Counting calories is a constant point of advice in the world of nutrition — and for good reason.
When it comes to weight management, it all comes down to calories in vs. calories out. Calories are a measurement of energy. If you consume more than you burn in a day, you’ll gain weight, or vice versa.
Knowing your calorie maintenance level and counting calories accordingly can help with weight management. Of course, weight isn’t the only aspect of a healthy body.
Don’t Just Count Calories — Consider Their Sources
The calorie craze has many people excited, and their enthusiasm is warranted. It’s refreshing knowing there’s a proven path to control the number you see on the scale.
The best part? There’s no trick to it — all you have to do is count the calories. Except, that’s not really all you have to do for a truly healthy diet.
While it’s true that a person could lose weight if they ate under their daily calorie limit, even if their diet was made up of sweets and fast food, this would have negative results.
For one, many of these calories are empty, and would leave the person feeling hungry. Also, the lack of nutrients and presence of transfats and sugar could cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, lack of energy, and more.
To be truly healthy, don’t just keep track of the number of calories you take in. Make sure you get an adequate amount of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water. When you get all the essential macronutrients AND stay at the proper calorie level, you’ve unlocked the secret to good health.
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