Maintaining Caloric Intake

[IRONMAN83]

I just wanted to get an I idea of how some of the other lifters out there keep track of their caloric intake? When I first started lifting I kept meticulous records and counted every calorie and while I got good results, it was a pain in the ass. Now I pretty much wing it but my physique has suffered as a consequence.
BWT, if your methods change between when your bulking and dieting, please vote as if youre dieting. Thanks for your input.

 

[AZBodyZone]

Truthfully, I only count calories when prepping for a show or trying to shred down. For the most part I just go by how my body feels.

 

[xcelbeyond]

You don't give the answer I'd provide.

I figure out my basic diet so I have an idea on caloric and macronutrient intake, then stick relatively close to it - but I don't count everything I eat "specifically." It's the only way I know if I'm eating 2,000 or 3,000 calories or 200 or 300g protein, etc.

 

[big_byrd52]

Used to be really anal about it. i wouldnt eat out at all, i took tupperware everywhere i went. Now i do like excel and know what i need and what i need to eat to get there. i do try to eat the same every day, one cause i love chicken and potatoes, and 2 i like having structure to things, but as long as im close then im doin good. body comp has not suffered from it. used to eat by the clock no matter what. i still do somewhat, but if im not hungry i wont eat as much. i am learning my body will tell me when it needs food--but for last 2 days it has been telling me to face plant everything not nailed down!

 

[IRONMAN83]

Thanks for the input guys! I was thinking about going back to counting every calorie but it seems that many of the people on this board (most of whom are pretty successful in thier endevors) keep the record keeping in moderation.

 

[big_byrd52]

I think its important to do for at least a little while till u get a grasp of what food has what cals and such. after that u pretty much know what ur eating and dont have to be so anal about it.

 

[Cman34677]

I have found the exact diet that I need for when all I do is sit on my ass all day in a chair in front of a computer... that will make me grow w/o gaining too much fat.. or no fat at all... then from there all I do is adjust it according to what else I do that day... like if I help my bud move, then I'll eat more before during and right after, then back to what I was doing before... or if I go swimming or w/e... anything... I just use the same basic diet plan, but just eat more if I expend more

CMan