So how about them Ravens, eh? 
Actually, please don’t ask me for any sort of insightful commentary because I wouldn’t be able to give you one. Collectively, I would say that I watched about fifteen minutes of the Superbowl, and most of that was made up of halftime, commercials, and the final 2 minutes of play. I may have mentioned that I’m not a big fan of football? I wasn’t kidding. Still, I definitely got sucked in near the end there – it was a close one.
But that’s enough football talk for one blog post year; let’s move on to more marvelous things. Actually, let’s move on to one marvelous thing in particular. I mean, I could talk about how great it is that the weather is improving and that we’re finally starting to see some sun…
… or about how this [beer?!] commercial totally tugged at my heartstrings…
I could talk about the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with nostalgia…
(remember how I said I found my old Tamagotchi? Well, this weekend I replaced the batteries so I could see what all the fuss used to be about. Time will tell how long this bugger lives – I’ll keep you updated.)
… or the cold [but totally worth it] feeling that comes with eating frozen mangoes…
But what I really want to talk about, is ignorance. Yep, ignorance is bliss marvelous. Allow me to explain. Every Sunday evening, I head on over to my parents’ place for dinner. On the menu this week? Mom’s slow cooker stew…
There was a time in my life where there’s no way I would have let myself enjoy such a delicious conglomeration of food. Why? Because it was a conglomeration of food and I didn’t know a) exactly what was in it, and b) in exactly what amounts. I mentioned before that I used to be completely obsessed with tracking my macros. I used an online calculator to tell me how many carbs, fats, and proteins I was eating, and if I couldn’t enter something into my trusty calculator, it sure as hell wouldn’t be entering my body.
See where I’m going with this? There’s absolutely no way I would have been able to decipher Mom’s stew…
I get a lot of e-mails from people asking me for tips on recovery, and I almost always tell them to step away from the online calculators. Is it scary? Hell yeah it is – there’s nothing more terrifying than the unknown to someone who needs to be in control. But it’s also triggering. It also feeds the obsession. And most importantly, it’s not needed. I used to think that I needed to be completely on top of my diet or my body would break down, but you know what? It was because I tried to be completely on top of my diet that my body broke down. I ignored everything it told me in favor of meeting some arbitrary ratio, and had absolutely no fun in the process.
So here’s to ignorance, not only is it blissful marvelous, but it’s pretty darn tasty too.
. – . – . – .
Do you use an online calculator to track your food? Did you ever?
Do you think it’s helpful or hindering?
{ 83 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s about all of the Super Bowl I watched too. I talked the whole time at my buddy’s place, and then the hubby and I went home during the blackout. Hey, this girl’s gotta bed time!
Tiff (@LoveSweatBeers) recently posted..The Cowfish
Funny story about those tamagotchi things. I used to make my mom take it to work with her so it wouldn’t die while I was at school. yes, I was that kid. Then it miraculously disappeared. I wonder who did that…
I didn’t watch the superbowl at all with the exception of the halftime show. No cable=perfect excuse.
Sarah @PickyRunner recently posted..Marvelously Busy
Haha! I used to bring it to school with me, and most of my class did the same. I think eventually the teachers caught on and started getting really strict about it, which is probably around the time that mine died for good…
I love this! I am definitely not one for surprises – but am learning that sometimes it’s best to just let life happen. Although I love planning, I am beginning to appreciate spontaneity. I’m glad you enjoyed the stew
Truth be told, my friends and I started watching the Super Bowl, but ended up gossiping our way through the rest! Hope you have a great Monday love!
Megan @ runningonjava recently posted..long time no see {2.4}
YES that commercial was one of my favs. Seriously so cute
Of course Im a hardcore football fan, so I watched every minute, including the 30 minute delap from the power outage lol I just sat there glued to the tv like a big dork listening to the analysts. It sure was a nail biter down at the end!
Kat recently posted..Superbowl Recap
I almost shed a tear from watching that commercial. lol and almost threw up at the GoDaddy commercial. lasdjfkasdjf blech. I never used online calculators but the worst part of my recovery is the combination of knowing the calories in almost everything (from having an ED for so long) + mathematics major. Even if I don’t sit down and write calories, I can easily keep track of them in my head because, unfortunately in this case, numbers are “my thing”.
Lauren recently posted..It’s A-Okay
Mjamm, I would definitley want to have some of that stew!!
