Calorie Counting? Count me out!

In a society where the media scrutinises every celebrity for his or her diet, fitness regime and general appearance, it can be hard at times to not get caught up in the hype. As we watch the likes of TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger – who’s bikini picture went viral on the Internet this week – get essentially ‘fat-shamed’, it’s difficult not to get caught up in the perception of what a ‘perfect’ figure is. This obsession with being ultra-skinny and super fit has lead to many feeling like they need to slim down. And how do most people go about trying to lose weight? Calorie Counting.

The media ‘fat shaming’ Kim Kardashian!

The average person’s calorie intake a day should be around roughly 2,000 calories. When on a calorie counting diet, with the goal of weight loss, apps such as Fitness Pal suggest you eat around 1,200 calories a day, 40% of your original daily allowance. Is this really the way forward?

Though calorie counting might provide the initial weight loss desired, ultimately it is , in most cases, a short-term solution. The NHS website doesn’t hold back on its opinions on ‘fad’ diets, suggesting instead people try and achieve a healthier weight through permanent life style choices. It even goes as far to highlight the negative impact of these diets – such as a low-carb diet potential leading to headaches and even hair-loss.

So how do you go about doing this? Firstly be wary of the words diet and low fat. Lets take Diet Coke for example. Once an avid fan of the stuff I would happily gulp away a can a day while feeling pretty pleased with the lack of calories I was consuming. How wrong was I. Though I was pleased with the distinct lack of calories, I should not have been so naïve to think it was doing me some beneficial, no calorie goodness. Not only does the artificial sugar send your body into turmoil, diet fizzy drinks have also been linked to type 2 diabetes, teeth decay, headaches and even potential heart problems. As well as doing my body a few pretty big favours, I also feel better in myself from removing Diet Coke in my daily diet.

Now when I feel like having a drink besides water, or when I’m making up the £3.29 in my boots meal deal, SaVse ‘Super Green’ drink is often a favourite of mine. A beautiful blend of vegetables and fruit, with 2 of your 5 a day and 95 calories. Though it has 95 calories more than my once beloved Diet Coke there’s no denying it; SaVse ‘Super Green’ is better for me in every sense.

Next time you worry about calories or you feel it’s time to go on a diet, it may be wise to remind yourself that low calorie doesn’t mean healthy. A maintained healthy lifestyle will make you feel and look better than ANY fad diet ultimately will.

Edited by Mackenzie Orrock

Sources:

–          http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/how-to-diet.aspx

–          http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20739512_11,00.html

–          http://www.savsesmoothies.com/

–          http://trndmonitor.com/drink-spotlight-savse-super-green-smoothie/

–          http://www.ivillage.com.au/the-reason-we-have-stop-fat-shaming-pregnant-women/

• calorie counting
• health
• healthy eating