Tag: Weight Loss

  • How I Adjust Calories on Sedentary Days and Stay on Track

    How I Adjust Calories on Sedentary Days and Stay on Track

    Some days I get plenty of movement. I cook, clean, take care of the chickens, walk around the house, and generally stay busy.

    Then there are other days.

    Those are the days when my chair starts calling my name. My lounge dress gets involved. Before I know it, the two of them are working together against me.

    Some days I just don’t want to move.

    But I’ve discovered something important. I can adjust calories on sedentary days and still stay on track with my weight loss.

    And now I have a weapon to use against that chair.

    Not Every Day Is Going to Be an Active Day

    I’ve been paying much more attention to my activity lately.

    I’ve learned how much of a difference ordinary movement can make. Cooking, cleaning, walking, and doing chores all count.

    But I’ve also learned something else.

    I’m not going to be equally active every day.

    Sometimes I’m tired. Sometimes I don’t feel like doing much. The weather may be bad. I might not feel well. Or I might simply have one of those days when my chair seems unusually comfortable.

    That doesn’t mean my weight-loss plan has to go out the window.

    I Can Change the Calculator Instead

    Our Weight Loss Calorie Calculator lets me choose my activity level.

    So, if I’ve had a sedentary day, I can set the calculator to sedentary.

    Then I can see approximately how many calories I can eat while still working toward my weight-loss goal.

    That’s a big deal for me.

    Before, I tended to think mostly about how many calories I planned to eat each day. Now I’m looking at both sides of the equation.

    How much am I eating, and how active am I?

    If my activity changes, my calorie needs change too.

    Calculate My Calories

    A Sedentary Day Doesn’t Mean I Failed

    This may be the most important thing I’ve learned.

    Having a sedentary day doesn’t mean I’ve failed.

    I don’t have to look at the clock late in the afternoon, realize I haven’t done much, and decide the whole day is ruined.

    Instead, I can make an adjustment.

    I can put my information into the calculator, choose sedentary as my activity level, and look at my options.

    Maybe I still want to aim for my usual rate of weight loss. Or maybe I decide that a slightly smaller calorie deficit makes more sense that day.

    Either way, I’m making a conscious decision.

    I’m still in control of my plan.

    My Weight-Loss Plan Can Bend Without Breaking

    I’m beginning to realize that flexibility may be one of the things that helps me stick with this long term.

    I don’t need every day to look exactly the same.

    On an active day, I may have more room in my calorie budget.

    On a sedentary day, I may need less food because I’m burning fewer calories.

    The important thing is that I have a way to adjust.

    That’s much better than expecting myself to be perfectly active every single day.

    The Chair Has Finally Met Its Match

    For quite a while, I’ve joked that my chair and my lounge dress have been conspiring against me.

    I still don’t entirely trust either one of them.

    Some days I win. Some days the chair wins. And some days I suspect my lounge dress is working for the chair.

    But now the balance of power has shifted.

    I have the Weight Loss Calorie Calculator.

    If the chair wins the activity battle for one day, that doesn’t mean it gets to win the whole war.

    I can adjust my calorie intake and keep going.

    And tomorrow?

    Tomorrow I’ll get up and try again.

    Calorie Crusaders Tip

    Don’t use a sedentary day as a reason to give up on your plan. If your activity is lower than usual, recalculate your calorie needs for that activity level. You may find that a small adjustment is all you need to stay on track.

    Calorie estimates are only estimates. Individual calorie needs can vary based on metabolism, body composition, health, medications, and other factors. The Calorie Crusaders calculators are intended for general informational purposes and are not a substitute for medical or nutritional advice.

  • Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss: It’s Becoming a Way of Life

    Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss: It’s Becoming a Way of Life

    I have found a really good weapon for my Calorie Crusader arsenal.

    When I first started intermittent fasting for weight loss, I wasn’t sure how well it would work for me. I knew the idea was simple. Eat during a certain number of hours each day and fast during the remaining hours. But would I enjoy it? Would I be hungry all the time? Could I actually stick with it?

    As it turns out, I love it!

