Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Calorie Counting: Good or Bad?

If you have already tried a wide array of diets in order to lose weight, you have most probably heard for a thousand times already about counting calories. On health forums, this seems to be quite a much debated issue, as they are plenty of people that claim to be of great help to count your calories in order to lose weight, and many others that say that calorie counting only leads to obsession and bad results. What is the truth? The following pros and cons of calorie counting may help shed some light on the matter.
Pro: Counting Calories makes you more responsible
Those that support the idea of calorie counting say that you are bound to become more responsible about what you eat if you start eating your calories. Because a major source of gaining weight is eating more calories than needed on a regular basis, this sounds like a valid argument. As long as you keep an eye on how many calories you eat, you will have more chances to lose weight.
Cons: It makes you obsessed
People that are striving to lose weight already have a love and hate affair with food. Counting calories, say those that are against such diets, does nothing but create a veritable neurosis in the mind of the person trying to lose weight in this manner. Creating an obsession is a nasty habit, and, in the long run, it cannot be sustained without taking its toll on a person's mental health.
Pro: Calorie counting teaches you about good and bad foods
Another argument brought forward by the supporters of calorie counting is that this habit serves as a great guide for learning about good foods and bad foods. Good foods are those that are low in calories, while still having great nutritious value, while bad foods are those that increase cholesterol levels and add fat to your diet. By learning about such foods, you are helped to make the right choices in your diet.
Cons: It prevents you from enjoying your food
Again, those against calorie counting, have their own arguments. Counting each and every calorie you put on your plate makes you think of nothing but numbers, and you end up not enjoying your food at all. There are plenty of people that claim to have become victims of this system and making an enemy out of food.
Depending on the type of person you are, you can include or not calorie counting in your dietary habits. As long as you keep a positive attitude and you do not grow obsessed over each and every detail, you will be able to lose weight in a healthy manner.
Susan is a full-time freelance writer. She is an avid traveler and reader and enjoys writing on health & fitness, travel, parenting, relationships and personal development.

No comments:

Post a Comment