Friday, August 12, 2011

Go on, count those calories for happy and delicious weight loss!


Most of my blogs are inspired by conversations I have with friends and family about their efforts towards living a healthy lifestyle.  What I usually find is that almost always one of them is embarking on yet another new way to keep extra pounds off and stay toned.  Recently my friend told me that she is no longer counting calories.  She will just be eating certain foods that she can indulge in and will not pack on the pounds.  This sounded like a fantasy weight management program so I listened.  She went on about the approved foods for this program and I quickly realized that the reason she will lose weight is because the list is made up of foods that no one will want to eat, let alone, indulge in. 
We are all tempted by the promise to lose weight using some magical and sacrifice-free method but the reality is that weight loss and weight management does involve ‘some’ work but can still be manageable and delicious.
Although I have maintained my weight for the last decade, I still check calories.  One of the reasons is because there is some good news on that list.  Being a calorie counter gives you the freedom to eat anything you choose while providing you a limit.  Allowing you to have your cake, and eat it too.  There are no restricted foods.  Just the amount you should consume.  That works for me because I love desserts and I have learned ways to dress up a serving size.  A scoop of my favorite full caloric ice cream is 100 calories for ½ cup.  I serve it in a medium size bowl, then load it up with a “pinch” of chopped nuts, chopped dried fruits like raisin or cranberries, then top it off with a warm strawberry or blueberry compote.  I feel completely satisfied while gaining some nutritional perks!
Weight loss and fitness does require your commitment.  And if you want long term success, choose a program that will not only give you results, but will also be one you can adopt, adapt and live with!

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