• The scale doesn't have to be an enemy if you're aware of what you're eating.Michael Hitoshi/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Losing weight can be as easy as a simple equation of calories taken in versus calories expended throughout the day. Counting the calories in each meal is a manageable method to promote weight loss and healthy living. Reference books, food journals, and online resources make conscious eating convenient and simple.
  
  

Reference Books

• Old fashioned books offer up to date advice and helpful tools for calorie counting.book image by Bartlomiej Nowak from Fotolia.com
  
  The Complete and Up-to-Date Fat Book by Karen J. Bellerson is an example of a calorie counting reference book that helpfully lists the calories in many popular dishes and reports the nutrition facts of common restaurant fare. With over 30,000 foods included, it is a helpful resource for counting calories on the go. The Ultimate Calorie Counter by Shelia Buff provides the same and also includes tips on how to work calorie counting into popular diets such as Atkins. Another reference book, The Biggest Loser Calorie Counter, a compilation of advice from the popular TV show's cast, lists thousands of food from grocery stores and restaurants and makes calorie counting as simple as turning the page.
  
  

Food Journals

• Journaling makes mindful eating and calorie counting a simple task.writing in journal image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Food journaling is an easy way to become more aware of exactly how many calories you are consuming on a daily basis. A simple blank journal or notebook can be used to track the ingredients in each meal and the corresponding calories they contain. Alternatively, a specialty notebook made solely for the purpose of counting calories such as the top-rated DietMinder Personal Food & Fitness Journal by F.E. Wilken can be used. Such specific journals offer tailored resources to track calorie counting goals, online recommendations to explore and highly organized charts to complete.
  
  

Online Resources

• Calorie counting resources are just a click away.computer keyboard image by vashistha pathak from Fotolia.com
  
  Online tools may be the easiest way to count calories. Websites such as Myfitnesspal.com offer free resources, online journals, an electronic database of food and tangible goal tracking. Fitday.com is another online option that offers free calorie counting tools and a personalized electronic journal.