The Problem with Counting Calories

We can talk all day about the best way to lose weight, but it essentially boils down to boring math. If calorie input is greater than energy output, we gain weight; if the reverse is true, we lose weight.

Argue if you want about carbs/fat ratio, weight lifting vs cardio, and so on. Yes, there are benefits to certain types of diet or exercise, but fat loss still comes back to that math equation:

Calories In > Calories Out = Weight Gain
Calories In < Calories Out = Weight Loss

So the best way to lose weight is to track calories, right? Well, hang on a minute. The trouble comes when we rely on the accuracy of tracking calories and exercise. Even with fancy apps and fitness trackers, we tend to underestimate the calories we eat, and overestimate the calories we burn working out. Even the experts do this!

This short video has a great explanation of why calorie counting can be so inaccurate. (Has a couple of cuss words but it’s the best video I’ve seen on the topic.)

So, should you track calories?

Now we know that we tend to count calories inaccurately, but what do we do about that? Just stop counting entirely? Well, that’s one option.

Instead of counting calories, we can learn to eat slowly and focus on enjoying our food. That means no web-surfing while we eat; no munching and Netflix; and even if we’re eating with friends or family, we slow down and pay attention. Try eating til you’re 80% satisfied. Don’t worry about how many calories you may have ingested, but stop well before you’re at that unbutton-your-pants level of full. Remember, it takes a while for your stomach to tell your brain that you are indeed full, so if you stop when you’re close to 100% full, you’re probably going to end up feeling sluggish and icky.

Another option: Go ahead and count your calories, but use the total you see in your calorie app as a relative number. Although we know our counting is probably inaccurate, this can still be a useful starting point. If whatever number you’re coming up with isn’t working for you — for instance, you’re trying to lose weight but that’s not happening — then you can adjust that number in your app down a bit and see if that gets your weight heading in the direction you want.

Yet another option: Try counting portions instead of calories, and measure them with your hand. Yep, your hand — because it’s handy (ha!) and easily portable. See this helpful graphic to explain more clearly. This method works great if you want to get a handle on what you’re eating without overthinking it.

We tend to overcomplicate things related to health and fitness, but there’s no need for a complete overhaul right exactly now. Even tiny steps toward healthier eating will take you in the direction you want to go. You can do it. Let me know if I can help.