Funny enough, I never was a big calorie counter which is unusual since I went through all kinds of ED’s (and still go somehow). Well, I just tried to eat as little as possible, so that wasn’t any better. I sometimes – and I mean like once in 2 months – check on a calculator just because I am curious. But honestly, I don’t know how many calories I eat. It is too much pressure because my ED voice would say ’1300 a day’!!! And I probably have around 1800 or more and then I feel guilty and am already sucked in. No way.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted..Marvelous in my Monday!!
It’s better not to know – it gives us way more freedom
I am not a fan of football at ALL, so I didn’t watch much of the game, just some of the commercials:) I did see that Clydesdale commercial–I would have liked it much better if it wasn’t an ad for beer!! The horses looked so gorgeous and powerful though; I suppose it is somehow supposed to imply that beer will somehow give you strength….SO FALSE! Those frozen mangoes look delicious; I love eating mangoes when we happen to buy them–they aren’t exactly cheap.
;( oh my gosh im actually crying, that commercial
sort of reminds me of war horse. it doesn’t make me want beer though (that could be because i hate beer) but i really loved it. i haven’t used an online calculator, i’ve always just used my hear or written it down in older days. and when i don’t “count”, in a sense i still am, because i’m having similar foods and sort of know the general idea. but honestly i don’t think i could handle getting obsessive again, more than now, because i have so many other thoughts and obsessions going through my head that i’d probably just keel over ;P for real, though. and the mango looks good. i can’t find frozen papaya anywhere and it bothers me, it’s supposed to be a good digestive aid, like for any type of issue and, since my stomach/etc is totally messed up i wanted to try it. i can only find fresh but i don’t want that much. xoxox
Jennifer recently posted..saturday
Have you tried papaya enzymes? You can find those in the vitamin/pill section of most stores. They come in pill form that you can take with meals and they help with digestion. I used to take them all the time when I was younger and they really do work
I use an online calculator to track my foods from time to time – usually when I’m trying to change my habits or kick-start a diet. I can’t do it long term though (I just can’t keep up with it and it drives me crazy), but for short term purposes, it can be pretty helpful.
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian recently posted..On A More Serious Note
I only sometimes use an online calculator when I’m trying to vamp up the health in what I’m eating! It reminds me of portion control and how those mindless snacks add up. It sure as hell doesn’t rule my life, more like a friendly reminder.
Liv @ Life As Liv recently posted..I’m Baaaaaaack!
Uuuuh, I wanna have the tamagotchi! I searched for the opportunity to purchase one online a while ago and they aren’t sold anywhere anymore
Have you tried amazon? I’ve seen them on there!
They just have a fake version: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B009LEHKP4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00 , but I ordered it anyway (it’s pretty cheap), and give it a try. Thanks for the hint – I searched on amazon a while ago and they hadn’t any.
Oh wow, I guess they’re rarer than I thought
Yeah, I couldn’t believe when I found mine! It’s all the way back from 1997 
I’m with you… I watched a total of two minutes of football! I have used that before but I tend to get obsessive so I try to just trust what my body needs on a day to day basis!
Elizabeth@myneonrunningshoes recently posted..Book Review: The Secret Keeper
Best way to do it!
My whole family and I teared up during that commercial…so cute!
Amanda, RD- The Nutritionist Reviews recently posted..31:Ten Apparel Review and Giveaway
i’m dying that you replaced the batteries! I think I’d throw that think out the window within a day or two from all the beeping
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Spring Bootie Buster Challenge: Crowdsourced!
Haha! Surprisingly, it hasn’t been that bad yet, but time will tell…
I do use an online calculator and make up menus for the entire week. I tend to eat the same thing for breakfast & lunch, and tend to switch up dinner. For me, if I want to have something different for dinner, no big deal. A girl’s got to indulge every once in a awhile.
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted..Baking Overload
It is so true about those online calorie/nutrient calculators – they will absolutely make you nuts. I honestly believe that even if you don’t have disordered thoughts before you start using one, you WILL. Paying that kind of minute attention to anything is going to drive you crazy. Even the THOUGHT of using one makes me twitchy. Ugh.
I use myfitnesspal.com to track my calories, but I’m not really as hardcore with it as I used to be. It did help me lose weight, but now it kind of points out if I’m being crazy and going way over calories. I’m actually not sure it gives me an accurate amount of calories I can eat everyday… But I haven’t been to a nutritionist or anything to get an accurate account of calories. Frozen mangoes are my jam though. I seriously get everyone hooked on them. I eat Dole brand though, because I have a hard time finding them in the supermarket! However, I love love love them. I could eat a whole bag in one sitting.
