How to keep calories in check?

[Automatic]

I just read DIESEL's thread about cutting up. I fully understand that in order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. You must eat less than you burn. The part I'm struggling with is how exactly do you make sure to eat the right amount of calories everyday? Does the amount have to be fairly exact?

I understand reading labels and all that, but for me, in the past it was never an exact science. Maybe it hast to do with the fact that I live in a house with my father and brother and I am often convinced by them to follow their eating habits, which are not exactly healthy by any means.

So, I guess my question is: Does anyone here have any tips or habits I could incorporate into my plan to help insure success?

 

[Quiksilver]

1. Buy your own food

2. Calculator

3. Make a chart

I don't really worry about calories unless its WAY over the top. I do heaps of fitness stuff, so as long as you eat calories at the right time and not waaay out of proportion it shouldn't matter too much.

But if you're following DIESEL's cutting guide, you'll need to make a chart and have a CONSISTENT eating pattern, which generally means buy your own food so you know EXACTLY what you're eating and when.

peace

 

[donjuanjovi]

If you have the money, buy a mini-fridge and put it in your room. That way there's no temptations when you open the fridge and see your brothers left over pizza. Like quiksilver said, make a chart. Highlight the crap out of it and post it on your fridge so you don't forget!

 

[simon]

Breaking away from your family's eating patterns is hard, but very doable. It just takes a lot of willpower. They'll probably scoff at you when you refuse their food, but who cares? Remind yourself, every time you're tempted, what you're doing this for and where you want to be. Swear and laugh at the off-limits food if you have to.

The USDA has a good nutrition database at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=7783

And yeah, it pays to be exact.

 

[Automatic]

Thanks for the replies.