Predictable weight loss

I took the RDI recommended by Myfatsecret, then targeted 80-85% of the RDI daily. I lost 3.2 pounds. The one pound promised by Fatsecret, and 1.9 pounds as calculated by eating under the RDI. That's a total of 2.9 pounds. That's real close to the 3.2 I lost.

I am now convinced calorie counting without gimmicks is the only way to lose. That is pretty darned accurate.

There is no doubt that counting your calories works. I have been doing it for 15 month with great results.

Counting calories and regular workouts have worked amazingly well for me!!

Agreed, I think if I complicate it too much, the plan become impossible for me to plan for (I don't always get to plan a whole day in advance, many times it requires knowing where I am at for the day, and how many cals I have left on the fly), but knowing that, I make better decisions. Also knowing that, I have room for the things that I want as well, which also helps.

I count calories, but started getting more onto the % side - trying to balance protein,fat and carbs, along with reducing my sodium intake - I was shocked to see how much sodium is in EVERYTHING!!

3500 calories = 1 lb DID NOT work for me. EVER! For months I kept logging everything I ate in a little journal. I can keep track of everything and have a net deficit of 300-500 calories every day for a week for 2 months and lose ZERO pounds. Just happened.

So Jess, what did it finally take for you to be successful?

My first 50lbs lost was done on my own with an extremely low daily caloric intake during the week, a bit more on weekends. Like less than the recommended 1200 per day on probably 3-4 days of the week I'd say, but the average for the week was 1200/day I'd bet, if you include beer! As I lost weight I was hungrier and had to eat more, so had to (and thankfully was able to) workout longer/more intensely. The next 50-came off slower. And the next 20 even slower, and went right back on. I was maintaining while eating 2600 per day.