    In fact, intermittent fasting has become one of my favorite tools for managing my calories. It feels so natural that I can see myself eating this way for the rest of my life.

    My 16/8 Intermittent Fasting Schedule

    I follow what is commonly called the 16/8 method. That means I have an eight-hour eating window followed by a 16-hour fast.

    Most days, I don’t even think about eating until around 11:30 a.m. or noon. Then I close the kitchen around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.

    And that’s it!

    I don’t spend my mornings watching the clock or wishing I could have breakfast. I’m simply not hungry.

    The surprising thing is how quickly I adjusted. I expected that skipping breakfast might be difficult. Instead, this schedule felt natural almost immediately.

    My Calories Stretch Further

    This is probably my favorite thing about intermittent fasting.

    I have a daily calorie budget. Whether I spread those calories across 12 hours or eight hours, the total is still the same.

    But here’s the difference.

    When I eat during a shorter window, I have fewer hours to divide those calories between. That gives me more room for satisfying meals and even a snack or treat.

    I’m not trying to make my calories disappear. I’m simply making them work better for me.

    And believe me, when you’re trying to lose weight without giving up the foods you love, that makes a difference!

    I’m Not Fighting Hunger

    One of the biggest surprises has been how comfortable I feel during my fasting hours.

    I don’t get hungry during that 16-hour period. I don’t wake up thinking about breakfast. And I don’t feel deprived.

    That doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience. Some people may find fasting uncomfortable or difficult.

    But for me, it has been remarkably easy.

    I think that’s one reason I enjoy it so much. I’m not spending my days fighting against my appetite.

    Instead, I’ve found a routine that seems to fit the way I naturally want to eat.

    My Kitchen Has Business Hours

    Now, this part makes me laugh.

    I’ve always had a kitchen that was open whenever I wanted something to eat. Morning, afternoon, evening, or late at night, the refrigerator was ready to serve.

    Not anymore!

    These days, my kitchen has business hours.

    Around 8:00 p.m., we’re closed!

    The refrigerator may still be running, but I’m officially off duty.

    And the funny thing is, I don’t mind a bit.

    Once I’ve finished eating for the evening, I don’t feel the need to wander back into the kitchen looking for something else.

    Apparently, even my refrigerator can learn to respect a schedule!

    I’m Flexible When I Need to Be

    I don’t believe a weight-loss plan should make everyday life unnecessarily difficult.

    Some mornings, I have several hours of heavy housecleaning ahead of me. That’s a lot of physical activity, and I may need breakfast before getting started.

    On those days, I eat breakfast.

    I’m not going to ignore my body’s needs just to keep a perfect fasting schedule.

    The next day, I can return to my usual routine.

    To me, that’s part of making this a lifestyle rather than another strict diet.

    Intermittent Fasting Isn’t Magic

    I want to make one thing clear.

    Intermittent fasting doesn’t make calories stop counting.

    I still pay attention to what I eat. I still measure portions and use my calorie calculator. And I still work toward staying within my daily calorie budget.

    For me, the benefit is that intermittent fasting makes those things easier.

    I have fewer hours available for eating, and I’m more satisfied with the meals I enjoy during that time.

    It’s also important to remember that intermittent fasting isn’t right for everyone. Some people need regular meals because of medications or medical conditions. Anyone considering fasting should make sure it’s appropriate for their health.

    I Think I’m Here to Stay

    When I started Calorie Crusaders again, I wanted to find a way to lose weight that I could actually live with.

    I didn’t want to give up all my favorite foods. I didn’t want to be miserable. And I certainly didn’t want another plan that I would abandon after a few weeks.

    Intermittent fasting has turned out to be a wonderful fit for me.

    I enjoy my meals. I feel satisfied. And I don’t spend my fasting hours wishing I could eat.

    Most importantly, I don’t feel like I’m enduring something temporary.

    I feel like I’ve found a way of eating that I can happily continue for years to come.

    And that’s a pretty wonderful feeling.

    So, if you’re looking for me before noon, I’ll probably be enjoying my morning coffee.

    The kitchen doesn’t open until lunchtime!

    Another weapon for my Calorie Crusader arsenal.

    Happy crusading!

