TW: calorie counting, health, eating disorders, and weight loss/gain
As someone who has experienced more than my fair share of body shame and eating disorders, let me tell you first hand, numbers aren’t everything. I am sure you are tired of hearing this expression, but it’s the truth. So much of society already concerns itself with the heavy value of numbers. If I may be so bold, let’s all say this together, “numbers are overrated”! Sure, being healthy is vital to life, but we shouldn’t let numbers stop us from doing the things we love and live for. Especially this year with the pandemic, I think everyone had to readjust their lives. Some people decided to reach their fullest potential by l, getting fit, or getting into a stable routine, others began to drift apart from their goals and stopped going through their routines, and rightfully so. There is so much shame in not being perfect, but we must come to terms with the fact that because life is not perfect we will not be perfect.
So why should you stop counting calories? Well, most people who begin to count calories are people who are struggling with an eating disorder, people who are athletes, or people who are just trying to get in shape. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, the first thing you should do is go to a doctor, family member, or friend and talk it out. Again, coming with someone who has struggled with eating disorders, just like our bodies, nutrition is not simple by any means. The first step is just to recover and create a healthy relationship with food. Worrying about how many calories you ate and how many calories you burned is not only sometimes pretty inaccurate if you do not measure properly, but also something that can trigger your eating disorder. If you are getting in shape and want to live a healthier lifestyle, it is important to note that because many people do not have access to a nutritionist, poor dieting is common and can lead to detrimental effects on your health in the long run. Additionally, contrary to common belief, athletes can definitely have eating disorders, especially those who are extremely competitive and perfectionists.
So what should you do instead of counting calories? Intuitively eat and drop all the fad diets and the fitness trackers! This is better for most people in the long run as it is sustainable and a healthy way to live.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder or a bad relationship with food call the National Eating Disorder Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
