Many people think counting calories can be helpful for them. By not going over a certain amount of calories, you will lose weight, or as the media tells you.
Have you ever heard of calorie cycling? Each day you take in a different amount of calories. This is good for your body because your body never gets used to a certain amount of calories you take in. By taking a different amount in each day your body supposedly adjusts better.
When I tried it
From my personal experience with counting calories, I would feel guilty after the meals. I downloaded an app to my phone that counted all my calories. Every time I had a meal I would log in my calories, and notice the number slowly going down. When the number was so far down by the middle of the day, I would feel an enormous amount of guilt and start a binge. I thought in my mind, well I already messed up for the day and ate too many calories already so I might as well get crazy and eat the kitchen.
I no longer count calories. This was a big change for me and made me a little crazy sometimes. But I also felt extremely better when I ate my meals. I didn’t have to waste time anymore logging my calories in. As long as I ate every 2-3 hours and had small meals, there was no reason to keep track of my calories for the day. I eat when I’m hungry and make sure I make the right choices.
I know many people count calories and it may seem impossible to stop. I was there just like you. But all I ask is this, just wake up one day and don’t count calories for the whole day. Make sure you eat every 2-3 hours (small meals) or just eat when you are hungry. Stay hydrated. Many people mistake being hungry for being thirsty.
As long as you are eating clean and healthy, why the need to count calories? If you are honestly eating clean there should be no need for counting calories. I know some people use calorie counting apps to track their macros so that’s a different story, but I won’t go in depth with that now.
Tip 1: Delete the calorie counting app.
Tip 2: Prep healthy meals. Don’t give yourself room to fail.
Do you count calories? Do you yourself find it helpful?
Everyone is different and maybe no guilt comes out of counting calories for you. Maybe you’re superwoman.
I am a chronic hopeless calorie counter. I even did it before I had apps handwriting it or putting it into my laptop. It’s totally mental for me. It’s comforting for me to know where I’m at calorie wise at every step of the day. I honestly don’t know how good it is for me though!
CeCe @Frugalista Married recently posted…Click Chicks Photo Challenge 1 // Selfies
I used to be like that. I completely understand. If you are comfortable and happy with calorie counting stick with it. If not, try to slowly get away from it.
I found that counting calories only made me MORE obsessed with food and actually made me feel hungrier, however, if I’ve “gotten off track” a little with my eating, I’ll use something like myfitnesspal to get me back on track a bit so I know how many calories I’m “really” taking in. After that I just eyeball my portions. For someone who is new to fitness and losing weight, I do think it’s a good idea. There are some people who are really clueless about the stuff they are eating.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…When Brownies and Ice Cream Start Eating at You
I completely agree with everything you said. For newcomers it’s good to get an idea of how much you’re taking in.