Do you really need to count calories?

I get asked a fair amount if I count calories, or if clients should. The simple answer, if you're trying to make any change to your body, is yes.  I have gotten to the point where I don't count, because I know about how much food I'm eating at each meal.  This is because I did record calories for years and I became very familiar with food amounts and calories that are associated with them.  I have ALL my clients, in the beginning, start recording their calories.  Not necessarily changing anything they eat, just adding everything up to see where they actually stand.

Initially starting to count your calories can be one of the most eye opening experiences of your life. 8/10 people that I have record their calories for the first time are AMAZED at how much (or little) they actually eat.  This paradigm shift might be just the thing you need to start making changes to your diet.  That being said there are 2 times you really need to count your calories:

1.  Just starting out on a diet or exercise regimen

2.  Fitness competitors and bodybuilders that need to manage their calories down to the last carb

This means everyone doesn't NEED to count calories.  If you have been tracking calories for months, have been strict for a long time, and don't have any special events coming up counting calories simply isn't a necessity. If you haven't been tracking, START!  If nothing else it will create some important awareness, and like I said, you'll probably be shocked with what you find.

If you're ready to change the way you look at fitness, diet, and lifestyle, order the ebook Inside the Mind of a Personal Trainer here.