Should you count calories when eating?

VnExpressVnExpress15/05/2023


Calorie counting is often difficult to do, does not reflect the body's ability to metabolize energy, and causes eating and digestive disorders.

Calorie counting is often considered an effective way to measure nutrition and energy intake. To count calories, people often have to weigh the food they eat, then use applications that convert the nutritional content and weight of food into calories. This method is said to help control meals, lose weight or maintain body shape.

However, experts say that counting calories does not bring many weight loss benefits. The body burns calories depending on the type of food, the rate of metabolism, and the microflora of the gut. In particular, some types of organisms in the gut can break down and use more calories than others. The metabolic rate determines how much weight the body should have, many people gain weight back to adapt to the old metabolic rate.

Finally, different foods provide different amounts of energy. A 2019 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism gave 20 people, divided into two groups eating fresh foods and processed foods, meals with similar amounts of calories, sugar, sodium, fat, fiber, and micronutrients. However, the group eating processed foods gained weight, eating 500 more calories per day, while the other group ate less, reducing their calorie intake.

Counting calories in food is difficult to do and can easily lead to eating disorders. Photo: Freepik

Counting calories in food is difficult to do and can easily lead to eating disorders. Photo: Freepik

Therefore, counting calories is not an effective method for weight control. People with eating disorders and eating disorders are not encouraged to count calories because it can aggravate the condition. A 2017 study found that of 105 people diagnosed with eating disorders, 73% who used a calorie counting app reported feeling disordered, dieting more severely, and eating unbalanced meals.

If you are counting calories to lose weight or maintain your figure, you need to recognize your body's bad signals to stop. The simplest signal is when you are invited to eat out but you only think about counting calories, instead of focusing on the nutritional content of the meal. Feeling guilty, ashamed or anxious when not counting calories in your daily meals, lack of energy, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, not feeling hungry are also signs that you should stop.

Instead, people should focus on the quality of their meals. For example, cut down or eliminate processed foods, which are low in nutrients and cause the body to consume more food. Choose fresh foods, lean meats, whole grains, and natural fruits and vegetables.

Everyone should schedule regular exercise, moderate to vigorous intensity, at least 150 minutes a week. Moderate exercise is exercise that allows the person to talk, but not sing. In daily activities, it is necessary to prioritize good sleep at night, because lack of sleep will cause weight gain.

If you're feeling overly stressed, try to relax or find ways to control your stress levels. Stress, like poor sleep, can lead to weight gain.

Chile (According to Harvard Health, CNET )



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