6-7 years ago I was running 30+ miles/week and struggling or failing to loose about 10 lbs that I gained while recovering from an injury.  I decided to eliminate added sugars from my diet and within 6 months had lost 25 lbs and was down to 162.  It sounds good on paper but that is too light for me at 6'2".  I've pretty much quit running but have really taking a liking to strength training and have been very good about lifting weights 4 days/week. 

Several weeks ago I asked ChatGPT to create a meal plan that would help me loose 10lbs of fat without loosing muscle mass.  It suggested that I eat a 2,000 calorie diet that consists of 200 grams of protein, 170 grams of carbs, and 60 grams of fat.  I've been eating a lot of chicken, cottage cheese, high protein yogurt and high protein shakes, and some brocolli and rice.  In reality it isn't much different that what I prefer to eat but gone are the unlimited corn chips with salsa.  As a side not I do not consume any or many liquid carbs.  I drink lots of water, black coffee, tea, and an occasional Bublr carbonated drink. On the rare occasion I have pop it will be diet. I might drink one beer/month and limit myself to 1-2 small whiskeys/week.

I also started tracking what I eat using an app/website called Cronometer and its confirming what I have long suspected.  I generally don't eat enough to change my body composition.  In the past 10 days I think I've hit my calorie goal 2 times.  Today I have had my regular Premier Protein chocolate shake and Ratio yogurt for breakfast.  6 oz of pork loin and a cup of cottage cheese for lunch.  A Fairlife chocolate milk for a snack and then two chicken thighs and a cup rice for supper. I even included that 8 fritos and salsa I had before supper! I did a fairly intense but short workout this afternoon for about 25 minutes and can't say I have ever been hungry.  I've met my protein goal for the day but have only at half the carbs I'm supposed to eat and about 2/3 of the fat intake.  Total calories are less than 1,600.

As I said, I've done this before but it wasn't this structured. I don't know where it will lead but the process is fun.  I saw a video recently that really hit stuck with me.  People who successfully manage their diet generally view food as fuel and not entertainment.  I have a few weaknesses with food but compared to many I do good and controlling those cravings.

So, do you track your macros or do you simply count calories?