    Calorie Crusaders Reminder: This article shares my personal experience, not medical advice. Intermittent fasting affects people differently and may not be appropriate for everyone. Talk with your healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication that may be affected by fasting.

  • Glenn Joins the Calorie Crusade

    Glenn Joins the Calorie Crusade

    Well, apparently the Calorie Crusade is contagious. Glenn has joined me, and now we’re losing weight together.

    I mentioned in my article about Cronometer that Glenn had started using it too. That was worth a sentence then, but I think it deserves a little more attention now.

    I’m no longer the only Calorie Crusader in this house.

    It Started With Cronometer

    I’ve been using Cronometer to keep track of my calories and nutrition, and Glenn decided to give it a try too.

    Now we’re both entering our food and keeping track of what we’re eating.

    I think that’s going to be a good thing.

    When only one person in a household is trying to pay attention to food, it can sometimes feel like you’re doing your own separate little project.

    Now we’re doing it together.

    We’re Still Two Different People

    That doesn’t mean Glenn and I need to eat exactly the same amount or have exactly the same goals.

    We don’t.

    We’re two different people.

    But we can still support each other while each of us follows the plan that works for us.

    We can eat many of the same meals. We can talk about what we’re learning. We can compare notes about Cronometer. And when one of us discovers something useful, we can share it with the other.

    That makes the whole process a little more interesting.

    It Makes Cooking Easier Too

    There’s another practical advantage to having both of us paying attention.

    We live in the same house and eat a lot of the same food!

    When I make one of our regular recipes, I can enter it into Cronometer and figure out the calories and nutrients per serving.

    Then we’re both working from the same information.

    I’m already paying more attention to portions and what’s actually going into our meals. Now that information can be useful to both of us.

    I’m Not Going to Be the Food Police

    There is one thing I don’t want this to become.

    I don’t want to spend my days watching what Glenn eats, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to spend his days watching what I eat.

    We’re adults.

    We’re each responsible for our own choices.

    If Glenn wants something, that’s his decision. If I want something, that’s mine.

    Supporting each other doesn’t mean policing each other.

    I’d much rather have someone beside me saying, “Okay, let’s keep going.”

    Two Calorie Crusaders

    I’m glad Glenn decided to join me.

    Losing weight and changing habits are still things each of us has to do for ourselves. Nobody else can make those choices for us.

    But that doesn’t mean we have to do everything alone.

    We can encourage each other.

    We can laugh about the occasional ridiculous serving size.

    We can share recipes.

    We can celebrate the good weeks.

    And when one of us has a not-so-good week, maybe the other one can help remind us that one week isn’t the whole journey.

    When I brought Calorie Crusaders back, I thought I was restarting my own journey.

    It looks like I’ve picked up another crusader along the way.

    Welcome aboard, Glenn.

  • I Increased My Activity for Weight Loss — Here Are My Results

    I Increased My Activity for Weight Loss — Here Are My Results

    Last week, I decided to increase my activity for weight loss and see what happened.

    The week before, I had been much too sedentary. I was still watching my calories, but I wasn’t moving enough. At the end of that week, I had lost only 0.6 pound.

    That wasn’t terrible. A loss is still a loss. But I thought I could do better.

    So I decided to run a little one-week experiment.

    My Goal for the Week

    I wasn’t trying to turn myself into an exercise fanatic overnight. I simply wanted to move more during my normal day.

    My goal was to be lightly active instead of sedentary whenever I could.

    I used our Weight Loss Calorie Calculator to see how my activity level affected the number of calories I could eat while still working toward my weight-loss goal.

    According to the calculator, I should lose about 1.5 pounds.

    Try the Weight Loss Calorie Calculator

    Now I had a number to test.

    I Didn’t Need a Gym to Move More

    One thing I’ve been learning is that physical activity doesn’t have to mean a formal workout.

    There are plenty of opportunities to move during an ordinary day.

    Cooking gets me on my feet. Housework gets me moving. Taking care of the chickens counts. Walking counts. Even those little trips around the house add up.

    That is why we created the Everyday Activity Burn Calculator.

    You can choose different ordinary activities and see an estimate of how many calories you may burn doing them.

