Pros & cons of counting calories

**Jane_on_diet** · 12-12-2011 07:45 AM

Nowadays there are a lot of people counting calories. it enables them to monitor their weight, eat as much food as they need to lose extra weight or preserve the desired one (and choose the proper food of course)
At the same time some people think that calorie counting can turn into an obsession and can deprive one of the pleasure and satisfaction from eating.

What do you think of calorie counting? Do you count calories?

**KMonte85** · 12-12-2011 08:13 AM

I think calorie counting is a great tool. It allows people the freedom to eat without worrying that what they put in their mouth is going to cause any significant weight loss. Although, I would like the point out that there is MUCH more to weight loss than simply calories in/calories out. That is the basic math, but a balanced nutritious diet is as important if not moreso than watching one's calories alone. We need to fuel our bodies with the right kinds of foods, as well as with the right calories to meet weight goals.

That being said, I think anything can become a negative if it turns from a useful tool to an obsession. Are there people in this world who are so focused on calories that they end up depriving themselves and losing the joy that can be found in delicious, healthful meals? Yes, but that doesn't mean the process of counting calories is a bad one.

**Beautiful Disaster** · 12-12-2011 10:54 AM

I think calorie counting is a wonderful tool, but it is only part of the what is needed for success. Alot of people think of counting calories and instantly picture this frantic woman with a little book running around adding up calories on all her food. Not the case. With all the apps and online sources available now, counting calories AND monitoring your nutritional intake is easy as pie. I have seen so many people enlightened by this. After years of frustrating diets, so called magic pills, nasty drinks, etc....finally people are SEEING with their own eyes what they NEED in a day versus what they are getting. Not just calories, but protein, fiber, carbs, saturated fat vs unsaturated fat.

Unless you're the type of person who is going to develop an unhealthy obsession to where one calorie can make or break your day, counting calories and monitoring nutrition is an excellent tool.

**Cheyenne** · 12-12-2011 03:11 PM

I count my calories nearly every day, and I think it's a great thing to do. It helps a person realize what they're putting in their body day in/out, and what they need more/less of. It can help weight loss, but if you do it correctly. Like BD said, if you're the type of person who obesses over one caloire, then no, you won't loss any weight or see in any change in your life. If you do count calories, I think that person needs to know that just because you count calories, there's more to it.

If you count calories, there's more to it then just putting numbers down.

**Aeryn Sun** · 12-12-2011 04:38 PM

Some people need to do it, for health, or weight goals and it is great.
If a person has set a reasonable number, and doesn't allow it to lead to stress, it's fine.

**Jane_on_diet** · 12-13-2011 07:19 AM

I believe that calorie counting leads to being more responsible in what concerns our eating habits - we monitor what we eat and as a result in most cases eat only the food we need for our body to function properly. I completely agree with the above mentioned. But there's one more problem: when my friends (who have never faced weight problems) see that I count calories in my meal, they say that i'm nuts and it'll lead to anorexia or bulimia... I don't know how to explain them that it just helps to monitor the nutritional intake...

**KMonte85** · 12-13-2011 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Jane_on_diet

I believe that calorie counting leads to being more responsible in what concerns our eating habits - we monitor what we eat and as a result in most cases eat only the food we need for our body to function properly. I completely agree with the above mentioned. But there's one more problem: when my friends (who have never faced weight problems) see that I count calories in my meal, they say that i'm nuts and it'll lead to anorexia or bulimia... I don't know how to explain them that it just helps to monitor the nutritional intake...

You show them through your example. If you've been doing this for a while and it is evident that you're healthy and have no eating disorders, then their opinions are moot. I hope the next time one of your friends makes such a statement about you, you laugh heartily at how ridiculous it is.

**Jane_on_diet** · 12-13-2011 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by KMonte85

You show them through your example. If you've been doing this for a while and it is evident that you're healthy and have no eating disorders, then their opinions are moot. I hope the next time one of your friends makes such a statement about you, you laugh heartily at how ridiculous it is.

Thank you! i agree that it's ridiculous of them to consider calorie counting an eating disorder... i've never had problems with my health or state of my mind because of counting calories) i guess it's so difficult for them to understand me, because they can eat anything they want without any damage to their weight

**ILoveMakeup** · 12-13-2011 12:27 PM

Well, I lost a lot of weight counting calories. I wanted to eat healthy but not overdo it either so I got an app on my phone. My family thought I was being obsessive because I was logging everything and my mom even started pressuring me to stop. But I was obese!! I lost so much weight and I never felt like I was obsessed, I felt healthy and happy!! So, its a daily thing for me and I recommend it.

**Jane_on_diet** · 12-14-2011 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by ILoveMakeup

Well, I lost a lot of weight counting calories. I wanted to eat healthy but not overdo it either so I got an app on my phone. My family thought I was being obsessive because I was logging everything and my mom even started pressuring me to stop. But I was obese!! I lost so much weight and I never felt like I was obsessed, I felt healthy and happy!! So, its a daily thing for me and I recommend it.

My mom also thinks it's not normal to count calories each time you eat. But i live with my husband, so she doesn't see it often ...