Counting calories is very popular with many people, especially when there is a desire to lose weight. Calorie counting is often used because the calculation is apparently quite easy: if you eat fewer calories than you burn, you lose weight. But that's not always the whole truth. Calories are not all created equal. So does counting calories make sense or is it overrated? We'll explore these and other questions in today's blog post!
What does counting calories actually mean?
Counting calories means documenting the calories consumed, that is, counting the calories you eat with different meals.
One way to count calories is with an app , for example. This is definitely the easiest way to count calories. The app should include a food database to provide you with accurate results. This allows you to simply input the different meals and let it calculate how many calories you are consuming each day.
Another method is the food diary. This is virtually the analogue method to the app. It takes a lot of time and dedication, as you have to calculate everything yourself. But it also encourages you to reflect much more on the food you eat.
Additionally, avoid lying to yourself as a matter of urgency. Counting calories really only works if you are extremely honest with yourself. Be diligent in writing down everything you eat, including drinks. Besides water and unsweetened tea, every small drink also contains calories. This is the only way to count calories effectively and make sense of the process.
How to calculate your calorie needs
The question of how many calories someone needs can be answered differently. This depends on your physique, gender, age, and most importantly, how much exercise you do throughout the week. An athletic person has a much higher basic calorie metabolism than someone who does not exercise.
If you want to lose weight, you should eat fewer calories than you need, creating a so-called calorie deficit. However, if your goal is to build muscle, you need to consume more energy – but that does not mean you can simply eat more calories to build muscle. The basal metabolic rate is also an important part of this calculation.
Additionally, it doesn't matter what calories you eat. 1000 calories from legumes, vegetables, or nuts are far healthier and more beneficial for your body than 1000 calories from junk food. This is why counting calories isn't always straightforward; because not all calories are created equal.
Easily calculate your calorie needs here
If you are unsure how many calories you can and should eat, we have the remedy for you. With our free calorie calculator, you can quickly and easily determine how many calories you need each day.
Especially in nutrition, variety is key to success. This applies to calories as well – for weight loss or muscle building, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet.
Does counting calories make sense?
Counting calories offers some advantages – although it is often associated with considerable effort, it can be worthwhile for some people.
Counting calories as a weight loss aid
Counting calories can certainly serve as a support for your weight loss success. With the right energy intake and appropriate caloric intake, you can achieve your desired goals effectively. You should also make sure to consume good-quality food.
Exercise and sports are also very important for achieving your weight loss goals. In your daily life, it's important to incorporate some physical activity. Long walks, biking to work, and various activities can also help you lose weight indirectly.
Conscious Eating – Conscious Body
Counting calories gives you a greater sense of what you're really eating. It encourages you to pay attention to your food and increases your awareness of which and how many calories you are consuming.
For example, calorie information on products can often be misleading. Junk food frequently contains fewer calories than a healthy vegetable dish. So is it better to choose the junk food alternative? Of course not. Nutrients are equally important, and junk food is not good for your body.
Counting calories involves these risks
We have explained in detail that counting calories can contribute to your success. However, it's not all gold that glitters – there are some risks associated with counting calories.
Counting calories is one-sided
It is true that people who count calories using an app know exactly how much energy they are consuming. However, the focus is solely on calories, not on nutrients and overall well-being. Thus, while calorie counting can impact weight, it often overlooks crucial aspects of health.
What does your body actually need? Perhaps you have deficiencies in certain nutrients or simply do not feel good after eating particular foods? All these factors are often neglected in the pursuit of a calorie deficit.
High risk of addiction, stress, and excessive effort
Counting calories can induce significant stress. You must be very meticulous with your recordings to achieve the desired results. Everyone has their own threshold for stress – for some, counting calories may lead to overwhelming anxiety.
Thus, dieting is often perceived as more stressful than it actually is. And who wants to feel stressed while eating? If instead of feeling good during meals, stress dominates, your weight loss plan is already set for failure.
Your mental state affects your entire body – if you've ever experienced significant stress, you're aware of how easily you become ill. This notion also applies to weight loss; poor mental health can severely impact your progress.
The risk of addiction when counting calories should not be underestimated. If you only focus on how food affects your weight, your quality of life will diminish significantly. This ongoing internal conflict is not sustainable for long-term health.
Counting calories is very useful for athletes
Athletes are likely the group for whom counting calories makes the most sense. This is because athletes often have specific goals – such as muscle building. When it comes to building muscle, counting calories can be especially beneficial. This makes calorie counting genuinely useful.
For muscle building, you should pay close attention to how many excess calories you consume. It should definitely not exceed 300-500 calories; otherwise, excess energy will be converted into fat rather than muscle.
Pay attention to the right dose of calories at breakfast
You can create the perfect foundation for the rest of the day at breakfast . Our sports porridges are ideal for athletes – high in protein, packed with superfood oats and rich in nutrients, helping you start the day healthily and energetically.
For muscle building and body shaping, counting calories can be your best ally. With our Verival breakfast, you can monitor your calorie intake in the morning and establish the basis for a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.
