Even if you are entirely ignorant of weight loss techniques, you have probably heard that counting calories is one of them. While counting calories, you can estimate your consumption and determine whether your favorite meals prevent you from attaining your weight-loss target.

Reality: No weight loss strategy is effective for everyone. And it's absolutely worth researching the drawbacks before jumping in headfirst if you're considering using the calorie tracking method to lose a few pounds. I was always the skinny kid, never having to worry about my weight. But when I moved to the US 13 years ago, things changed. In just three months, I gained 25 pounds.

My host mom counted calories and taught me how to do it too. I remember counting every calorie I consumed and feeling guilty if I exceeded my daily limit of 1200. I was exercising every day but was still unable to enjoy my meals. I was always hungry and tired. My goal was to lose weight, but instead, I lost my energy, my period, my confidence, my beautiful hair, my healthy relationship with food, and so much more. It took me years to get it all back.

My experience with calorie counting taught me that there are more sustainable approaches to weight loss. Now, I focus on a more holistic approach that includes nutrient-dense foods and listening to my body's hunger and fullness cues.

Counting Calories Negative Side Effects

Calorie counting can be a helpful tool for people trying to lose weight, as it can help them become more aware of the amount and types of food they are consuming. However, it is not a foolproof method and can have some negative side effects.

One issue with calorie counting is that it can lead to an obsession with food and numbers, causing individuals to become preoccupied with counting calories and measuring portions. This can lead to disordered eating patterns and an unhealthy relationship with food.

Another issue is that calorie counting needs to consider the food's quality. For example, a 100-calorie snack of processed foods may not be as satisfying or nourishing as a 200-calorie snack of whole foods.

Additionally, calorie counting doesn't consider the individual's metabolism, activity level and other factors that can affect weight loss. It is important to also focus on nutrient-dense foods that promote satiety, support healthy digestion and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Lastly, calorie counting can take a lot of work. It can be difficult to accurately estimate the calorie content of food, especially when eating out or consuming homemade meals.