How Calorie Counting Changed The Game

Calorie counting used to be one of the most unattractive things I had ever heard. I used to say I would NEVER count.

I thought counting calories was for people on weight watchers who couldn't lose weight any other way. 

Not for me. 

Honestly, I didn't have a good reason to dislike counting calories. It just sounded miserable. 

[Enter Nate Johnson]

Nate challenged my way of thinking and asked "Why not?". 

Needless to say, I started counting calories for the first time and my views on weight loss changed forever. 

I ended up counting calories diligently for about 2 years and here is what I learned:

The real secret to fat loss is having a calorie deficit

You can cut out foods and eat "clean" all day long, but what it really comes down to is eating fewer calories than your body burns. 

Some diets indirectly create a calorie deficit by restricting certain foods. Counting is less restrictive, more precise and gives you the ability to really dial in your fat loss. 

Calorie Counting Is Not The Horrible Monster I Thought It Was

Counting did require a little extra work, but it was not as meticulous and unejoyable as I thought it would be. 

I used myfitnesspal to track what I ate. It may have taken an extra 5-10 minutes out of my day once I got the hang of it. 

Mindless Eating Is A Bad Habit 

Have you ever woken up in a stupor and raided the fridge? 

Well this is a little different.

What I mean by "mindless eating" is eating without awareness of your food's content or quality.

Paying attention to the calories, nutrients and quality of your food is a good practice.

Some people have the tendency to under appreciate their food while others tend to obsess over their food. Somewhere in the middle is a healthy appreciation for food we should all strive for.  

Consistency Over Time Leads To Massive Transformation

A lot of times fat loss is not as fast as you want it to be.

I know...

No one wants to hear that. People want to hear how quick they can shed weight and look good in a bathing suit. 

Slow, steady progress is just down right unsexy...

BUT

It works.

I found time was my best friend whenever I was consistently hitting my calories day in and day out. 

It's like chipping away at a mountain. Those little chips become significant chunks over time. 

I also found that slow weight loss is more sustainable than really fast weight loss. You are way more likely to reach a new set point and keep the weight off with slow, consistent fat loss. 

---

I didn't want to count calories at first, most people don't, but I haven't met a single person, so far, that regrets counting calories. 

That's because it actually works. 

Are you ready to get serious about your weight loss? 

Want more specifics on how to create a calorie deficit?

Check out Fat Loss 101 for more info on how to get started.