Do a Calorie-Counting Internship

Counting calories is arguably one of the most foolproof methods for losing weight. However, turning it into a full-time job might not be the best approach. It requires high effort and takes the fun out of enjoying meals. Instead, consider what I like to call a "calorie-counting internship."

I spent some time counting my calories and it educated me tremendously about the caloric content of pantry staples like oats, meat, pasta, rice, oils, and fruits.

Why opt for an internship? Because it’s temporary.

And here’s why it’s beneficial:

Making Better Choices

Now, I no longer weigh my food or count calories, but I've developed the ability to estimate my daily caloric intake mentally.

For example, suppose I realize by afternoon that I've only consumed about 1500 calories (my daily intake is 2500 calories these days). In that case, I feel free to enjoy a more carb-heavy dinner or even indulge a little. Conversely, if I'm already at 1900 calories, I opt for low-carb meals for the rest of the day to stay within my limit.

Identifying Horrible Social Media Advice

Countless "weight loss healthy recipes" are circulating on social media, but not all are as healthy as they claim. Thanks to my experience with calorie counting, I can easily spot recipes that are high in calories. For instance, if a weight loss recipe includes 4 tablespoons (64g) of peanut butter, I know that's almost 450 calories right there—a fact I wouldn't be aware of without my "internship" in calorie counting. This knowledge is invaluable for making smart dietary choices in a world full of conflicting content.

This "internship" might be challenging, but trust me, enduring this short period of inconvenience can significantly help you reach your health goals.