Should I count calories or focus on my Time in Range and Glucose Variability?

There are many reasons why the Calories in, Calories Out, or CICO, philosophy does not always work.

• Low calorie marketed foods are usually extremely processed and stripped of nutrients
• Low calorie foods lack healthy fats which are vital to for healthy hormones, weight loss, and keeping you full
• Calorie counting does not take into account the digestion process (for example, we use more energy digesting protein than carbs and fats)
• Food labels can be off by 20%
• 200 kcals from broccoli sends a completely different message to the body than 200 kcals from candy
• There is human error when counting and measuring calories
• It often leads to a mindset of less is better which wreaks havoc on your metabolism!

Instead of calorie counting, focus on incorporating real, whole foods that stabilize your blood sugar. Balance your meals with nutrient-dense protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.  Ensure that you are eating enough and not depriving yourself. Also, remember to work on other factors like stress management and sleep! Remember, significantly undereating is a stress on your body which can halt weight loss.  Use our Signos Plate Method as a guide for building successful meals. 

Learn more about Counting Calories and Weight loss.