Calorie counting, should you do it?

Should you count your calories? My answer to this question is initially yes, but as a long term strategy, make it optional.

I like to think of counting calories as a training tool to teach you about portion sizes, macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates), and how much energy you are taking in on a regular basis. The truth is, most people highly underestimate how many calories they are taking in. The lattes, the snacking, the oils, etc. can all add up very quickly and if you are not making progress, it can be frustrating. Tracking calories can help you take a clear look at your daily intake and be very objective and honest with yourself.

When it comes to your long term plan, make it optional. If you are the type of person who likes numbers and can do it without stress, then that's a sign it could work for you. On the other hand, if you get fatigued by tracking, then by all means don't do it and apply what you have learned to build a meal that makes sense for you.

A great alternative to counting calories is to use your hand as a portion guide. A simple starting guide for Women is to have a portion of protein as the size of your palm (or a palm and a half) non-starchy vegetables as the size of a closed fist, carbohydrates as the size of a cupped hand, and fats as the size of your thumb. Simple will always be sexy.

Counting calories is a very helpful educational tool at the beginning, but for the long term may not be the best approach for you. It is important to know that it is one tool in the toolkit that you can use, but there are other tools such as your hand portion guide that work just as well.