    Try the Everyday Activity Burn Calculator

    That calculator helped me look at everyday movement differently.

    Instead of thinking, I need to exercise, I could think, I need to move.

    For me, that’s a lot easier.

    What I Actually Did

    I didn’t manage to be lightly active every single day.

    For five days, I was lightly active.

    For two days, I was sedentary.

    That’s real life.

    Some days I move more than others. The important thing was that I had increased my activity quite a bit compared with the previous week.

    Then came weigh-in day.

    The Results Are In

    I lost 1.6 pounds!

    The calculator had predicted approximately 1.5 pounds.

    That’s only one-tenth of a pound difference between the calculator’s estimate and what actually showed up on my scale.

    I was very pleased with that.

    I was even happier when I compared it with the previous week.

    When I was too sedentary, I lost 0.6 pound.

    After increasing my activity, I lost 1.6 pounds.

    That’s a full pound more on the scale this week.

    Did the Extra Activity Cause the Difference?

    I can’t say that every bit of that difference came from being more active.

    Body weight naturally fluctuates. Water, digestion and other factors can affect the number on the scale from one week to the next.

    That’s one reason I don’t want to judge my progress by a single weigh-in.

    Still, this experiment gave me exactly the kind of result I was hoping to see.

    I ate according to my calorie goal. I increased my everyday activity. The calculator predicted a loss of about 1.5 pounds.

    And I lost 1.6.

    I’ll take it!

    Everyday Movement Really Does Matter

    The biggest lesson I learned this week is that I don’t have to spend hours exercising to become more active.

    I can look for opportunities to move throughout my day.

    I can cook. I can clean. I can walk. I can take care of the animals. I can get up and do something instead of spending quite so much time sitting.

    Those ordinary activities may not feel like exercise.

    But they’re still movement.

    And movement adds up.

    For me, this experiment wasn’t about becoming an athlete.

    It was about getting out of that chair a little more often.

    Apparently, my chair and I needed some time apart anyway. 😂

    One week doesn’t prove anything by itself, so I’m going to keep watching my results. But after losing 0.6 pound during my more sedentary week and 1.6 pounds during my more active week, I’m certainly motivated to keep moving.

  • I Really Didn’t Feel Like Moving Today

    I Really Didn’t Feel Like Moving Today

    This morning, I was really out of snuff.

    I knew I needed to figure out how to be more active during the day. There was just one problem.

    I really, really didn’t feel like doing it.

    I’ve been down in my back lately, and somewhere along the way I got out of the habit of getting things done. On days when we don’t have work, I’ve even gotten into the habit of staying in my lounge dress all day.

    This morning, I needed to figure out how to get myself moving again.

    I Started by Journaling

    I tried journaling first.

    That helped a little. Writing things down gave me a chance to think about what was bothering me and what I wanted to accomplish.

    But I still needed something more practical.

    So I made myself a list.

    It wasn’t a list of exercises. It was a list of ordinary daily tasks that would get me up and moving.

    Some of them were very simple.

    Wash my face.

    Make the bed.

    Clean the kitchen.

    These aren’t things I would normally think of as exercise. But they do require me to get out of my chair and move.

    And that was exactly what I needed.

    Then I Got Dressed

    This may sound like a little thing, but I think it made a big difference.

    I got dressed.

    Not in my lounge dress. I put on regular clothes and my shoes.

    That seemed to tell my brain that the day had started and I had things to do.

    Apparently, my lounge dress may have been conspiring with my chair. I’m keeping an eye on both of them.

    I Put My Day on the Calendar

    I use Google Calendar to help keep myself organized, so I put my tasks there.

    I also set those tasks to repeat every day.

    Now I don’t have to start from scratch each morning and figure out how I’m going to get moving.

    I already have a simple daily activity plan waiting for me in my calendar.

    That gave me something else I needed.

    I could mark things complete.

    There is something satisfying about finishing a task and checking it off. Then I could move on to the next one.

    Instead of looking at the whole day and thinking about everything I needed to accomplish, I could concentrate on one little thing at a time.

    And every little thing got me moving.

