Is counting calories a good way to loose weight i am 19 i weigh 150lbs and im 5 3" i would like to loose 30lbs im starting to go the gym for one to two hours. there a lot of diets out there but i can't afford to be on the ones that work. i wanted to know

Counting : Counting calories and keeping a food journal can be two of the most effective ways to lose weight. Being accountable for what you put in your mouth by writing it down and being aware of calorie values will make you think about what you are eating. It is important to eat a good variety of foods, so as long as you count your calories, nothing necessarily has to be "off-limits". Get a kitchen scale and weigh your foods in order to know exactly how much you are eating and therefore how many calories. The healthiest diets involve whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and moderate dairy. Sugars and added oils/butter should be used sparingly. You need to eat at least three meals a day, though some people will advocate more frequent, smaller meals. A typical sedentary woman your age needs to eat 2000cal/day. Since you are hitting the gym, you can eat slightly more - up to 2200 cal/day. Good luck!

Calculate BMR: Calculate your BMR and than subtract 500 kcal daily for each pound you want to lose per week.