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted..Super Bowl Sunday: Vegetarian Style
I’ve definitely been guilty of that! I’m not too crazy about fresh ones, but frozen? Foodie kryptonite for sure!
To be honest, the whole game was a blur besides the halftime show;) Oopsy.
I actually do (right now) use an online calculator to calculate calories, I find it helpful now, because when I try and not do it I end up under-eating like a significant amount, which is kind of odd haha. You think I’d learn by now. I’m sure at some point it will become hindering and I know I’ll need to back off of it, for now it’s helpful, but who knows what the future will be like. I do know I don’t want to be in my 60′s still counting calories;)
Lisa recently posted..Workouts & Recipes & Miracles, Oh My
I feel like you didn’t miss much in the Super Bowl. Mostly just the power outage which provided a lot of good jokes! I have never been a bit calorie tracker, but I do think it could be helpful. I remember reading that Carrie Underwood keeps a food journal, and girl looks good, so I am sure a tool like that could be really useful!
Ugh…online calculators. Even now, I can’t use one. I used MyFitnessPal for about 3 days last week (to give me a better idea of what I needed to change to help fix my stomach woes) and even after that short of a time, it was harder than I’d like to admit to make myself stop. I don’t think it’s possible to recover while still calculating macros/calories/whatever…just step awayyy.
And my plan for tonight is to youtube the hell out of Superbowl commercials and the halftime show…because clearly those were the important parts that I missed :-p
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Sunday Wine + Goal Talk-February.
Yeah it’s kind of scary how easy it is to get sucked back in to that obsessive mindset. Thankfully I haven’t been tempted to fire up the old calculators, because I honestly have no idea how I’d handle all that extra ‘knowledge’.
Yay! I’m so proud that you ate and enjoyed a great meal from your mom. When I was recovering I definitely tried to stop the counting and did find that not knowing what exactly was in my meals was definitely helpful simply because there really was no way for me to know what I was eating. Happy Monday girl!
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness recently posted..Marvelous in my Monday!
Stepping away from them calculators is hard. Especially when tracking my intake and the calories. Oh boy. Every now and then I check to see my BMR and freak out. :\
I didn’t watch much of the commercials (too busy pacing [49er fan here] and cleaning) so thank you for linking that one. Made me smile and tear up.
Sonia the Mexigarian recently posted..The Good Kitty. . .
Amen to this post! That stew looks delish & so glad you enjoyed it. I’m slowly moving away from MyFitnessPal…it’s so tough. Seeing folks like you who have done it is inspiring. Thank you! And the clydesdale commercial made me tear up
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted..Don’t Worry, That Wall Came Out of Nowhere…
It’s definitely a tough thing to give up! But you really just have to give it a shot and realize that nothing bad happens (and nothing will, I promise)… and after that, the freedom becomes kind of addicting
I agree about online calculators. I think it’s very easy to get sucked into them and you just cannot stop tracking. I am thankful that I never got to that point but it makes sense for that to be one of the things that should be taken out very quickly.
I am the same way with the super bowl…I watched bits and peices but nothing too serious.
Hollie recently posted..Dark Orange Pancakes
Oh boy Amanda, how do you ALWAYS manage to speak what I think! I definitely have experience with opting out of meals due to not being able to calculate it. Rather than calories, mine was in the form of points- if I couldn’t work out how many points a meal had (especially at a restaurant), I almost refused to touch it…because you know, one meal out of my control wasn’t worth gaining 10 lbs over- seriously remembering my logic back in the day makes me CRINGE! That being said, tracking my calories/nutrition was helpful to an extent- it definitely made me more aware of my choices but like anything, there is a fine line. Making sure I was on top of it became my top priority and I dread to imagine what yummy stuff I missed out on as a result.
Although I’m not knocking those who do count calories, I’m glad that I don’t anymore- at least not as meticulously as I used to. I am much more a fan of the whole “intuitive”, “trusting myself” approach to eating and what do you know- my weight is fine but my mental health has only soared
!
Khushboo recently posted..Changing up my eating style
I think that calorie counting and online calculators DO have their purpose and can be really helpful tools when it comes to making people more aware of what they’re eating, but at the same time it’s way too easy to fall into that obsessive mindset and take things too far… and then it becomes pretty challenging to free yourself from that. I’m with you! Taking the plunge and trusting myself has been more than worth it.
