Does calorie counting work? – Yes. Do I think we should do it – I am not sure. I think many people, including myself, find it too difficult and boring. It doesn’t mean that we should not learn about calories. In fact basics about calories and energy as such should be an essential knowledge for everyone interested in the weight management. How else could we understand that one cubic inch of cheese has multiple times amount of energy compared to a cubic inch of a watermelon? So, this is the basic formula – 1 g of carbs = 4 calories, 1 g of protein = 4 calories, 1 g of fat = 9 calories. Water and fibers are calorie free. Google the most common foods your eat to get an idea about there calories, use simple visualizations for measures like 1 cup in relationships to your fist, or number of ounces in steak the size of your palm (around 6 ounces for mine). Don’t forget to check the labels.