Thanks for your sweet comments on yesterday’s post. And trust me, I’m fully aware of the beautiful reason for putting on the pounds…
but now I’d like to work on getting them off! 🙂
Ok, here is the current break down:
Exercise: I’m on week 3 of my Couch to 10k training program and I am loving it. It has me wogging (*walk/jogging*) 3 days a week. Additionally, I’m doing Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred 2 days a week.
Oddly enough, both the wogging and the 30 day shred are not as challenging as I remember them being. I’m sure that will change as soon as I’m running more than 90 seconds at a time, but it feels good for now… especially when Hubbs watches Hailey or when my mom walks with her and I can wog on my own.
As much as I’d love to increase my exercise and add in yoga, pilates and classes at the gym, it’s not a realistic option right now. So I will continue to follow this set up for the foreseeable future.
Food: As usual, I enjoy healthy food, so I’m eating it. However, I haven’t been thinking about how much is going in my mouth.
I think the main problem is that I’m still eating like I’m pregnant- healthy most of the time but with disregard for the number of chips I’m eating at Mexican or the number of bites I sneak off of Hubbs’ bowl of ice cream. Plus, I’ve been enjoying beer and wine again, which I didn’t have while I was pregnant, so that’s adding in extra calories, too. (I won’t call them empty calories because a delicious glass of vino does not count as empty to me!)
One more issue with my eating… blogging is coming before breakfast. Hailey wakes up at 6:15ish and eats. I put her back down and know I have about an hour before she is up again, so instead of making breakfast I rush to the computer with nothing but a cup of decaf in hand. I’ve always said breakfast is incredibly important, so I need to take my own advice and eat in when I get up.
So what’s a gal to do?
Luckily, I own a nutrition company that specializes in these situations!
I thrive on a plan. It’s the OCD in me, I suppose. It’s why I love Couch to 10k. It’s why I love my calendar. And it’s what is going to help me get back to feeling my best physically.
This weekend I’ll be measuring my metabolism to find out exactly how many calories my body needs and how many calories I should eat to lose weight. I plan on setting a conservative goal for two reasons: 1) I don’t want to negatively affect my milk supply and 2) it’s the holiday season and you better believe I’m not depriving myself!
Then I’m going to track my intake by… COUNTING CALORIES. I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions that I am a believer in calorie counting. I know it can be troublesome for people that are susceptible to eating disorders, but I think it’s a wonderful tool. It helps me be mindful of what and how much I’m eating. If I go over my calorie budget some days, it’s OK, but having a road map that I can trust to get me to my goal actually allows me to relax and not obsess about food.
On Monday I’ll show you the process of testing metabolism and reveal the results… I’m excited to find out if my metabolism is high or low and exactly how many calories I should be eating!
I know it’s a controversial topic, so tell me…
What are your feeling on counting calories?
Holly says
It sounds totally understandable that it would be hard to learn to eat less again after giving birth — and even with breastfeeding. I counted calories for about 6 months earlier this year and I found it helpful for a time. I could see going back to it again if I was in a situation like yours.
I think it’s great you recognize where you are and are taking these steps to get to where you want to be!
For your baby Q/A – How does drinking beer/wine and breastfeeding work?
Lee says
I think that it’s an effective (yet sort of a pain in the butt) way to lose weight for sure. I sometimes try to count mine but then I always get distracted at dinner time or don’t know how many servings I’m actually eating or things like that.
Lisa Marie says
how do you even count calories?!! i eat out alot…which i try not to. i probably bring my lunch to work 3/5 days…but counting calories seems like so much work!
Brittany says
Eating out is definitely more challenging because there is no way to know exactly what you’re eating. I usually I will try to estimate what I had (roughly 15 chips, salsa, 1 tortilla, etc), but I take a relaxed approach and if I can’t calculate out what a meal is calorically, I don’t sweat it. Some places (like Panera) now list their calories next to menu items, so that is a nice help to have!
I use 411fit.com to track my intake (there is a mobile site which helps when I’m on the go).
I won’t lie, it can be a pain, which is why I don’t let myself stress about it. If I miss a day tracking, it’s a-ok, it’s just nice to have some concept of what I should be taking in to help me focus. 🙂
Whitney says
I personally do not see counting calories as a problem when you have a specific weight loss goal in mind. It becomes a problem when it becomes obssessive. It is actually refreshing to read that a blogger is going to use this method instead of just “going by how my jeans fit”. (That line really annoys me for some reason :)). You will meet your goal with flying colors and I love that you have a running goal set too!!! 🙂
Brittany says
Thanks, Whitney! I do feel like there is a negative stigma against calorie counting in the blog world and I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous to announce that it’s what I plan on doing, but I do want to be honest and say that I need to make a plan instead of doing it secretly and letting everyone think the weight ‘just fell off’ 😛
I wish I was that lucky-ha!
