Nutritionist explains if it makes sense to constantly count calories when losing weight
Is it worth counting calories when losing weight? (photo: Freepik)
People often think that counting calories is essential for maintaining or losing weight. However, this is not always the case, as there are other important factors that influence weight loss, according to the Instagram page of nutritionist Natalia Samoylenko.
What happens when you reduce calorie intake over a long period of time
According to the expert, calories are often mentioned in the context of many diets, but increasingly, it's being stated that weight gain or loss depends on hormones, metabolism, and even gut microbiota.
What happens to the body when you reduce calorie intake over an extended period:
- Body temperature will drop, and you will start feeling cold.
- Your heart rate will slow down.
- You will feel tired.
"The quality of calories matters more than the quantity," noted Samoylenko.
If you consume more good calories, you can lose weight without harming your body. For example, people who follow a diet higher in fats and lower in carbohydrates lose weight, maintain high energy levels, and do not feel hungry at all.
Why you shouldn’t count calories
It’s important to understand that not all calories are the same. Counting calories won’t tell you why you are gaining or losing weight.
A nutritionist explained that people who don’t count calories tend to have a healthier relationship with food. Calorie counting is often inaccurate—both for the food you eat and the calories burned during exercise.
Instead of counting calories, it's better to learn about balanced nutrition and focus on the right composition of your meals.
Increase the amount of healthy fats on your plate. Also, include unprocessed carbohydrates and high-quality protein.
Try to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
It’s also important to prioritize sleep quality. Stress or excessive cortisol levels in the body can also be major obstacles to weight loss.
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