Counting calories - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

chippie · 01-07-2003, 06:44 AM

I am looking for a good resource on counting calories so I can measure intake against calories burned. Any suggestions? I have learned recently about negative calorie foods and am thrilled to think that foods I love (asparagus apples lettuce etc.) take more energy for the body to process than they provide. I don't really have a high caloric intake but I have only been eating once per day so my calories were coming all at once. I am spreading them out over the course of the day now and starting a light workout in the morning and yoga at night. I really want to track the calories though. Thanks for any input.

chitrick · 01-07-2003, 07:07 AM

I was not aware that certain foods use more calories to process, than they contain to begin with. Is this a proven fact? I know that for years, they used to say that you burned more calories eating celery, than you took in. That's why it made such a good diet snack food. But then, later, it came out that that was not really true. Plus, celery is very high in sodium, making the high consumption not so good afterall.

I don't count calories, so can't answer your initial question. Rather, I count grams of protein, carbs and fat. I make sure that I eat 5-6 balanced "smaller" meals throughout day. But I really don't have a clue as to how many calories I'm taking in or burning up. I just know that I'm fit, trim and healthy.

Chelle1977 · 01-07-2003, 07:28 AM

Many bookstores carry a calorie counter book that you can purchase.

I think negative calorie foods are kind of a myth. I don't think it really works that way and if you eat an apple, or celery, you have to count those calories along with the rest that you eat that day.

Of course, an apple is only 80 calories and celery is like 20 calories for a full cup! They're both great snack foods if you're looking for something that will fill you up.

chippie · 01-07-2003, 10:27 AM

I can't find the site that was talking about negative caloric foods. It only makes sense to count calories from those foods as well as any other and to disregard calories burned in just being alive. My only point was that it's good to know you can eat something you enjoy and not flip out about it killing your calorie intake.

Chelle1977 · 01-07-2003, 11:46 AM

You can eat anything you enjoy and not flip out if you plan for it. If you know you want a breakfast burrito for breakfast, then plan to eat a salad and soup at lunch. =)

I'm not a big fan of self-deprivation ;-D