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Writer's pictureGym Reb3l

Why You Shouldn't Count Calories

Updated: Oct 24, 2023


why you shouldn't count calories


Before I write this piece I know people are going to read it and and shout 'But I have Lost


Weight Calorie Counting'


Which is amazing


But just like ALL diets, it does not mean it would work for other people


Just think of the amount of diets you have had to 'try' in order to find the right one for you


And in my 20+ years of experience in the gym and coaching clients


I have personally found that the best results, with long term and sustainable results comes from not calorie counting and learning habits


I speak about habits in other posts, so please ready if you haven't


Calorie Counting Isn't Sustainable (for most)


The problem with calorie counting is it isn't a long term fix


People may argue that 'I am just doing it to lose a bit of weight'


Which isn't the right reason


If you calorie count


Lose weight


Then have to go back to calorie counting to lose the weight gained


It simply hasn't worked for you


Because if it had... you wouldn't have to go back to it


So, it is not realistic for people to set out on this task if they do not intent to stick to calorie counting for 365 days a year


It Won't Fit With Most People's Lifestyle

  • Scanning

  • Weighing

  • Looking at Menu's for Calories

This is all part of calorie counting


And for most people


This pressure and mental awareness that you have to track everything can play havoc with their day to day


Everything you eat and drink is counted


And this can have a huge impact on mental health


As well as simply... be a headache


Why would you want to do something that adds more stress and isn't sustainable


Not All Calories Are Equal


You may have heard this over and over


And it simple means that calorie counting overlooks nutritional value


400 calories of burger and chips


Will give you a different nutritional breakdown that 400 calories of salmon and chips


This is my personal flaw and pet hate with it


Your focus, no matter what you goals is, has to be to improve your health


You want to feel healthy


Move better

Sleep better


Just because you calorie count it does not mean this will happen


Focus on the quality of the food every time


Finally: It Can Lead To Eating Disorders


If your focus is on tracking everything then this can have a huge impact on your mental health


You start looking at foods based on calorie content


You start stressing about having to scan and weigh everything


And simple things like going to friends or having a meal with your partner can turn in to stressful situations because you have no way of knowing what content is in their food


And so social situations around food often then become avoided


Your friends and partners don't want the stress


And you don't want to do it because 'They Don't Get It'


If you were training for a short term goal such as a show... then they would understand


But when it becomes an obsession then it creates problems for you


We Can Help


At Gym Reb3l we NEVER recommend calorie counting to people starting our plans


Find out how to create the habits you need for long lasting results


And join our next body transformation program

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