The Lounge

if you see an error or broken link you can e-mail me at ambereve77@yahoo.ca or message me in my journal :) Thanks!

UPDATED FEBRUARY 07, 2007

EDIT: Moved original post to reply #1

This is what there is so far, they are NOT done and can and will be edited at will to correct any errors, add info and all that good stuff. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a look. We don't require a lot from you, just your soul.. umm I mean.. input. Pick a Question, click the link to the Answer, check it over. Did we miss some vital info? Spelling error? Have a handy link? Anything... just lemme know, k? Easy as an analysis pie :)


Welcome to Calorie-Count! Here you will find a wonderful resource on your journey to being a healthier you.  We have terrific free tools to help you determine what your body's needs are for losing weight in a healthy manner and lively forums filled with folks ready to help.  Some of those folks have put together this list of frequently asked questions to help you out!  Of course we don't claim to be doctors or to know everything! ;)  We've provided you with handy linkage to where our numbers/info came from so you can explore on your own and decide for yourself.  Forum discussions about some subjects are also provided in the handy linkage.  Also, please check out the Official Calorie-Count FAQs  as well as the Calorie-Count Library! If this is your first time here, please try the walkthrough :)  Don't forget to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program or changing your diet! 

Click here for a list of useful links!

Top 4 tagged posts;

1. The Calorie-Count.com Diet
2. Calories In V.S Calories Out - Proper Caloric Deficits
3. Plenty of information and useful tips!
4. Fat Loss Beyond Calories In & Calories Out

:) Click the Q for the A! :)

Q :  Can I consume less than 1200 calories a day and still lose weight in a healthy manner?


Q :   Am I doing this right? The math behind calorie counting.


Q :  What is Starvation Mode? How do I know I'm in it and how do I get out?


Q :  Teens - How much should I weigh? What is normal?


Q :  What is a good ratio of calories?


Q:   How can I increase my protein?  


Q :  How can I get more fiber in my diet?


Q : carbs, the good the bad and the ugly! i think i stole this but i dont know where from heehee


Q : cholesterol


Q :  Help! I snack at night! What can I do? 


Q :  How much sodium is too much sodium?


Q :  WATER! Why should I drink water? How much? Is there a such thing as too much? Can I log it? Why does it only get a B?


Q :  What do I do when my food isn't in the datebase? What if I only want half of a serving? The packages nutritional information doesn't match the info in the database, what do I do?


Q :  What are Goals and Rewards?   Why are people talking about them?  How do I make mine and what kind should I be setting? Are rewards even important?  Can these things really help me? 


Q : How and when should I weigh myself? And what's the deal with the lines on my weight log? (maybe done?)


Q : How do I take my measurements properly? (enough? need more?)


Q : BMI. What is it? How do I figure it out?


Q : What are eating disorders? Do I have one?


Q : What are the rules of engagement here at CC? What is netiquette? Why has my post moved? Why has the content changed?


Q : Are negative or zero calories foods real? What are they? What about my 0 calorie salad dressing?


Q : How do I figure out how many calories I burn? What is my expenditure?


Q : Diet pills, do they work? Are they safe? Can I keep the weight off using diet pills? Is it healthy?


Q : Can I lose weight without exercise?


Q : Cravings. Are they real or all in my head? Why do I get them?


Q : "I get so emotional baby.." Is this normal?

Miscellaneous How Tos

Q :  Where do I get the cool lil virtual people I keep seeing on peoples profiles?   


Q :  How do you get the pictures to pop up when you mouse over your screen name?


Q :  How do you get pictures in your profile?


Q :  Awesome ticker you say? You want one? In your profile?

---------1 pound of fluid loss = 16 ounces of fluid so in revers...16 ounces of fluid would prolly come pretty durn close to 1 pound of weight...? maybe? --------- 

Garnie. I would also like to see a question around how to edit a message posted in the public forums. Please refer to this thread:

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1751 4.html

And for protein related questions and information, there seems to be a pretty good discussion going on and more information available in this thread:

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1748 1.html

Which then brings me to the really big point!!!

I think it is important to have a disclaimer!!! All of this information is member submitted, most of it coming from various sources on the internet. Some of the information can even be contradictory information from two very reliable medical sources.