I’ll bet the cold lives longer than the Tamagotchi… and maybe you should try to decipher your moms stew a little. I’d like some of that in my belly!!
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And YAY to being able to enjoy home cooked yummies
Xxx
Hey now! Are you calling me a bad pocket pet keeper?! I’ll have you know that he/she/it(??) is still alive and well. Although you’re probably right… it won’t last
Yes, yes, yes to all of this! That commercial is really cute, thanks for sharing as I obviously didn’t watch the Superbowl – well, Germany … Which name suggestion did you tweet
?
Ignorance truly is bliss when it comes to food. Eating a dish you know the (more or less) exact calorie and macronutrient count of isn’t nearly as enjoyable as an unknown one. While I’m still having a hard time eating what others prepared I do find it blissful. Eating a Christmas dinner which I didn’t even prepare a single bit of? Having a huge birthday lunch at a restaurant? Those are good food memories I definintely want more of. Here’s to visiting Berlin with my mum soon and finally enjoying every bit(e)!
Sadly, I have to admit I never used a calculator during my ED just rougly adding up numbers but started tracking sometime last year. First it was kind of fun because the checklist-loving person in me enjoyed reaching the “right” amounts of vitamins, iron, calcium. But it soon became obsessive hence hy I’m trying to stop using it. I didn’t calculate on Christmas or my birthday and several other days so that’s a tiny success.
Miss Polkadot recently posted..Loving a laid-back Birthday [week]
Those “tiny successes” are definitely worth a great deal! Just try to make them happen more often
Once a week, maybe? Or have one ‘mystery’ meal/snack once a day? It’s definitely worth fighting for! And I promise you that the world won’t fall into chaos if you don’t know how you ‘did’ for the day.
I never really got into using an online calculator I just did the math in my head after I read so many labels I just knew how many calories per serving over time. I think it could be helpful for a lot of people who struggle or are unsure but at the time it could be a bad thing because people could take it to extremes and count excessively. I guess what I’m trying to say is everything in moderation:)
i’ve tried to step away from the calculators, i’ve crept back, i’ve banned them again, etc. etc. etc. like a never ending vicious cycle – you’re definitely right – i think the only way you can be truly free of any type of disordered thinking is to just STOP thinking so damn much about it. and if not thinking means you get to eat some of that delicious stew? well then that is a-ok with me. i missed out on eating a lot of delicious stuff when i was home for the summer because of my own obsessive calculating tendencies and i’m so glad i snapped out of it before i went home for christmas. it was so freeing to simply eat when i was hungry and eat what everyone else was eating. amazing how great it feels to just be.
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted..finally found it!
Definitely amazing. And remember that amazing feeling when you’re tempted to creep back to the calculators. That and remind yourself that you’re perfectly FINE (and actually better off) without them.
omg that commercial lol I watched it this morning before work and almost cried lol I’m rooting for your Tamagotchi hahaha I used to be obsessed with mine! Wonder where it is…..
I’m the queen of calorie counting. Not anything ED wise, but just out of habit. I started counting them Senior year of High School mainly because I was bored in class and love math lol I actually blame that for my obsession with it… I like math– a lot lol (dork :p) I’m not super crazy like some people get, and will miss some stuff lol I just find it as a fun hobby lol
Rachel recently posted..MIMM #27: Lots O’ Thinkin
I think I watched a combined total of about 5 minutes of the Superbowl. Hey, you either love it or you don’t and I…don’t
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OMGosh that Tamagotchi brings back crazy memories!! It is so funny how we forget about those silly things from our childhood.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This was a great topic – I used to track everything in an online calculator as well and it became a huge source of anxiety for me. I isolated myself because friends meant eating out and when I couldn’t control where I was eating I’d freak out because I couldn’t put it in my calculator or know ahead of time how many calories were in it. Definitely not the way to live!
I didn’t watch any of the superbowl but two of my best friends live in Maryland and they said the aftermath was just insane! I don’t track my food using online tools because for me it leads to obsession and restrictive behavior. Hope you had a great weekend!
