Counting calories may be a valuable skill to have, but once you've achieved weight loss success, it can be a hard habit to stop. Obsessively counting calories can consume your life, and even lead to eating disorders. Instead of counting calories, focus on healthy lifestyle and fitness changes so that you know that your body is in top form without constantly computing how much you are putting into your body. You'll find a freer, happier way to stay healthy, without all of the counting.
Step 1
Understand correct portion sizes. The National Heart Lung and Blood Association notes that portion size is key to consuming the ideal amount of calories per day. A serving of bread or grains should be about the size of CD or smaller. Vegetables and fruit should be no bigger than a baseball. A serving of fat, like butter, should only be the size of one dice, and a serving of meat or poultry should be less than the size of a deck of playing cards.
Step 2
Buy smaller plates. Going from a dinner plate size to a salad plate size can help you cut as many as 35 percent of calories without ever having to add them up, according to Health.com. You can feel good about clearing your plate, knowing that you are eating less.
Step 3
Trust your body to tell you when you are satisfied. Eat slowly, allowing the transmitters from your body to reach your brain and let you know that you're full. Savor your food and take your time with meals. Your body will let you know when you're done, and when you are, push your plate away. Don't feel obligated to clear your plate.
Step 4
Load up on nutritionally dense foods that are naturally low in calories. Eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and grains can keep you full without filling you with empty calories that are laden with sugar and fat. Nutritionally dense foods will keep you satisfied with the lowest number of calories possible.
Step 5
Incorporate exercise as a way to continue a healthy lifestyle, without worrying about your calorie consumption. In a "U.S. News & World Report" article, Cris Slentz, an exercise physiologist at Duke University Medical Center notes that physical activity is what effectively determines your weight and lifestyle, not the number of calories you consume. Stay active and find new ways to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day and stop counting calories.
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