    I Watched My Activity Add Up

    I also used the cardio load feature on my Google Health watch.

    I have a weekly cardio goal, and I could see my activity adding up as I went through my day.

    That gave me another little push to keep going.

    I wasn’t doing a formal workout. I was simply trying to have an active day.

    And it was working.

    Even Feeding the Chickens Became Exercise

    Normally, I might take the golf cart out to feed the chickens.

    Today I walked.

    It was a small decision, but that’s really what the whole day was about.

    Small decisions.

    Get dressed instead of staying in my lounge dress.

    Put on my shoes.

    Make the bed.

    Clean the kitchen.

    Walk instead of taking the golf cart.

    One choice didn’t amount to very much. But by the end of the day, all those choices had added up to a good amount of light activity.

    I Didn’t Wait Until I Felt Like It

    I think that’s the biggest thing I learned today.

    This morning, I didn’t feel motivated.

    I could have waited around hoping motivation would eventually show up.

    Instead, I started doing little things.

    And somewhere along the way, my attitude changed.

    I felt more focused. I felt more productive. And I ended up having a very good day.

    Maybe I don’t always have to feel motivated before I start.

    Maybe sometimes I just need to put on my shoes and do the first thing on the list.

    Then I can see where the day takes me.

    Today, it took me all the way out to the chicken coop.

    On foot.

  • I’m Not Giving Up the Foods I Love

    I’m Not Giving Up the Foods I Love

    I’m losing weight, but I’m not giving up the foods I love. In fact, eating favorite foods while losing weight is an important part of making this something I can actually stick with.

    I’m counting calories. I’m weighing some of my food. I’m paying more attention to nutrition, and I’m keeping track of what I eat.

    But there’s something I’m not planning to do.

    I’m not giving up the foods I love.

    I’ve Got to Live With This

    I have a lot of weight to lose.

    That means this isn’t something I’m going to do for a few weeks and then go back to eating exactly the way I did before.

    If I’m going to lose the weight and keep it off, I’m going to have to learn how to eat differently for the long haul.

    And I don’t want to spend the rest of my life believing that there are foods I’m never allowed to eat again.

    That doesn’t sound particularly realistic to me.

    It doesn’t sound like much fun, either.

    I Have a Calorie Budget

    One of the things I like about counting calories is that I have choices.

    I think of my calories somewhat like money.

    I have a certain amount available to spend each day. Some foods are relatively inexpensive. Others can use up a pretty big chunk of my budget.

    That doesn’t mean I can’t have the expensive ones.

    It just means I have to decide whether they’re worth the price.

    If I want a hamburger, I can have a hamburger.

    If I want dessert occasionally, I can have dessert.

    If Glenn and I go out to eat, I’m going to order something I enjoy.

    The trick is figuring out how to make those things fit.

    Portion Size Makes a Difference

    Sometimes I don’t need to give something up. I just need less of it.

    That’s one reason my food scale has become such a useful little gadget.

    There can be a big difference between having some of a favorite food and having as much of it as I can possibly eat.

    I’m learning what a reasonable portion looks like.

    Sometimes I’ll decide that a smaller amount is enough. Other times I may decide that I really want the whole thing and adjust the rest of my day accordingly.

    Either way, I’m making the decision.

    Nutrition Still Matters

    Of course, there’s a little more to this than staying under a calorie number.

    I want most of what I eat to give my body something it needs.

    I need protein. I need fiber. I need vitamins and minerals. I want fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods to make up a substantial part of what I eat.

    If I used my entire calorie budget on cookies, I might technically have counted the calories, but I wouldn’t consider that a particularly successful day.

    Calories matter to my weight-loss plan.

    Nutrition matters to my health.

    I want to pay attention to both.

    I Don’t Want a “Cheat Day”

    I’m also not particularly fond of the idea of calling something a cheat food or a cheat meal.

    If I’ve decided I can have it, I’m not cheating.

    I’m eating.

    Maybe it’s something I won’t eat very often. Maybe it’s something with a lot of calories. Maybe I’ll have to make some adjustments elsewhere in my day.

    But I haven’t broken a rule.

