When it comes to weight loss, calories count. But don't get bogged down with record-keeping.

Yes, it's important to count calories. When you're trying to lose weight, it's quite easy to think you're consuming fewer calories than you really are. So keeping tabs on your calorie intake is a sure way to know what you're eating. But meticulously counting every tiny little calorie is tedious as best. So lighten up on the record keeping and try these tips:

• Food labels. When you've got 'em, check 'em. But not every food item comes with the nutrition label. Bulk foods, meat and produce are just some of the items that aren't required to have a nutrition label. For these items, look up their calorie content online once. Then estimate from then on. Keep your portion sizes in control and you'll be just fine.
  
• Three days. You can do anything for three days, right? So keep a perfectly recorded food journal for three days and then start lightening up on yourself. Most of us are creatures of habit anyway, so once you know what the calorie tally of your favorite foods are, you can have a good idea of what you're eating.
  
• Check in on yourself occasionally. If you find the pounds are not coming off like you would expect, pull out your food journal again. Odds are, you're taking in more calories than you thought. Use your food journal as a way to keep honest and to get yourself back in check.

You can find more tips on what really matters for weight loss on AOL Health.