Kelli says
Lol me to “going by how my jeans fit”. That annoys me too I believe in counting calories it’s what worked for me with bothmy pregnancies !
blackhuff says
I too believe in calorie counting. It’s the only way in succeeding in weight loss and maintaining. I’ve now been doing it for 15 months and must say, it works.
You are doing great. Eating healthy (now to get the volume under control) and exercising. Keep going!
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
I am also a big believer in counting calories. I stopped doing it while pregnant and don’t really want to start doing it again,but I will if the weight doesn’t start coming off. I think your plan sounds very reasonable!
Verna says
I’m a big believer in counting calories. That is one method that has always worked pretty well for me. It’s about the only thing that works for me. I lost my pregnancy weight pretty easily with my first pregnancy without much effort. I’ve already lost a fair portion of it this time but I would really like to be in better shape before getting pregnant again so I’m hitting the gym earlier this time. I have two little ones so I’m not going to resort to calorie counting unless I need to.
Madeline@Food, Fitness, and Family says
I am running into the same types of ‘problems’ now … 6 weeks postpartum. I am struggling losing my last couple of pounds and I totally think it isn’t watching how much I am eating even though what I am eating is healthy.
I also know your body tends to hold on to fat when you are breastfeeding because it knows it needs that energy store so getting off those last few inches/pounds WHILE breastfeeding is hard. I definitely don’t want to negatively affect my milk supply.
Looking forward to your posts! Being 4-5 weeks behind you helps me plan for the future 🙂 Love Hailey!
Meghan says
I personally have a hard time counting calories, but know its what I am going to need to do after our Baby Boy is born in February. My philosophy is whatever works for you then do it!
Jen says
Sounds like a great plan, and I’m so glad to hear you’re loving couch to 10k!
I agree that counting calories is a pain in the booty, but effective! When I’m training intensely, I count to make sure I’m getting enough. But I’ve never had my metabolism measured so I’ve always guessed. I may use your services in the future b/c I’d LOVE to know how many calories I really need!
Brittany says
I’d love to measure your metabolism- I’ll bet when you’re training that the amount of calories you need is through the roof! I find it all so fascinating.
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
I’ve been struggling, too, with the baby weight and transitioning from pregnant eating to EBF mom who wants to lose. I had been counting WW Points, which worked in the past, but switched this week to calories. I think it was too easy to load up on healthy foods, i.e. fruit, because they were free and I was taking in too much. Good luck!
Heather says
Here’s a shocking statement: I’m counting calories while pregnant. I’m using the MyNetDiary on my iPad which makes it convenient and easy. I’m aiming for 3000 calories a day. (I should probably even eat more than this, because I just started the third trimester and I’m still only gaining a half pound a week.)
Here’s why: I like to know my nutrient breakdowns. I don’t take a prenatal, so I try to get all my protein, folate, iron, etc from my food. I like to make sure I’m eating enough. 3000 cals healthy foods is pretty much constant eating all day! And I know that I will need count after the baby is born. After my 2nd baby, I was working out and running hard every day for 6 months without a single change because I had no clue about calories and portion control. When I finally started tracking calories, the weight just melted off.
When I track calories, I find that everything in my life is more disciplined. I use my time better, I exercise, and I’m just a more efficient person.
Good luck! I think you have a really great mindset!
Brittany says
Although I’ll bet some people would give you a hard time, I think it’s a fantastic idea to track what you’re eating during pregnancy to ensure you’re getting enough of each nutrient! I think people tend to think that tracking means obsessing, but I don’t think the two are synonymous. Good for you for knowing what works for you and staying on top of your health! Thanks for the comment 🙂
KaraHadley says
Since when did calories become controversial?! Everything we eat or drink (except water and whatnot) has calories. When we exercise we burn calories. Yes, nutrients are important, too. But most things still break down to calories in, calories out.
And I know personally, when I’m looking to drop a few lbs I always turn to calorie counting. Because it works.
But I am super interested in how you calculate metabolism.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I’m with you on calorie counting. I understand how it’s not for some but it worked really well for me. I was able to use it for about 6 months to lose weight, learn portions and then eventually “weaned” myself off of it once I had it down. I still keep my trusty 1/4 cup measurer out on the counter and use it multiple times per day. I think it’s a great way to “recalibrate” and get yourself back in line if you feel like you’ve been a little too lenient recently (and I don’t mean YOU, I mean that in general).
Brittany says
I think it’s always a great idea to check out portion sizes every so often with a measuring cup! I know my ‘one cup portion’ tends to grow a little over time 😉
Yelena (One Healthy Apple) says
I think calorie counting is a great tool, especially when you have a goal in mind. It’s straight forward and a little cumbersome, but has always worked for me.
