Why Counting Calories for Weight Loss Just Doesn’t Work For Me
But these simple lifestyle strategies do
“What do you mean, Carly? Weight loss is a simple formula of calories in versus calories out. You just need to eat less than you burn.”
I get it. I fully understand the mathematics and physiology. If I expend more energy than I consume, I’ll lose weight. I have no argument to the science.
But every time I try to count calories to lose a few pounds, I either maintain or gain weight. I become obsessed with food and develop an unhealthy relationship with myself and my meals. It took time to find alternative strategies that work for me, but I did. They are small and sustainable lifestyle changes which helped me lose 25 pounds and keep it off for years. They also help anytime I need to lose a couple stray pounds, like after the holidays.
My Experience
I first tracked my food by handwriting in a journal. After that didn’t work, I tried logging via common apps like My Fitness Pal. I used online calculators to estimate how many calories my body burns per day, and how much of a deficit I needed to lose a sustainable 1–2 pounds per week. I was consistently on target with the established goals.