Alex @ Raw Recovery recently posted..It’s Nothing Personal (Part of the Missing Link Series)
I agree, calorie obsession is the way that you can just fall flat on your face in recovery. it is a dependency on something that can only lead you down a dark path. omg I so had a tamagochi but I have no idea where mine is, mine was purple. I adore frozen fruit. I like the bigger pieces like mango for sure. with a little sugar on top and cinnamon… yes I like sugar. a lot. expect an email soon, I have something I want to throw at you
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..MIMM: Mental Reminders
Is it a cookie!?!? Or pie? I’ll settle for pie… but only chocolate or banana cream…
OMG! I haven’t seen a Tomagotchi for years. I used to love those things, but my pet always died!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted..Budget Bride
Never used one and never plan to ha…just has bad idea for me written all over it and not something i want or think i need to challenge myself with. As far as I’m comcerned ignorance in terms of calories and whatnot is marbelous indeed
and thank heavens foitball is officially over…now we can all focus on real sports like hockey 
Caitlin recently posted..Marvelous In My Monday
Haha! Amen to that. Hockey definitely trumps football.
I sometimes track and I sometimes don’t, but strangely enough when I do track its with the intention of making sure I am eating enough! Therefore its a positive thing in my eyes and I don’t let it become too obsessive
Yes and I used trackers and no they weren’t helpful. The opposite in fact. I’m also in the camp that if you don’t need it, don’t count. I think it’s the worst thing in recovery but equally provides a comfort blanket at first. It has to go in the end though or else you never get anywhere.
Your mum’s stew looks amazing!
I’ve never used trackers, but I have automatically counted calories in my head since I learned how in like, 7th grade. Woof! But I spent this weekend in the city, and had no idea what I was eating. This would’ve been just not an option for me in the past, but I survived and enjoyed everything I ate no guilt, no second thought. I’m kind of proud of myself. Okay, I’m not proud of the decision to eat late night street food- and neither was my stomach, but it’s huge difference from where I used to be.
Cassie @RedLetterDaye recently posted..Thankful Thursday: Flying Towards February
Late night street food or not, you definitely should be proud. It’s a huge step to have come so far
I used to have a “tamagotchi” or wtv haha but we called them nanos
And that stew looks really good! My dad makes this amazing slow cooked meat with beans and its so freaking delicious but I’d rather not know why it’s so good 
Picky Nicky recently posted..Studying on the Treadmill
You rock!
It was a good game since it got so close at the end! I am not into football either, but watched it!
I am not a calorie counter at all! I once did a calorie tracker online when I was doing boot camp, just making sure I was getting enough calories in!
Happy monday love!
Katie recently posted..MIMM 36 Oh Yes!
Please don’t tell me I’m the only one who just cried during the Budweiser commercial haha. So sweet!
Sunnie@ModernGirlNutrition recently posted..Way Better Snacks Review and Giveaway!!
You’re definitely not! I know a good handful of people who ended up with misty eyes.
No calculators for me
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Love Grown Hot Oats Giveaway Winner
While I don’t obsessively count calories like I did before, I have to be honest and say that I am always curious nonetheless and can do a really quick estimation in my head anyway because I know the caloric content of most (if not all) of the foods I typically eat.
I speculate that the freedom many people with previous EDs speak of is similar to mine in that we intuitively know the caloric content of the foods we eat, and after some experimenting with foods earlier in recovery, may have realized what “works” in keeping us full and somewhat satisfied without it feeling like we’re going overboard… Still tending to stick to that safe bet, so much that it’s become a new routine that seems completely natural.
I eat 2,000+ calories a day. No one would assume there I had an issue or currently have some snaky, underlying ED issue because yes, I do eat “more freely”… but I’d lie if I said I didn’t still experience that MENTAL tug-of-war. I rarely act on it, but it definitely has an influence. (I feel like I’m always way off topic…. haha. I just ramble too much!)
Bottom line: Counting sucks, and can be very addictive, and once you counted, it’s impossible not to at least be aware of that stuff if recovery is still somewhat of a new experience!
I can relate to that because even though I haven’t used any calorie calculators for years, I still tend to stick to safe foods when eating out. I intuitively know when something is too greasy or calorie dense in general and I never buy meals above a certain amount of calories. But having some traces of past habits is one thing, completely obsessing over calorie counting – another. Using an online calculator might be helpful for a person who’s been eating mindlessly and needs to build balanced eating habits but for someone who’s suffered from an ED and already knows the approximate calorie content of pretty much everything it’s pointless at the least. I’m sure we can also tell when we’re undereating without the help of a calculator. Just my point of view.
