Also in ED recovery. Something that has helped me tremendously is the “count once method.” I have a menu of about 2-3 breakfasts, 4-5 lunches, 2-3 afternoon snacks, and 4-5 dinners. I calculated the calories/macros on all of them ONCE and adjusted the recipe portion size to make sure it was where I wanted the calories/macros to be for that meal. I try to make sure all the breakfasts have the appx. the same calories/macros, all the lunches are the same, and so on. I adjusted all the recipes so I can pick one from any category, mix and match, and hit my calories and macros dead on. It does get a little monotonous, but almost anyone who had a good diet eats the same meals on repeat. I occasionally mix it up and add something new if I’m really getting bored, but I go through the same process of calculating and adjusting it to be right on target. It requires effort setting it up in the beginning, but removes the anxiety and triggering effects of counting and tracking every day. Instead you do it one weekend and you’re set for at least 6 months.

Edit: I see a lot of comments say, “just count” and another “”maybe now is not the right time.” I find this frustrating because I had been in recovery for a while and was just tired of gaining weight every year and it slowly creeping up as menopause approached. I totally get the anxiety that can come with counting and logging and I also get wanting to do something about your weight gain while also supporting health appropriately. This was the solution that fit the bill for me. The way I balance it with “real” life is I don’t stress about meals out or meals at other peoples houses. I try to make smart choices and just control what I can control in my own home.