and too confusing. With my newborn son, I really don't see how I am supposed to measure everything that I'm going to put in my mouth; only for the sake of controlling my calorie intake below 1500 everyday. I much prefer diet that are simple, easy to understand.

Unless you are a nutritionist, counting calories to lose weight is quite difficult to implement correctly. If however, you still decide to go this route. I do suggest you to read a few books about the nutritional value of different food before you start. And remember to always bring along your small calorie counter booklet whenever you go. Keeping a food diary is also a good idea to see what exactly you have eaten each day. Dishes served in restaurants are often 2 to 3 times the size of what you need to eat. That is why Cooking at home helps because then you have the exact portion control and would not overeat like when you dine out.