Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Give You the Results You Want

Before diving into the flaws of calorie counting, I made a special announcement last week. If you missed it, you can check it out here. 

So back to calories. If you’re struggling to lose weight or have struggled in the past, you’ve likely heard more than you ever wanted to about calorie counting. We’ve been told that counting calories is the surest way to lose weight and regain health. Just exercise more and eat less, right?!
Wrong. It is NOT that simple.
Here are some reasons why.

Inaccurate Food Labeling

There’s no way to know the exact calories you’ve absorbed.
In an article in Berkeley Wellness, they discuss the discrepancy of food labeling. The calories reported on food packages can be as far as 20% off in either direction! 
Currently, there’s no way we can exactly quantify the calories we take in or absorb. It’s an educated guess at best.
 

The 3,500 Calorie Myth

The “One pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories” is a myth.
 
According to many weight loss experts, in order to lose one pound of fat in a week, you have to remove about 3500 calories per week or 500 calories in a day. That is supposed to mean that one pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories.
 
However, the result is not all the same to all people. But you probably knew that if you’ve ever counted calories before!
 
A researcher named Dr. Zoe Harcombe found out in her research that one pound of fat is equal to a range of calories between 2843 and 3752, not exactly 3500!
 
This is another reason why counting calories to release weight does not always work for everyone.

 
Scarcity Mindset

Ever wonder why most people who strive for weight loss and good health by counting calories continue to struggle? 🤔 
When you count your calories, you tend to develop a scarcity mindset–a combo of focusing on restriction…what you “can’t have” which leads to choosing foods that are less nutritious and satisfying because they are lower in calories.
 
For example, you choose carbs over fats because carbs contain only 4 calories per gram while fats have 9 calories per gram. But a high-carb diet increases sugar levels in the blood. It makes you hungrier and slows your metabolism. The end result of which is weight gain! 
 
On the other hand, although fats have more calories than carbs, they are often a healthy choice because they are a better source of fuel for your body and they balance blood sugar levels and decrease cravings. Vegetables are a great source of carbs because they pack in a lot of nutrition and most of them won’t throw your blood sugar levels off.
 
Next week I’m going to share some tips on how to eat well to release weight without counting your calories! And if you’re not trying to lose weight but instead you’re trying to build your health in another way, these tips will be great for you too.
 
It is my passion to work with people like you whose health symptoms are getting in the way of you living life fully and with a sense of freedom in your body. I can help you to regain your health so you can feel great and free to enjoy life fully.
 
If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!
Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. 👉🏻 bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).

Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!
~Rebecca