Should I count calories to lose weight?

NO! This is one of the worst things a person could do if they want to improve their fitness level. Will you simply "lose weight" if you count calories? Yes, BUT this is not a healthy solution because if you aren't smart about the nutrients you are consuming you could go into starvation mode (catabolism) and burn a lot of muscle which is bad.

Reasons for losing muscle are scary because you will not have any energy, you will be irritable, your sleep patterns will be out of sync, and it is easier for depression to set in making it easier to quit your diet and exercise plan and GAIN weight.

NOW with this being said this does not mean you can eat whatever you want and as much as you want and still lose weight. Losing weight still requires meticulous measuring. What you SHOULD measure (but you don't have to if you are a beginner) is Grams of protein, grams of carbohydrates, grams of sugar, grams of fat, and you daily need of vitamins and minerals.

As I said before try to stay away from sugar as much as possible. The only sugar, in a good weight loss diet, should come from fruits which should only be eaten 2-3 servings daily.

The majority of nutrients on a good weight loss diet should come from LEAN meats and vegetables. For example, have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with a side salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a dressing. This is a perfect, nutritious lunch example for a meal. The wheat bread takes care of your starchy carb, the turkey takes care of your lean protein, the salad should take care of vitamins, and the olive oil on the salad is a good HEALTHY fat. (Remember to hydrate too. A few glasses of water should be fine.)

If you fulfill these requirements at every meal you will not only lose weight, but you will FEEL FULL. Also, you will have energy for your workout or the rest of the day!

REMEMBER feeling full is important because....well...you feel satisfied. If you want to bring calories into the equation 3 crispy kreme donuts and 6 grilled chicken breasts equal the same amount of "calories." Which one do you think will keep you full throughout the day while building muscle and NOT spiking your insulin? 

Enjoy