Counting Calories is so Yesterday
It seems that the idea of counting calories is so deep-rooted in our general psyche, that the idea that you can lose weight by ditching the count is beyond comprehension to many people. In fact, no thanks to technology, various apps available for download are another way that individuals can obsessively keep track on a meal by meal, or daily basis.
However, counting calories can be very time-consuming. No matter what your goals are, all the time and energy spent obsessing over calories may not get you very far. If you consider the latest research, you will clearly see that counting calories is so yesterday.
Counting calories is a waste of time
I mean, literally a wast of YOUR time! Whilst monitoring the amount of food that enters your body does has some merit, it raises awareness and allows accountability, but manipulating your food intake to fit your calorie allowance? Well, I am sure you could find better ways to be spending your time (Watching Chris Hemsworth in Thor?) .
Weight loss is not only about numbers
There are so many other factors to consider when looking at weight loss. Exercise, sleep quality, stress and health issues all impact upon your ability to lose weight.
All calories are not created equally
Some people may be on top of their game when it comes to counting calories while others may become too comfortable with simply eating anything to meet their calorie requirements. Their focus tends to shift from healthy foods to less healthy alternatives. Cl
The problem is that unhealthy foods like processed carbohydrates, such as biscuits or even snack bars can begin a cascade of biological and hormone reactions that promote the storage of fat.
Calorie counting can be counterproductive
Research has shown that unhealthy weight control behaviours can increase your risk of gaining weight.
When we try to reduce our calorie intake, our bodies fight back. The metabolism slows down to keep calories available for longer and you start to feel hungrier. Eventually, counting calories can come back to bite you!
Be healthy instead!
You don’t have to get stuck in the time-consuming practice of counting calories for the rest of your life. There are healthy ways to reach your weight loss goals.
Focus on eating a healthy plate and try to watch your portion sizes. You can also slow down at the dinner table. It takes around 20 minutes for your brain to realise that you have eaten enough, so take time to chew your food properly.
You don’t have to go by the numbers. After all, cavemen never counted calories, why should we?
References:
- https://www.health.com/nutrition/stop-counting-calories
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26399868
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723638/
- http://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpas0000429
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7212433_Obesity_Disordered_Eating_and_Eating_Disorders_in_a_Longitudinal_Study_of_Adolescents_How_Do_Dieters_Fare_5_Years_Later
