The idea of counting calories as a key to weight loss is deeply ingrained in diet culture. As a Registered Dietitian, I come across many people who on their weight loss journey feel extremely guilty whenever they go over their self-imposed calorie amounts.
They don’t take the time to savor their food, make conscious eating choices when it comes to food quality, or enjoy the company they are with because they are busy with obsessing over their calories. Instead of fully enjoying the moment, they are preoccupied with their calorie tracking apps, and ignore many of the signals their body gives them for hunger or fullness because it all boils down to making the numbers work.
This preoccupation with tracking calories can lead to disordered eating which is a whole other beast.
Other factors that affect your overall weight loss are hormonal imbalances, stress, sleep patterns and exercise. Creating an energy deficit with your meals will help you to lose weight, but it is only a small part of the equation. Simply put, you don’t need to count calories in other to be successful with weight loss.
Getting a handle on your emotions, identifying your eating patterns, and getting in tune with your hunger and fullness signals is key to losing weight and keeping it off.
As a weight loss expert I teach my clients how to lose weight and keep it off with simple strategies, scientifically backed nutrition education, and a personalized meal plan.
If you’re ready to lose weight and keep it off for good, sign up for my nutrition coaching program.
