Calorie Counters? Any losers out there (so to speak)?

[rhetoric]

My wife and I were inspired by some friends who count calories and loose weight.  We don't want to be anal about it (we're not obese -- just a few pounds over where we should be) and we aren't really worried about BMR and all that stuff -- just want to keep track of our numbers.  And we don't really want to join weight watchers or anything, but are wondering if there are some free and easy online resources like...
A:  A chart that has  most basic foods listed w/ calories. (it's a pain to look up every food every time, even on the internet).
B: A place to keep track (list and chart intake).
I know we could just write it all down on a piece of paper, but thought some website might help give ideas (one that doesn't require us to put in a credit card number!).
Thanks!!!

[Timalan]

I use livestrong lite for the iPad. Also it keeps track of calories burned if you walk or ride a bike. I was 185 at my largest 135 at my lightest since putting on the 185. Was back to about 160 and now 149. Gonna lose back to 135. I am a small man. Still have pudge gut at 135!

[George R. Young]

Stuck at 180 lb, trying to bulk up to 185. Too much bicycling.

[Nosmo]

Sorry, waaaaay too much thinking involved.  "Bicycling" weight for me should be about 170.  I'm at 180 nowhave been since May, down fron 210 in early January.  I just looked at what I thought I wanted to eat and asked myself, "Do I need this right now, or do I just think I want it?"  If the answer was "No", then I didn't eat it.  Instead of three doughnuts, I ate 1/2 of one.  A 1/2 plate of spaghetti instead of the whole pot etc.  No candy machine passing through the company lobby in the morning.  Thirty pounds just flew off.  Good luck.

[DannyL]

I need to drop about 20 pounds myself. I remember looking at my dad "gut" and thinking I'll never be like that.... SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

I'm watching what I eat and hit the treadmill tonight as a matter of fact!

Wish me luck!

[JetJock]

Go to Barnes & Noble and buy the calorie count book. It's like $6 and lists the calories for everything including restaurants in a convenient way. It's a small book that's easy to carry with.

Then USE the information to your advantage. You'll be amazed at the CC of some common fast foods.

Also get "Eat This, Not That" book for more easy-access advice.

But realistically, besides doing the simple math of counting calories and eating less, you need to combine it with some form of exercise, even if it's just walking, which is actually perfectly decent exercise for most people.

[cmoore]

Like Jet Jock said get the Eat This Not That book. It's really not how much you eat it's what you are eating. I try to eat things that my body wants and needs. Your body is like an engine. It needs good fuel to run properly. Junk food is called junk food for a reason. Processed food is in the same category. Good luck.

[mjrfd99]

No need for books -plans etc... Work out, the harder the better. Run, walk, lift, swim... whatever just do it.

[JetJock]

No need for books -plans etc... Work out, the harder the better. Run, walk, lift, swim... whatever just do it.

Half right and I'm a life-long jock. You must combine good dietary habits (good food in proper amounts) with exercise. This is why most diet-only plans are a waste of time; you gotta have both factors in play.