WHY I DON'T COUNT CALORIES

5 REASONS WHY I DON'T COUNT CALORIES...

I get a lot of messages on a regular basis asking me what the calories are in each of my bakes. And while I do know this information, people often ask me why I don't have it on my website and social media for the world to see.

And the reason is this - I don't actually count calories. I've never been a calorie counter, I've always been more interested in what's inside the food. 

Let me explain....

 1. Calories don't tell you how nutritious a food Is.

Calorie counting is definitely one way of losing weight but it completely sidesteps the fact that the foods that are low in calories aren't necessarily nutritious.  So yes, you could lose weight but would you have a healthy diet? Maybe not. Would you be filling your body with the nutrients that it needs? Probably not.

VIEW MY POPULAR OAT SLICES HERE

Calories don't tell you how nutritious a food item is'.

 This makes so much sense to me.

Its not just about how you look, its about how you feel and about what exactly it is that you're putting into your body.

 2. Calorie Counting can actually encourage you to eat more processed foods.

I see lots of pages on Instagram talking about how you can make good choices about the food you eat and whilst I agree, I don't agree when they then go on to say how some fast foods are lower in calories than others or some chocolate bars are lower than others.

Are the fast foods that are lower in calories ok?

Yes, I'm sure there are some fast foods that are lower in calories than others and there are chocolate bars that are lower than others but lets be honest here people, fast food is not a healthy option for your body and nor is chocolate. I love a takeaway sometimes, and I'm a total chocoholic but lets call a spade a spade, they aren't good for you. 

 3. Calorie Counting is not a realistic lifestyle.

It is actually impossible to maintain a lifestyle where you are counting calories constantly. The chances are you will eventually 'crack' and crave the very foods that you were trying so hard to avoid. You will then be back to square one again. Calorie counting is always going to be a short term solution, not a life plan.

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4. Calorie Counting can actually cause you to avoid nutritious foods.

Fill yourself up with foods of nutritional value, and please please DO NOT avoid foods because you think they have a higher fat content even though they are nutritious. I'm talking about foods like avocados and nuts. Yes, they have a higher fat content but they are also very nutritious.

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5. Calorie Counting takes the enjoyment out of food

As far as I can see, Calorie Counting just takes away your freedom.  Food is there to be enjoyed, so please go out there and enjoy it, with the knowledge that you are filling your body with nutrition.

 So how do you live a healthier lifestyle?

If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, a much better way of doing things is to think 'everything in moderation'. Yes, its ok to eat that chocolate bar, just don't gorge on them all the time. Yes, have a takeaway every so often, just don't do it all the time. 

The Bottom Line -  Calories does NOT equal unhealthy. Before you can say a food is unhealthy, you need to know what's in it!

I have recently been working with a brilliant nutrition coach @thetummyfairy. 

We have put together a list of ingredients that will help you make better choices when it comes to shopping for your family.

Enter your email address below to receive 21 key ingredients which you can buy in your local supermarket that will get you and your family well on your way to a healthier, happier life.