I sort of wrote something out in message #9 of the above mention post regarding protein. And something in message #8 of this thread: http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1751 1.html

I'm not sure what the wording should be... but there is a couple rough examples. =)

Oh yeah... and one more thing (gosh, don't you hate me!) =) I would like to see perhaps something about setting attainables goals. Making small goals that feed into larger goals and some of the support related to that. Hmm... something like:

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1744 7.html

And maybe something with the treasure hunt and stuff like that? Because it seems that the treasure hut has turned into finding relevent useful tips. =)

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1704 7.html

Do we have this covered somewhere? I am suppose to eat Y calories, then I exercise and burn X calories. Am I suppose to now eat Y+X?

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1751 5.html

(see the second message in the post, there is some more links to threads with similiar topics) Just pay attention to the questions that come across the public forums for a day. =) And we will remember the ones that we've seen repeated.

Also, I would like to see this thread included in the Goals topic:

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1749 6.html

And I would like to see the question - "There is an error in the information listed for a food item".

I know Erik has given us a description before about the slight variations in the database. But for example there was a obvious typo in information, 50 grams of fat when it should have been listed as 5 grams of fat. It's odd, because it came up twice today. =) Weird how those things happen. Anyhow, I think a question around an obvious error in the database and how to contact Erik via email.

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1751 2.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1750 8.html

THIS is what is done so far on the community project.

when it's posted folks will be able to click on their question and be taken to the post with the answer.

Any and all suggestions/links are still welcome.

Q :  Can I consume less than 1200 calories a day and still lose weight in a healthy manner?


A :  If you are a woman you need, unless under medical supervision from your doctor, 1200 calories a day (some sources recommend 1500). If exercising you will also need to consume more calories.

For men 1500 calories a day is the minimum (up to 1800 calories is recommended by some sites). Again, if exercising you'll need to consume more calories.

Going under 1200 or 1500 calories one day will not send you straight to starvation mode, not to worry :) If you need help getting more calories in your diet, click here and here.

Everyone is different and so will naturally have different needs. 1200 calories for women - 1500 calories for men is only a general guideline for a typical person. Heavier, taller, thinner, shorter people will of course, have different needs and will therefore consume more calories on a daily basis. Speak to your doctor and/or nutritionist. Find out what is right for you.

Daily deficits must stay between 500-1000 calories for a 1-2 pound weight loss per week. Having a greater deficit than 1000 calories and you risk starvation mode.

Severly calorie restricted diets can cause serious harm to your body, throw off your metabolism and damage your organs. If you're serious about losing weight in a healthy manner use this site to your advantage. Use the tools, read the forums.

Forum Discussions and Info:
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/3178 .html#6
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8532 .html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1223 0.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/4815 .html


Handy Linkagae:
http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeepin g/diet/supermar ket/qas/0,,686685_704150,00.html
http://www.annecollins.com/calc/5.htm
http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/discretionar y_calories_amou nt_table.html
http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/diet/ faq6.cfm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/artic le/001940.htm

Q :  Am I doing this right? The math behind calorie counting.

A :  Add calories exercised to calories burned, subtract consumed calories (for losing weight, add if you're trying to gain), that will equal your deficit which should land between 500-1000 calories for a 1-2lb weight loss per week.

e.g. 2000 cals burned sitting on yer butt + 300 cals burned walking the dog = 2300 calories burned, subtract 1500 calories consumed = 800 calorie deficit (enough calories to fuel your body and lose weight! woo) 

Don't know how many calories you burn sitting on your butt? Click here and check out this link :) Everyone is different, there is no magical formula that will work for everone. It will take some trail and error on your part to determine what works for you. Please, listen to your body. Always make sure what you've consumed is at least 1200 calories.

Handy Linkage :
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/calorie s-burned.php
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8517 .html
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8532 .html

Q : What is Starvation Mode? How do I know I'm in it and how do I get out?

A:   "During times of famine and starvation, their bodies became programmed to slow down metabolism and conserve every calorie in order to survive. That programming hasn't changed today, despite the significant amounts of food available. So, every time you go on a starvation diet or crash diet, your body kicks in to "starvation mode" and lowers your metabolism in an effort to conserve every calorie you eat. For all your body knows, a famine has set in for months, and it must do what it can to survive. In addition, when you lose weight too rapidly, the body uses muscle tissue as a primary source of energy." according to www.thedietchannel.com

How many are enough calories? If you're a woman, 1200 calories and for men 1500-1800 calories. After exercise. This doesn't mean you can eat 1200 cals ladies and then go burn 600 in the gym!

