Macros and Calorie counting
These are topics of conversation I try to stay away from unless in private discussions. Why? Because these topics can invoke strong emotions both for the good and the bad.
I will preface this post and let you know this is my opinion and nothing more. What works for me may not work for you and that is totally fine.
Question:” Why don’t you count calories or macros?”
Answer: For me and my personality, I have learned it is not healthy.
I can’t keep a healthy mindset when calorie counting. Every time I tried “diets,” I would end up restricting my diet and criminalizing certain healthy foods. This food is high in sugar; this one has a high-fat content etc. I have tried so many diets, diet pills, restricted dieting, and just plain being unhealthy. I don’t believe that, for me, any of those things made me a happier person. I was so obsessed with it that it made me more self-absorbed. The thought of food and weight controlled me for so long. The day I let go of diets and chose just to eat “more healthy than unhealthy” and keep EVERYTHING in moderation, is the day I became free.
I know myself well enough to know that if i decided to count macros, it would put me in an addictive mental state where the number would be all I thought about, and if I didn’t reach it or went over, it would control me. For me, that is not a healthy way to live my life.
I now know that because I eat healthily much more than I eat unhealthily, and I don’t feel guilty about the cinnamon roll on Sunday. I order the meal I want when eating out and don’t have the voice in my head saying, “just get the salad.” I am in control of my thoughts and the food I put in my body. I want to teach my kids to view food healthily, that choosing good things for our body is the best option, and eating junk food occasionally is okay too.
It has taken me my whole life to get to the mental state I am in, so please don’t think my way is the only way. If counting macros or calories work for you, that’s fantastic! If you are like me and diets aren’t your thing, that’s fine too. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, and keep trying to find what works for you.
What matters is to be healthy and happy. I believe that food should add to your healthiness and happiness.
Sincerely,
Janae