Is Counting Calories a Good Way to Lose Weight? While losing weight is not quite as simple as burning more calories than you consume, counting calories can be a good way to lose weight. In my post about following a healthy eating plan , I state that counting calories can lead to disordered eating. The truth is lots of things can lead to disordered eating. Counting calories can be a good weight loss strategy if done right. What is a Calorie? Check out this Eatingwell article to learn about calories and how many you need to consume per day. The daily calorie count is generally based on age and gender, but can vary based on different circumstances - if you're pregnant, for example. A calorie deficit is just one component of weight loss. If you restrict calories too much, your body can switch into famine mode. Your metabolism will slow down if your body thinks food is scarce, which would be counterproductive to your weight loss journey. Counting Calories is ONE Way to Lose Weight
Content warning: mentions cancer and death If I had a dollar for every time a patient came into my office and said they “want to be checked for cancer,” well…I probably wouldn’t be writing this blog post! There is no single universal test for cancer, but common things happen commonly. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined ( cancer.org ). Screening for colorectal cancer should be on your list to be “checked for cancer.” For those at average risk, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 ( cdc.gov ). If you want to know more about colorectal cancer incidence, risk factors and screening methods, then check out last week's blog post here . I am at increased risk for colorectal cancer, because my father died from complications of colon cancer when he was only 45. So though I’m only in my thirties, I’ve already had my first screening colonoscopy, which is the gold standard screening method for individuals at hig