Counting Calories – Does it Work?
Counting calories is not a one size fit all method. Some people count every single calorie and still don’t lose much weight and some don’t count their calories and still lose weight!
This boils down to genetics and genetics influences metabolism. However, having a slim body does not mean one is healthier. I know many skinny people who have multiple health issues like high cholesterol, diabetes and heart issues. Some of them even have 7-8 stents in them.
Also, I have many times encountered ladies who tell me they eat so little but they are still fat. It’s true that they eat little but they have disturbed their metabolism. Many of them have gone on yoyo diets over the years and somehow their body just doesn’t lose weight easily as their eating patterns have just been erratic.
Here are my recommendations for ladies who have suffered from weight issues for the longest of time:
1. Add PROBIOTICS to your diet
In many studies, scientists have removed gut bacteria from those who are skinny and placed it into those who are obese. A drastic weight loss was observed in the obese individuals. Upon further inspection, it is found that those who are skinner have higher percentage of good bacteria that metabolizes food better than those who are obese.
2. Learn to accept your GENES
Our genes are so dominant that it affects every part of our life. So, if you have a family with rather big body cutting, please accept it and work towards a healthy internal. Also, all of us have different metabolic rates depending on our genetics, body size and many other factors. Hence, do not be upset if people can eat a lot and still not gain weight. Each person’s body is different.
3. Make wise FOOD CHOICES
Eating processed foods seems to spur people to eat more calories (around 500kcal extra) compared with eating unprocessed foods. Our body likes natural and healthy food hence incorporating them in the diet may make one lose weight as their calories are lower.
4. Make wise LIFESTLYE CHOICES
The first thing for these ladies to do is to start taking up a min. of 150-minute moderate exercise weekly and not going on any crash diets and that includes any meal replacements. Meal replacements are also considered processed foods since they are highly refined and formulated to meet a particular goal.
With the building of muscles through exercise, metabolism improves. Not forgetting other lifestyle changes like sleeping soundly, stress management and a review of medication intake which may lead to weight gain.
References
1. Counting calories: will it help you to lose weight? British Heart Foundation.
2. Stop counting calories. Harvard Health Publishing.
