I counted calories because it was a starting point for me to see the affect my food choices had on my weight. It took me a long time and a lot of mindfulness, but I was eventually able to eat again without thinking about the number of calories in every bite of food I was putting into my mouth.
The obsessiveness of counting calories affected me in a negative way. The biggest problem was instead of satisfying my hunger, I was focusing on the math equation in my head that would get me to my goal weight.
Why you shouldn't over simplify calories:
- The calorie counts are usually drastically low - the one size fits all number they give in magazines isn't applicable to everyone. It's downright dangerous.
- Take one girl who is 5'8, medium build, and highly active. Take another who is 5'1, small build, and moderately active.
- There is NO way they can both listen to the same calorie count given in the magazine to lose weight.
- IFYM is better for calculating closer to your caloric needs, but it still promotes an unhealthy relationship with your food.
- It's not very simple. It requires you to measure and/or weigh your food so that you eat only what is within your set caloric and macronutrients limit for the day.
- It's tedious and mentally exhausting.
Now, I understand that listening to your body seems really, really hard. I mean, it kind of feels like that is how you got here in the first place. But.. that's not completely true.
I'll show you listening to your body now versus listening to your body then is completely different.
The key is mindfulness:
- Eat when you're hungry, don't eat when you're not
- Give up processed foods
- Stay away from added sugar
- Focus on nutrient dense, whole foods
- Stay active and busy (keep yourself occupied so that all of your energy is not focused on your diet)
- Join a whole food community: Try Whole 9 Life's Whole 30 program or go to Balanced Bites and join their 21 Day Sugar Detox - they're free!
- Focus on the entire encompassment of a healthy lifestyle, not just the diet