Albizia recently posted..Надежда
It definitely isn’t possible to forget the calorie content of things after you’ve been counting for a long time, but I’d say it’s possible to stop caring to the point where it’s not something that really ever crosses your mind. I have no idea how many calories I eat – not even a rough estimation. When I’m putting a meal together, I don’t measure or count, so it’s basically impossible for me to tell. And I don’t try to keep a running tally of how many calories I’ve already taken in either. So yeah, while I can still tell you how many calories are in a medium sized banana, it’s something that I really have to stop and consciously pay attention to, otherwise it doesn’t really matter.
That’s really good to hear. I definitely don’t care AS MUCH anymore and will always, always eat when I’m hungry (I don’t know how I used to stand hunger!), but that little voice tries to manipulate me still. Glad you’re over that big hurdle though, because I think that makes a world of difference in a person’s every day life!
I feel pretty much the same way you do about football and that Budweiser commercial was so great! I have used online calculators and such to calculate calories, but I haven’t ever gotten too obsessed with it. I totally see how you could, though.
kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..Marvelous in My Monday!
You’re right, sometimes ignorance is seriously marvelous.
However, the times I found it to be not so blissful is when those pesky foods that my stomachs detests sneak in there resulting in a not so fun aftermath haha. And I definitely almost cried at the Budweiser commercial, so sweet!
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate recently posted..Muffins, Dinner Dates, and an Abundance of Vegetables.
It was the most liberating feeling to stop counting calories. And there’s nothing like cooking for 2 (my brother and I enjoy the same kind of foods which my parents don’t!), eating for enjoyment and not like its some sort of equation. I hate math any way
That stew looks amazing!
Shreya @ rushofendorphins recently posted..On the back burner
Ohhh man that stew looks AMAZING. I’m not much of a soup person (eating liquid as a meal just doesn’t satisfy me, weird I know), but stews….heck yeah. My mom used to make a mean beef-and-potato stew when I was growing up and I’m all about curry chicken stew and all forms of chilli…ok I’ll just stop myself now lol. I too went through a (really long) period in my life where I tracked EVERY MORSEL OF FOOD I ate online and yeah, it was kinda bad. I do still track occasionally, but kind of more as a scientific experiment on myself to see how much food I need at different activity levels. I track maybe once or twice a month on a day I consider “typical” and always wait till the end of the day so that I eat to my hunger. When I’m training hard – like this fall, when I’d ride my bike 2-3 hours a day (which isn’t excessive for cycling since there’s a lot of coasting) – the number always shocked me because it was so high. But hey, I went into surgery fitter than I’ve ever been in my entire life so those high numbers work. I’ve tracked twice since surgery and the number’s a bit lower but the macro ratio is pretty much the same and so far I have not become a whale. So that’s good reassurance for me to actually see the number. And mainly I like to do this because it really shows you the power of good fueling – i.e. 3500-4000 calories a day for someone my size is a LOT, but then I think about how fit I got while eating that and training and its kind of cool. But then I’m an exercise phys nerd lol. And yes, due to my past I SOMETIMES start to feel stressed about tracking my intake but I make it a point to reign myself in now, because I know that restriction got me knowhere, and actually FUELING is what got me fit.
Anyway that’s my take on it – it can be used to illustrate how much your body really needs and how well your body functions when you actually give it those needs. But it’s really tough to not let it slip in the other direction and I think if I weren’t an athlete, or if I weren’t interested in physiology, then I’d have to go completely cold turkey on it.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time for me–I just stopped using my calorie counting app a week ago after relying on it pretty much daily for a year and a half. Before that, I was doing rough estimations of calorie counts in my head and on paper, but I have to admit that actually entering the numbers into a calculator really got me into a more restrictive and disordered mindset. I was sick of playing the numbers game with myself every day so I just decided I had to stop. It’s been hard for me not to know the exact number of calories I’ve been eating since then but it feels a lot more freeing to be ignorant. However, I’ve always been curious as to exactly how many calories I need to maintain my weight–I always justify eating less because I’m shorter than most people, but I still lead an active lifestyle so I honestly have no idea and I think it would be eye-opening to know how much I really could eat. Just a thought!
Ashley @ AlmostVegGirlie recently posted..Recipe Redux: (Raw) Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
That’s really great to hear, Ashley! As for how much you need to maintain your weight, I’m pretty sure that you can figure that out without turning to a calculator. Don’t let those kind of seemingly positive thoughts suck you back in to disordered habits.
