After years of trying countless diets, I’ve come to a conclusion: calorie counting is, hands down, the most sustainable approach to weight loss and maintenance. Let me explain why.
My Journey: From 14st to 10st—and Staying There
By my mid 20’s my weight had ballooned to 14 stone. At 5’7’’ that’s quite a lot of weight to be carrying around, I felt stuck. Like many, I experimented with various diets. Some gave quick results, but they weren’t sustainable. The moment I stopped, the weight came back—and often brought more with it. It wasn’t until I embraced calorie counting that everything changed. Over time, I shed four stone and, for the last 20 years, I’ve kept it off.
The secret? Calorie counting keeps me accountable while allowing me to eat the foods I love, so it’s a lifestyle, not a fad. Even when I go off track (Like I did this Christmas!), calorie counting always helps me reset and return to my goals.
Why Calorie Counting Works
1. It Keeps You Accountable
If you don’t know how many calories you’re consuming, it’s easy to underestimate portions or overindulge. Calorie counting forces you to track what’s going in and helps you face the facts. Accountability is powerful—it keeps you honest and makes overeating harder to ignore.
2. It’s Sustainable and Flexible
Unlike restrictive diets that ban entire food groups or force you into rigid meal plans, calorie counting allows you to enjoy all the foods you love. Yes, you can have chocolate, pizza, or cake, as long as it fits into your daily target. This flexibility makes it easier to stick with long-term. You’re not depriving yourself—you’re making conscious, informed decisions about your intake.
3. It Improves Portion Control
Over the years, calorie counting has trained me to recognise proper portion sizes. At first, I had to weigh and measure everything (tbh I still do), but now I can work out portions and weights pretty accurately. This skill alone is invaluable—it helps prevent overeating without feeling like I’m dieting. It also allows me to make conscious decisions, especially when I am out and about
A Tool for Life, Not Just a Phase
I won’t pretend calorie counting is always fun. It can feel tedious at times, especially at the start. But the payoff is worth it. If you’re not aware of what you’re putting in your body, it’s incredibly hard to make meaningful, lasting changes.
For me, calorie counting isn’t something I dip in and out of—it’s a part of my everyday life. I’m always tracking my calories, and that consistency is what keeps me on course. It’s not about perfection; it’s about staying aware.
That awareness acts as a constant reminder to make informed decisions. When I’ve gone off track—like over Christmas, when I enjoy more indulgent foods—I don’t stop counting. Instead, I use it to get me back to where I need to be. It’s not just a reset tool; it’s a lifelong habit that helps me maintain balance without feeling restricted.
Calorie counting isn’t tedious when you see it as a framework for success. For me, it’s second nature, and it’s the foundation that’s allowed me to maintain my weight for over two decades.
My Takeaway
Calorie counting has been my foundation for sustainable weight loss. It’s given me the freedom to enjoy my favourite foods while staying in control of my health. If you’re tired of diets that feel impossible to maintain, I encourage you to give calorie counting a try. It’s not a quick fix, but that’s the point—it’s a long-term solution.
Take it slow, be patient, and focus on learning about your eating habits. You might just find it’s the key to not only reaching your goals but maintaining them for life.