Stacy K says
I would actually like to start counting calories so I think this will be great for me to kind of follow along with you! I’ve been working my way through the C25K and trying to loose weight, but it’s not going as quickly as I thought it would and I think that is because I am eating too much.
I think it is a great tool to fully understand what you are eating and of course you are a smart lady and understand the difference between quality calories and empty calories. One of the reasons I don’t like Weight Watchers is because it doesn’t necessarily teach about how to eat balanced meals, like it’s okay if you eat cookies and pizza as long as you don’t go over your points. I could be wrong, I’ve actually never done WW, but that is what I’ve taken from it.
Brittany says
I’ve never done WW myself, either, but feel the same way- that they don’t care where the points come from, just that you don’t go over.
I’d love to have you follow along with me! I love using 411fit.com, so if you don’t have a program to track calories, I’d recommend checking that site out.
And great job on C25K! Keep it up 🙂
Lauren says
There’s definitely a negative stigma around calorie counting in the blog world, but I think it can absolutely be a healthy tool if used in the right way. I’ve counted calories dozens of times in my life and while it’s not really my thing, I will admit it really taught me how to portion things. I love that you’re so realistic about your goals, Brittany. I wish you the best of luck!
Sabrina says
I think calorie counting is smart!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I think this depends hugely (no pun intended :)) on what type of person you are and what goals you have in mind. 🙂
I’ve helped clients with nutrition who explicitly told me that they refuse to count calories. If they don’t WANT to do something, they won’t so I know that wouldn’t have been an effective method for them.
It seems that it works for you (and I know it works for some people), but if I counted calories daily, it would drive me nuts more than help me . I occasionally use a tracker to see what I normally eat in a day to make sure I’m in a decent range, but I generally feel that if you’re eating when hungry and eating 80-90% real food (veggies, fruit, lean meats and other protein sources, whole grains…) you will be at a healthy weight for you. This is generally what I do and when I feel like I need to lose a few pounds or have been too indulgent I aim for closer to 95% veggies, lean protein and whole grains. 🙂
If you have a specific goal (fitting back into your clothes, losing the last 5 pounds, etc.) I do agree that calorie counting can be very helpful. 🙂
Maria says
Your company fascinates me and I’d love to get my metabolism checked at some point. Maybe one of these days I’ll make it to Charlotte and pay you a visit 🙂
Calorie counting gets a bad rep these days, but in general, I think it’s a great thing. I’ve used it in the past to reach some goals, but I could never be a person who does it all the time, because like you, that would drive me batty!
Best of luck!
Brittany says
You let me know if you are ever around these parts- I’d love to meet you! 🙂 …and test your metabolism, too!
Cate says
In the past few years, the only times I’ve effectively lost weight (once to get to “racing weight” for a marathon and once to take off some post-vacation pounts) were when I was counting calories. It’s definitely helpful to see how much I’m actually eating, as opposed to how much I think I’m eating (I’m usually eating too much!) I’m breastfeeding and running 20-25 miles a week but I think I’m still just eating too much!
I started counting calories again this morning thanks to this post!
Katie says
I have been plateaued on Weight Watchers since about March… I started counting calories a week ago using My Fitness Pal and have lost 4 lbs. Now I have less than 10 to go… and I am at a weight that I haven’t seen in over a month! Calorie counting is right for me, right now.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I think you look great! I think that calorie counting- at least in the beginning- is a great way of staying aware of how much you’re eating. I keep a food journal myself, actually.
Paulina says
I’ve found calorie counting to be too much work for me. Instead, I track serving. So in one day, i aim to get 3 serving of protein, veg, and starch, and 2 serving of fruit, and lots of water. At first its hard knowing what a single serving size looks like, so I use a food scale or count out how many grapes or whatever that I’m eating. I lost 25 lbs doing this a few years ago so I know I can do it again. I also tend to add in some high protein snack between meals to keep me full and keep my metabolism going strong. I’m 6 weeks postpartum now so I really need to get serious about it! I still tend to eat like a preggo too! Good luck and I apologize for any typos, as I’m writing from my phone.
Brittany says
I think tracking servings is great! Especially because you know you’re getting a great balance of proteins, carbs and fats. And congrats on your 6 week old! 🙂
Jessica says
I think you are amazing for counting calories… I simply cannot do that. Numbers and I have a love hate relationship, haha. I actually started doing weightwatchers and really enjoy it. The point system is really easy for me and I’ve had great success on it so far (3 lbs till my weight before baby!). I still have a lot of issues learning how to portion. Any suggestions?
Brittany says
I’m so happy you’ve had such great success- yay! I think the best way to keep an eye of portions is just to ‘check’ yourself every so often. No need to measure and weigh everything, but taking the time to measure out 1/2 cup of rice or 1 cup of vegetables every now and then helps keep the eye trained on what the correct portion size looks like 🙂
Hollis says
I am not against calorie counting. I really just don’t know how to do it effectively. Are there online tools that you use to help? This is a great post as I was just looking on here to see how to email you about this very topic.