That commercial! I don’t understand what it has to do with beer, but it warmed my heart too.
I really with I could get the number out of my head. I try to forget about it but I feel as though the numbers are engrained in my head and I can’t help but tally up what I’m eating, even though im not restricting.
Laura recently posted..Making me happy
I used to have a tamagotchi!!! Hehe! I’d forgotten those days!
Jess recently posted..Letting Go of the Past…
love this – such a freeing thing to just eat! and mom’s cooking is always the very best!
Sara @my less serious life recently posted..weekend review: kardashians > super bowl
i got teary eyed during that commercial not gonna lie! I used an online calculator every second of everyday its all i would think about is putting my stuff in. I use it from time to time now but to make sure im eating enough! i never drop my intake purposely but some days i just am blah and want to make sure im getting over at least 1300 at the very lowest.. i think its a great tool for when some is first trying to lose weight, after it’s just to much of an obsession.
kaity @ kaityscooking recently posted..Roasted Almond Flaxseed Butter
I didn’t watch the Superbowl at all. I really had no interest.
I never used an online calculator – I didn’t even really track my calories back in the day. I mean I looked at calorie counts, but I didn’t keep track of my totals each day or each meal even. I just tried to keep numbers low (and eventually took it too far).
I think it can be helpful initially for people who have NO idea how to eat healthily and who are trying to lose weight for the first time in their lives. But ultimately I think it comes down to just knowing what foods are healthy and listening to your hunger cues.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin recently posted..Bolognese sauce success
Your posts always touch me on a deep level, but this one resonates even deeper. I’m actually working on a post about calorie counting–and how I overcame the vicious macro tracking battle–so I’ve been giving this topic a lot of thought. I think you sum it up best with this line:
“….it was *because* I tried to be completely on top of my diet that my body broke down.” I couldn’t agree more–obsessively trying to control the calories in/calories out equation is exhausting! I completely moved away from this cycle for a good year or so, before dabbling back into it when I began my “bulk” last month. However I quickly realized that it was doing more harm than good, and recently made some readjustments. I may not be eating as “clean” as I could be, but I’m a heck of a lot haappier!
I’m really looking forward to reading your post, Sara! You’ve been pumping out so many amazing ones surrounding all of the changes you’ve recently made, and reading them is always such an inspiration
That was one of my favorite commercials! Especially at the end…I swear I had to hold some tears back
And that stew, wow! Nothing beats traditional and homemade meals. Nothing. When I first re-vamped my diet to concentrate on healthy and less processed foods, there was a point when I (foolishly) considered my mom’s home-cooked meals to be unhealthy. Looking back, I can’t believe I had that mentality. What can possibly be healthier than a homemade meal filled with a mother’s love? So cheesy but so true 
Irina @ Chocolatea Time recently posted..Frames From The Weekend 2/1/2013 – 2/3/2013
Even though I was eating disordered about six or seven years ago, I never counted calories! Which I realized was a blessing when recovering. I recently checked out fitness pal, got calculated how many calories I approximately need, tracked my food for three or four days to see how my calorie need compares to my calorie intake … and guess what, it was pretty much right what I needed, give or take! Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. Intuitive Eating rules. I quickly got rid of it and keep on being blissfully ignorant of the calorie content and macronutrient content of things!
(I admit, I do try and have protein with most of my meals as well as a good amount of fat because of blood sugar issues but that’s about as far as I am willing to get. No idea of any numbers here.)
OMG I agree! In my recovery we went out to eat a few times a week because that way I didn’t know. and it made things so much easier! Yes it was stressful at first but then I started to LOVE it. I could anything. To this day I still love the ignorance that comes with eating out. It is freeing
Shannon recently posted..Can I just brag?
Oh my gosh, that commercial seriously gave me chills! (?!!?) So cute! And holy crap, I haven’t thought about Tamagotchis in FOREVER!! I think at one point, I had like 3 or 4 of those little buggers! Wonder where they went to? Hmmm…
That stew looks incredible! Please tell me there was some warm bread to soak up that marvelousness!
I do use an online calculator for calorie tracking, but I do it more to keep my portions in control…especially snacking when I’m working nights…I’m careful not to get to obsessed with it and I usually take breaks from it every week or two just so that I remember how to trust my body instead of my mind!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli recently posted..Sweet as Pie