If you are in starvation mode, it is mostly likely that you will not lose weight for a long period of time. How to get out of it is to eat more calories.

Check with your doctor or fitness center, you may be able to do a breath test to determine how many calories your body needs.


Handy Linkage:
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8532 .html#20
http://www.thedietchannel.com/weightloss1.htm
http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/calories /burning_calori es/starvation.htm
http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/32093 .htm

Q : Teens - How much should I weigh? What is normal?

A : As with everyone, always, always, always talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss or exercise program. Teens bodies are still growing and changing. You run the risk of doing permanent damage to your body when trying to lose weight in an inappropriate manner so please, talk with your doctor first. If you are overweight they will know best how to advise you, offer any suggestions and help.

To find out of you have a healthy BMI try this handy tool and check out these websites;

Handy Linkage:
http://www.girlshealth.gov/nutrition/bmi_calc .cfm
http://www.overweightteen.com/
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/d ieting/weight_h eight.html
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion /a/05_eating_do .htm
http://www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/youth/teamweig ht.asp
http://teenadvice.about.com/cs/bodyimage/bb/t eendieting.htm

Q : What is a good ratio of calories?

A : Everyone is different and therefore everyone has different needs. The goal is to find what works for you. Here are some guidelines; 40-50% Carbs, 25-35% protein, 20-30% fat.

Be sure to choose complex carbs instead of simple carbohydrate as well as 'good' fats.

Handy Linkage:
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/nutrient_cal culator.htm
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/handouts/macronu trients.htm
http://sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_art icles.asp?id=37 2
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml? identifier=532

Q: How can I increase my protein?  

A: Protein. Adults need about 1 gram of protein per kilogram body weight, or 0.45 grams per pound. Foods high in protein include;

• Boiled egg whites,  1/2 cup of non-fat cottage cheese
  
  
• Spinach,  Brocolli,  Tuna,  Turkey,  Salmon,  Lamb
  
  
• Adzuki beans,   Black beans,  Special K Soy Protein cereal
  
  
• Skim Milk, Tofu,  Quinoa,  Organic crunchy peanut butter
  
  
• Blanched Almonds,  Chicken breasts without the skin

Handy Linkage :
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/nutrien ts/protein/prot ein.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8339 .html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1223 0.html#6
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8532 .html#8
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1748 1.html

Q : How can I get more fiber in my diet?

A : Fiber. For adults in the US the American Heart Association recommends 15 g of fiber daily. Some organizations recommend that dietary fiber intake should be 25 - 30 grams a day. For those looking to lower cholesterol Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa recommends 45 - 50 grams of fiber daily.

If you're eating 25 or more grams of fiber a day, be sure to drink lots of water to avoid bowel problems. :)

Foods high in Fiber include;

• Asparagus,  Beans (string, green),  Broccoli,  Turnips
  
  
• Brussels sprouts,  Cabbage (red, white),  Sweet potatoes
  
  
• Carrots,  Cauliflower,  Corn (canned),  Kale leaves,  Zucchini
  
  
• Parsnip,  Peas,  Beets,  Potatoes,  Spinach,  Squash (summer) 
  
  
• Bean sprouts,  Celery,  Cucumb er,  Lettuce (all varieties)
  
  
• Mushrooms,  Onions,  Red and green peppers,  Tomato
  
  
• Apples,  Apricot,  Apricot (dried),  Bananas,  Blueberries
  
  
• Cantaloupe,  Cherries,  Grapefruit,  Grapes,  Oranges
  
  
• Peaches,  Pears,  Pineapples,  Plums,  Lemon,  Prunes
  
  
• Raisins,  Raspberries,  Strawberries,  Watermelon,  Kidney beans
  
  
• Lentils,  Lima beans,  Adzuki beans,  Black beans,  Navy beans
  
  
• Almonds,  Psyllium Husks 

Handy Linkage :
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/article /fiber.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1223 0.html#5
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/6315 .html 
http://www.pritikin.com/eperspective/0608/060 8_03.htm

Q : carbs, the good the bad and the ugly! i think i stole this but i dont know where from heehee