    That’s important to me because I don’t want to divide food into things I’m “good” for eating and things I’m “bad” for eating.

    It’s food.

    I get to decide how much of it fits into the life I’m trying to build.

    The Goal Is to Learn How to Eat

    For me, eating favorite foods while losing weight isn’t about finding loopholes in my calorie plan.

    It’s about learning.

    I want to learn how much food I actually need. I want to learn which foods keep me satisfied. I want to learn when something is worth the calories and when it really isn’t.

    And I want to learn how to enjoy something I love without turning it into an excuse to abandon everything else I’m doing.

    That’s a skill I’m going to need long after the weight comes off.

    So yes, I’m changing the way I eat.

    Quite a bit, actually.

    But I’m not saying goodbye to hamburgers, desserts, restaurant meals or the other foods I enjoy.

    I’m just learning how to make room for them.

    Because this Calorie Crusade isn’t about seeing how much I can give up.

    It’s about learning how I can live.

  • Two Pounds Down

    Two Pounds Down

    This morning I stepped on the scale and discovered that I lost two pounds this week.

    I’ll take it!

    I’m counting calories again, paying attention to what I’m eating and trying to make better choices. And this week, at least, the scale moved in the direction I wanted it to go.

    Two Pounds Is Encouraging

    I know better than to expect the scale to cooperate every single week.

    Weight fluctuates. Some weeks I may lose more than expected. Some weeks I may lose very little. There will probably be weeks when I do everything right and the scale doesn’t move at all.

    That’s one reason I’m trying to look at this as a long-term project rather than a race from one weigh-in to the next.

    But I’m still going to enjoy seeing those two pounds disappear!

    It’s encouraging.

    I’m Not Changing the Plan

    A good week doesn’t mean I need to start eating less or exercising like crazy so I can lose even faster.

    What I’m doing right now is working, so I’m going to keep doing it.

    I’m going to keep counting my calories.

    I’m going to keep paying attention to nutrition.

    I’m going to keep using the tools in my Calorie Crusader toolbox.

    And I’m going to keep living my life.

    That’s important to me because I don’t want to follow some temporary diet that I can’t wait to finish. I’m trying to figure out how to eat and live in a way I can continue.

    One Week at a Time

    Two pounds isn’t my entire goal.

    Not even close.

    But I didn’t gain all of my extra weight in one week, and I’m certainly not going to lose it all in one week.

    So I’m going to celebrate the small victories along the way.

    This week, that’s two pounds.

    Next week? We’ll see.

    Whatever that scale says, I’ll gather the information, keep going and see where this Calorie Crusade takes me.

    This week’s progress: 2 pounds down.

  • When Life Gets in the Way of Counting Calories

    When Life Gets in the Way of Counting Calories

    I’m counting calories again.

    I’ve done this before, so I already know that counting calories works for me. I also know something else. Somewhere along the way, life has a tendency to get in the way.

    It probably won’t be one big dramatic event that causes me to quit. More likely, it will be a time when there are simply too many things competing for my attention.

    That’s happened before.

    For a number of years, I was involved in taking care of Mom and Dad. They needed me, and taking care of them became a much higher priority than keeping track of everything I ate. I was overwhelmed. Something had to give, and counting calories was one of the things I let go.

    I don’t regret that decision.

    There are times in life when something truly is more important than losing weight.

    There have been other times when nothing quite that important happened. There was simply too much work, too much stress, too much to think about and not enough of me to go around. When that happens, something that requires daily attention can gradually fall by the wayside.

    That’s what I want to guard against this time.

    I Don’t Have to Be Perfect

    I’ve been thinking that perhaps my mistake in the past wasn’t that I stopped counting calories. Sometimes life really does become overwhelming.

    Maybe the mistake was thinking of stopping as quitting.

    Those are two very different things.

    If life gets crazy and I miss a day of counting calories, I haven’t quit. If I have an unusually stressful week and don’t do very well, I haven’t quit. If circumstances become so demanding that I deliberately decide to put calorie counting aside for a little while, I still haven’t quit.

    I’ve simply stopped for a while.

    And I can start again.

    I Need a Way Back

    This time I want to have a plan before the obstacles arrive.

