Hey everyone! I have recently started working towards a healthier lifestyle and I'm wondering if I need to count my calories in order to see progress. I have tried tracking calories in the past, but it always becomes overwhelming and difficult to keep up with. I'm looking for advice on whether or not calorie counting is necessary and if so, what is the best way to track my intake without feeling overwhelmed? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! For reference, I am a 25-year-old female and my main goal is to lose weight and improve my overall health. Thank you in advance!
Hello! I think whether or not you need to count calories ultimately depends on your individual health and fitness goals. When I initially began trying to lose weight, I found that calorie counting was an effective way to stay accountable to my eating habits.
However, over time, I found that it was unsustainable for me to continue counting calories long-term. I also noticed that it created a sense of obsessive behavior around food which was not healthy for my mental health.
Instead, I turned to a more intuitive eating approach where I focused on nutrient-dense foods and trusted my body to tell me when and how much to eat. This approach allowed me to create a more balanced and sustainable relationship with food over time.
In conclusion, I believe that calorie counting can be helpful in the short-term for those who are trying to reach specific health and fitness goals. However, finding a more intuitive approach to eating based on nutrient-dense whole foods can help you create a more sustainable and healthy relationship with food over time.