Should you count calories?

You’ll hear two extremes on this one.

Some will tell you that only calories matter.
Others will say calories don’t matter at all..it’s all hormones.

As you can probably guess by now…

It depends.

Here’s my take.

There is absolutely a time and place for counting calories-and a time and place for not.

If you have a history of obsessive or compulsive behaviours around food, or things like disordered eating, then counting calories is probably not a great idea. It can very quickly become unhelpful and even harmful.

On the flip side, if your general awareness of what’s actually in your food is low, then spending a bit of time looking at calories can be useful. Not forever, but as an education piece.

It can also have a place if you’re chasing a very specific physique goal. For example, going from around 15% body fat down to under 10%- that usually requires a higher level of precision.

But for most people?

I don’t think calorie counting should be the starting point.

If you’re sitting above roughly 20% body fat (or around 30% for females) and your goal is to get leaner, you’ll likely get far better results by focusing on food quality first.

Eating mostly whole, real foods.
Prioritising protein.
Loading up on vegetables.

Do that consistently, and your calorie intake will often regulate itself without the need to track every number.

Because here’s the thing, counting calories can take the joy out of eating.

And food shouldn’t feel like punishment.

It should be something you enjoy. Something that nourishes you.

For most people, building better habits and improving food choices will take you a long way without ever needing to open a tracking app.

And if you do decide to use calorie tracking?

Use it as a tool.

Not a lifestyle.