    On the really busy days, maybe I don’t need to count every calorie perfectly. Perhaps I can simply keep a rough record of what I’ve eaten. That’s better than completely losing touch with what I’m doing.

    And when things calm down, I don’t need to wait until Monday, the first of the month, or some magical day when I’m suddenly motivated again.

    I can start with the very next meal.

    I think that’s important.

    There will always be another project. There will always be work to do. There will be stressful days and unexpected problems. I can’t build a weight-loss plan that depends upon life remaining calm, because life has never shown much interest in cooperating with my plans.

    The Calorie Crusade Continues

    I’m going into this knowing that there will be obstacles.

    I’m also going into it knowing something I didn’t fully appreciate before: getting temporarily knocked off course doesn’t mean the journey is over.

    I’ve been down this road before. This time, I want to recognize the obstacles before I get to them.

    And if one of them knocks me down?

    I’ll get back up and keep going.

    After all, I’m a Calorie Crusader.

  • Calorie Crusaders is Back

    Calorie Crusaders is Back

    Years ago, I started something called Calorie Crusaders.

    It grew out of my own efforts to lose weight by doing something remarkably simple: counting calories.

    I only kept Calorie Crusaders going for a few months, but during that time I wrote about what I was eating, what I was learning and how I was doing. Eventually, life moved on, other things took priority, and Calorie Crusaders was put aside.

    Well, Calorie Crusaders is back.

    And so am I.

    I’m Counting Calories Again

    I’ve decided to start counting calories again and make a serious effort to lose weight.

    This isn’t a new idea for me. I’ve counted calories before, and I know it works for me. There are countless diets and weight-loss programs out there, but I’ve always liked the simplicity of knowing how many calories I’m eating and making my choices accordingly.

    There are no forbidden foods.

    I don’t have to eliminate entire food groups. I don’t have to eat special foods. I don’t have to prepare one meal for myself and something entirely different for everyone else.

    I have a calorie budget, and I decide how I want to spend it.

    Of course, that doesn’t mean nutrition isn’t important. It is. I want to pay attention not only to calories but also to what I’m getting from those calories.

    But when it comes to losing weight, counting calories gives me a structure that I understand and can live with.

    Why Bring Back Calorie Crusaders?

    I could just count my calories quietly and go about my business.

    But I’ve discovered something about myself over the years.

    Writing about what I’m doing helps me stay interested in what I’m doing.

    Calorie Crusaders gives me a place to talk about the things I’m learning, the things that work, the things that don’t work and probably a few things that don’t go according to plan at all.

    It gives me a project.

    And projects motivate me.

    There’s another reason I’m bringing Calorie Crusaders back.

    It’s fun.

    That’s actually a pretty important reason.

    I enjoy working on the website. I enjoy writing about what I’m doing. I enjoy experimenting with food and figuring out how to make things fit into my calorie budget. I enjoy watching a project develop from an idea into something real.

    Losing weight is going to take a long time. If I’m going to stick with something for that long, why shouldn’t I find a way to make it enjoyable?

    Calorie Crusaders makes it more fun.

    This Time I Know There Will Be Obstacles

    I’m not starting this thinking that every day is going to go perfectly.

    I’ve done this before.

    I know there will be days when I’m hungry. There will probably be days when I eat more than I intended. There will be holidays, restaurant meals, busy days and stressful days. There will be weeks when the scale doesn’t do what I think it ought to do.

    Life will happen.

    In the past, some of those things have eventually caused me to lose focus. That’s something I’m going to be thinking and writing about this time around.

    I don’t need to be perfect.

    I need to keep coming back.

    So Here We Go

    I still have some of my old Calorie Crusaders writing, and eventually I hope to bring some of it back here too.

    I’ll write about calorie counting, the foods I’m eating, the tools I’m using and the things I learn along the way. I’ll share the successes, but I also want to talk honestly about the difficult parts.

    I don’t know exactly where all of this will lead.

    I do know where it starts.

    I’m counting calories again.

    I’m writing about it again.

    I’m having fun with it again.

    Calorie Crusaders is back.

    Let’s see where we go from here.