For a lot of people at the very beginning of their fitness journey, calorie counting is the only way of tracking progress they’re aware of and they can’t imagine giving it up. Unfortunately, this method isn’t as effective as you think, and here are three reasons why you should give it up.
Different Calories
Counting calories isn’t always effective because not all calories are created equal, and they have a different effect on your body. Protein, fat, and carbs don’t burn an equal amount of energy, and nutrients can vary by many other factors, including season, variety, and ripeness.
Frequent Inaccuracies
No matter how much effort you put into counting calories, the number of calories you consumed and burned in a day will never be 100% accurate. Labels can lie, and counting calories on your own can lead to mistakes, but it’s also important to note that our bodies don’t necessarily absorb all calories we consume.
Mental Health Effect
In addition to being a pretty inaccurate method of tracking progress, counting calories can also be bad for your mental health. People tend to be healthier and happier when they’re eating the right types of calories with no restriction, and you’ll have a better chance of seeing progress if you embrace this approach.
