calories definitely matter for me, in fact, I was just thinking about this and how I don't know if I am willling to eat below 1800 to lose, or just stay where I am, as I have lost a size and a lot of inches, but no actual weight. The difference with eating low carb for me is that if I eat 1800 calories with pasta, white rice, etc. I am still hungry and have massive cravings. With protein and including controlled low gi carbs I can manage keeping my eating under control (discounting pms, of course )