Brittany says
I know there are many, many programs, but I really like 411fit.com. For me, it’s simple and I like knowing the breakdown of my nutrients, so I know if I’m getting enough protein, etc. If you check it out, let me know what you think!
Christine says
Not against calorie counting, just find it hard for me to do. However, I have a general sense of calorie intake by being mindful of portion sizes. Of course there are times that I eat more than a “standard” portion size and so when that happens I try to ease up with my snacks or meals later in the day.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I think counting calories is a realistic plan for someone looking to reduce their overall intake. It can be time consuming and inconvenient but if you are willing to take those steps then hey, good for you!!! I don’t know why people get so up in arms about it. Yes, it can be detrimental for someone with a pattern of disordered eating but for the general population it’s a reality check because people today eat too much of the wrong food (hence obesity rates)
JenRD says
Thanks for posting this! I am in the same boat as you! 10 weeks post-partum tomorrow. I have been using the “Lose It” app on my ipod touch to log my food and calorie intake. Helps me be more mindful of my portions and snacks. I can also log my exercise in the app, which is motivating. Isn’t it amazing how our muscles have memory from previous exercise? Even though I didn’t do much more than walk for the 6 weeks after Maya was born, once I got back into regular exercise (C25K and 30-day Shred for me), it wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
Question for you: I go back and forth on this, as a dietitian, so I wanted another health professional’s take. On the days you exercise, do you eat more to make up for the calories burned (being you are counting calories), go halfway, or just stick to your usual calorie plan as a rough guide (even if you are not strict with it)? I find I am hungrier the day after a hard workout, especially running, but I don’t want to negate the hard work, so I usually will have an extra snack with protein and fiber in it to fill me up.
Jen
Brittany says
That’s a great question about the exercise and calories! I think once I figure out how many calories I should be eating, I’ll (at first) try to stick with that everyday, whether I exercise or not. I’ll listen to my body and if I am hungrier on exercise days, then I will absolutely add in some healthy snacks to make sure I’m not hungry and am compensating for those exercise calories. It will probably be trial and error for the first week or so while I listen to my body and figure out what works best for me.
PS- I’ve heard awesome things about the ‘lose it’ app! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
Jodie says
I cannot calorie count. I am recovering from an eating disorder. I know (logically) what amount of calories I need. When I get close to that number, I freak out. For me, using an exchange system my RD gave me helps, and now that i have been doing it for some time (ahem, years) I can eyeball what I need.
Brittany says
I LOVE the exchange system and used to use it quite often myself. I think it’s great that it works well for you, and I applaud you for knowing what does and doesn’t work for you. Obviously if it’s worked for years, you’re on a great system 🙂
Jodie says
Oh, I wanted to say, if it works for you, then by all means, you deserve to do it without any guilt!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Wow what a great plan! I think this would work for almost anybody! Your sweet baby is so beautiful and that picture is so adorable!!
Sara Grambusch says
I wonder if there is a period of time where your body still needs nutrition as if you were still pregnant. It’s probably still working overtime healing and returning to normal. Counting calories is one of those things that if properly utilized can be a great tool, but for someone who doesn’t know how many calories they actually NEED it can be disastrous. I think on average, most people far underestimate the amount of calories the body needs even sitting around all day doing nothing. For me, I hope to never count calories again…at some point. I’m in ED recovery right now and have to count them to make sure I get enough as I still have zero hunger sensations. I’m so envious of people that feel hunger I say “If you’re hungry, EAT!” That being said, I’m sure you have the knowledge to create a healthy and effective calorie counting plan so good luck! I’m sure your routine will fall into place soon enough. Also, I’ve never heard the term “wogging” – adorable!
She Rocks Fitness says
Just like everything else in the health & fitness world, it’s about figuring out what works best for you! Calorie counting works for some and not others. I think it’s a good starting point, for people to count their calories, to see what/how much they are consuming. Then you get a point, where you don’t need to do this anymore, because you’ve educated yourself on portion sizes, nutritional information, etc. Enjoy your Sunday! 🙂
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
Damn, girl! Your calves look awesome in that picture 🙂
I’ve never tried counting calories, I just stick to portion size mainly. And I rely heavily on my body to tell me when I’m full. I think I just get too frustrated by not being able to know exactly how many calories are in some of the things I eat, so I just don’t fool with it. I know it can be helpful though! Good luck!
Spear The Mighty says
Counting calories does work, but it can be cumbersome. I’m currently using myfitnesspal (Android phone app) to keep track of calories.
Good luck with the running!
Shanna like Banana says
I absolutely count calories because it keeps me in check. It does not rule me or make me neurotic, but helps guide me. Otherwise I have a huge tendency to overindulge.