A : In general your carbohydrates should land at about 40-50% of your intake. Ideally most will come from complex carbs such as; pasta, bread, rice and legumes. Simple carbs are not all bad, fruit, veggies, milk and milk products are considered simple carbs. Cakes, candies and other products high in refined sugar are also considered simple carbs and should only be eaten in moderation :)

Have you ever noticed that sometimes after eating a really "good" breakfast, say some toast and orange juice, that very shortly there after not only are you feeling lethargic, but you're hungry.  Very hungry.  Well here's the problem.  When you eat carbs (even good carbs) they may raise your blood sugar level for a bit and then crash.  Then you're left feeling blah and craving more.  So do you have to avoid carbs permanently?  Heck no.  A good trick to learn is to pair your carbs with a protein.  Add an egg and some cheese to your breakfast.  Protein will not only help build your muscles, but it'll also keep you full longer.  Here is an awesome site I found with tips on how to avoid carb craving.


Handy Linkage:
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/4957 .html
http://www.carbs-information.com/blood-glucos e-levels.htm
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/dietandfitness/nutr ition/carbs/qas /0,,267_156580,00.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1223 0.html#4
http://www.weightlossforall.com/complex-carbs .htm
http://www.weightlossforall.com/simple-carbs. htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/image pages/19529.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/image pages/19534.htm

Q : Cholesterol -

A : The levels of cholesterol in your body are not completely determinded by how much cholesterol you eat. To lower your cholesterol mayoclinic.com recommends keeping your cholesterol under 200 mg a day. Based on a 2000 calorie diet the FDA recommends you consume less than 300mg of cholesterol daily. Click here to read more about what the American Heart Association has to say about cholesterol and find answers to other questions such as "What's the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?"


Handy Linkage:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/foodlabel/dvs .html
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/nutrien ts/chole/choles terol.html
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002651. html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1223 0.html#8
http://tjsamson.client.web-health.com/web-hea lth..
http://www.medmovie.com/mmdatabase/MediaPlaye r.aspx?ClientID =20&TopicID=608

Q :  Help! I snack at night! What can I do? 

A :  To avoid nighttime snacking, distract yourself, go for a walk, pick up a craft, call a friend. You might try chewing gum and drinking water as well but if you must snack, try some of the foods found here or here. Also, here are some more suggestions :)

Handy Linkage :
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/article /chocolate.html
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/1550 7.html
http://www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com/articles /Beat_late_nigh t_snacking.htm
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.x sl/home_4246_EN U_HTML.htm
http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/fit/archives/ 000382.html

Q :  How much sodium is too much sodium?

A :   As with everything, check with your doctor to see what is best for you. Your recommended sodium intake will depend on your height, weight and overall health. There are conflicting reports on how much sodium is recommended daily; the American Heart Association and www.about.com recommend no more than 2300mg while www.mayoclinic.com and the USDA suggest 2400mg. For people with health issues such as hypertension it could drop to as low as 1500mg daily.

Click here for a list of great ideas for lowering your sodium intake!


Handy Linkage:
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/nutrien ts/na/sodium.ht ml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dash-diet/HI 00048
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml? identifier=4718
http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/002415rec. htm
http://www.dietbites.com/Sodium-In-Foods/inde x.html

Q :  WATER! Why should I drink water? How much? Is there a such thing as too much? Can I log it? Why does it only get a B?

A :   Yes! You absolutely should drink water, how much depends on you, where you live, and how active you are. A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another 8 ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink coffee or alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another 2 servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

Click here to read more great info on the health benefits of drinking water and alternative sources!

You can drink too much water but if you drink it slowly over the course of the day you should be safe!

It is possible to log your water intake for the day, just add it to your food log. If you're conscious of the grade you may notice that water only gets a B. This is because water does not have any vitamins, minerals or proteins, it is also not high in sugar, sodium or fats. To log your water without pulling your overall grade down entre it manually (option 2) without a weight.


Check out this handy Hydration Calculator!


Handy Linkage:
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/8532 .html
http://www.muscletech.com/CALCULATORS/WATER/W ater_Calculator .shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU0028 3
http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/hyponatremia. html
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterinto x.htm
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/NU/00283.ht ml
http://nutrition.about.com/od/hydrationwater/ a/waterarticle. htm