Studies have shown that in the short term – 6 months, counting carbs produces greater weight loss. But at a year and more, there is no difference in weight loss if you count calories.
There are issues with both methods of counting.
Pros of calorie counting:
- You can read a nutritional label and get a number to count toward your daily total.
- A low-calorie diet can help many health conditions that are associated with obesity – like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Cons of calorie counting:
- It doesn’t take into account your body’s nutritional needs – only the intake of calories.
- Cutting calories to an artificially low level (usually less than 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day) can lead to worsening health conditions.
Pros of carbohydrate counting:
- It can be helpful for people who must watch their daily carbohydrates – like people with diabetes.
- You can easily read a nutritional label and get a number to count toward your daily carbs.
Cons of carbohydrate counting:
- Not all foods contain carbohydrates. Some foods like a porterhouse steak doesn’t have carbohydrates – but is very high in fat and calories.
- Managing your carbohydrate intake alone doesn’t guarantee a healthy diet.
All life choices that are healthy are about balance. Your body still needs fats to feel full. You generally can’t maintain a proper approach by not taking all things into consideration – not just calories and carbs.
Portion Control is the balanced and proper answer for most people.
Your nutritional needs as well as not starving your body of what it needs to be healthy has to be as important as your calories and carbs.
- Eat healthy choices most of the time.
- Don’t overeat and stuff yourself .
- Changing your attitude and life long thinking about food is the key – along with eating smaller portions.
- Get out and move – exercise.
This is the correct approach to losing weight and becoming healthier.