Calorie counting, when we think of it, feels like we need to count the food we eat. Whatever we eat should be in a number, otherwise something wrong will happen to us.

That’s what people believe, and I’m here to challenge that.

In part of this post, I talked about what it means to track food and how this is done. I also shared how tracking affects our bodies.

With this part, we will see some more hidden things that tracking does, so stay tuned…

The problem is calorie counting

Good V/s Bad

When people start tracking their food, they see food as good and bad. For example, rice and potatoes are bad, and salad becomes good.

This concept gives rise to guilt, because when people eat something, they start thinking, ohhh, I’ve eaten this… and that will happen

Expert suggests that this idea gives rise to disordered relationship with food. Certain studies suggest that naming food good and bad, actually make eating stressful

Joy of eating is gone

In many cultures, eating is seen as social, cultural, and a symbol of bonding. When people eat together, they actually enjoy food and feel happy. Eating seems to be enjoyable.

But with calorie tracking, one gets restricted with food options. They may even feel afraid of eating together and enjoying a meal with family and friends.

Those who track often eat separately, because they want to have control over what they eat. This is okay to some point, but after a while, it may start to feel like a task, because then they might not be able to enjoy food with everyone

Research suggests that those who regularly do calorie counting feel that they are doing all right, and when they miss, they start blaming themself and feel like a failure

Calorie counting increases anxiety

Although tracking apps should give more control and info, they often create anxiety.

People ignore their hunger cues and rely too much on apps. They start thinking about how many calories they should eat, or whether they should eat at all

They can’t make many decisions and it may affect their food choices, travelling etc.

Studies says that frequent calorie counting can give higher level of eating disorder symptoms and anxiety.

Tracking is not always harmful, but the mental cost outweighs the benefits. That stress can even lead to high cortisol, disturb sleep patterns, and affect gut health.

So what is the alternative?

If calorie counting leaves you stressed, then the best thing you can do is eat well and sufficiently.

People should learn more about intuitive eating, where they trust their hunger cues and eat when they actually feel hungry.

Another helpful approach is the 80-20 rule, where 80% of the time you eat healthy, and the remaining 20% you eat without worrying.

Or take the simple idea of filling half your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, and the remaining half with protein and healthy fats. This is far more helpful than obsessing over every gram.

Conclusion

Counting calories is great, as it gives a lot of control over what we eat. Those who are training for something specific can use it under proper guidance.

However, worrying about each calorie can make one nervous and anxious, and may even stop them from enjoying the meal.

One should always focus on the right balance of macros and micros for optimal health.