Counting Calories For Weight Loss: How To Make It Work

by Mel on November 30, 2012

Losing weight is never easy; it requires an entire change in lifestyle. While this may seem like an overwhelming task, it can be broken down into smaller choices throughout the day. One of the most common ways people try to lose weight is by counting calories.

In order to burn fat, you need to burn more calories than you take in. This is the whole principle behind the counting calories diet. By making some wise choices about meals, it is possible to lose weight without feeling hungry or deprived.

One of the main reasons why most diets fail is because they are not meant to last for the long term. People tend to make drastic changes that they can manage to uphold for a short while, but eventually willpower fails and we give in. In order for the weight loss to be long lasting, you need to find a diet and exercise plan that can be incorporated into your daily life.

Counting calories to lose weight can work, but balance is key to a weight loss diet being effective. Awareness of the number of calories in foods can help you make better choices. The exact number of calories you need to lose weight is dependent upon different factors. Age, weight, activity level, and metabolism can all influence your calorie intake. Generally speaking, most people need to consume 1,500 a day to lose weight. While this might seem like a lot, calories can quickly add up. Sugary drinks, processed foods, and other snacks can pack in the calories. Counting calories can help you to become more aware of your food choices. You can also balance out the number of calories you consume with exercise and other activities.

You do not need to hit a gym every day in order to exercise. If lifting weights and jumping jacks are not for you, there are other options. Find an activity you enjoy. Dance, martial arts, yoga, bicycling, and Tai Chi are all exercises that are both fun and excellent calorie burners. You should never dread going to your workout. It might be tough to keep up at first, but eventually it is something to which you should look forward.

Keep in mind that it takes about 9 months for your brain to pick up a new habit. For those 9 months it will be difficult to refrain from your old eating and activity patterns. Because of this, you should start making small changes. Your body and brain will get used to eating lower calorie foods and exercising regularly. Remember, you want this to be a permanent change, not a short term solution.

Aside from being aware of calorie intake, you might also be wondering how to lose weight without counting calories. There are other small lifestyle changes that can add up. Try substituting water for your usual beverages during the day. Start out switching your juice or soda with water for one meal, and work from there. Also keep in mind that you can burn calories with more than exercise. Brisk housework, an evening walk, rough housing with children, and other fun activities all add up. Once you have a manageable plan that balances out your diet and exercise, you may not need to count calories anymore. At this point the adjustments you have made in your food choices and activity level have become a habit.

Counting calories can help you lose weight. However, rather than adopt a drastically reduced calorie diet, it is better to be more aware of your food choices. Balance these with your exercise routine. Work in small changes like food and beverage substitutions and more rigorous activities. You can lose weight by changing your lifestyle.



Health Contributor at Creative Bioscience

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