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Health & Fitness

Must You Count Calories for Fat Loss Success?

If you've ever dieted, chances are high that you've counted calories in effort to help ensure that you see success. But is it neccessary?

If you’re like many people out there, as soon as you hear the words ‘calorie counting’ you get a slight feeling of dread from the thought of such a tedious task.

But is it necessary?

Let’s take a closer look at the topic of calorie counting to determine whether it’s something that is a must-have in your fat loss plan.

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Your Natural Eating Tendencies

The very first thing to look at when deciding whether calorie counting is something that you’ll need is what your natural eating tendencies are.

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Some people naturally tend to consume fewer calories simply because they don’t think about eating each day. Others aren’t the same. Food seems to always be on their mind and if they had it their way, they’d eat every hour of the day.

If you’re the latter, calorie counting is going to be imperative to you because if you don’t, chances are you will consume too many calories for fat loss to take place.

If you’re the former, then it’s really up to you. But it will be important to note that eating too few calories isn’t a good thing either, so you may want to start keeping track of your calorie intake to ensure that you are eating enough.

Your Desired Rate Of Fat Loss

The second thing to think about when assessing whether you should count calories or not is what your desired rate of fat loss is.

If, for example, you want to lose exactly one pound per week, then calorie counting may be essential. For a more dictated and precise weight loss goal, you want to ensure that you are eating the required caloric amount so that you can create the calorie deficit required to see that rate of fat loss take place.

(Side Note - one pound of fat is equal to approximately 3500 calories.)

Your Normal Food Choices

Finally, take into account what your typical food choices are. If you normally lean towards eating foods that are lower in calories such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and wholesome grains, then you may take in a lower calorie diet naturally.

If you often choose higher calorie items like breads, pasta, nuts and nut butters, beef, and other high fat dairy products like cheese, then calorie counting is going to help you gain an appreciation for how many you are taking in. For you it might be essential.

That's it for now - The main things to note about calorie counting and whether you need it to get good results on your weight loss program. In my next Patch Blog, I'll give those who do want to give calorie counting a try a few tips on making it easier. Many people can get away without it while others can’t – it’s up to you to decide for yourself whether you’ll require it to see optimal success.

Till Next Time!

James Cipriani

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