While the number of calories you take in each day is not the only determining factor of your success, it is one of the most important.  To lose one pound of fat, you need to burn 3500 calories and that is the math.  While not all calories are created equally, knowing what and how much you are eating is a must for long term success, at least until you learn what a healthy meal is and what are considered “normal portion” sizes.  Your calories consumed each day are individual to you based on your weight, activity level, amount of body fat versus lean muscle etc.  Invest the time to determine what is right for you and make that you calorie target each day.  And yes, things eaten while standing and on holidays do count!