Proceed with Caution

Weightloss and the journey towards a healthier existence is a challenging one... This is something we all know. For some people, counting calories may be in your agenda for ways to succeed. While mathematically, counting calories to the exact singlet number will result in weightloss... it doesn't always mean it's the best system. There are 3500 calories in a pound, and one pound a week lost is healthy... so cut 500 calories from the 2000 calorie daily recommendation... not always what you want to be doing, and I'm speaking from experience.

For my 21st birthday, it was my goal to have my license say 130 pounds. This goal, I did accomplish! And I maintained my weight at 130 for a good solid 4 months... and then I said to myself, I wonder if I can get down to 120 pounds... This is where weightloss goes from awesome to what the hell are you thinking? I was working out 5-6 days a week (mainly on an elliptical, which frankly burns calories but builds no muscle mass) and eating a measly 1200 calories a day... I ended up sick. I let that go on for somewhere around a month, where at the ending point, I weighed 117. Which is WAY underweight for someone of my height and build. PANIC MODE! I was iron deficient, lethargic, my skin was broken out and grey looking, no enthusiasm (Yeah... can you imagine an unenthusiastic Emily? YOU DON'T WANT TO)

Since then, I have gained the weight back. It took me a REALLY long time to stop counting calories, but I have finally broken the habit. It's really difficult to get back to just eating comfortably and not worry about the number... which is why I discourage counting calories. It's important to PAY ATTENTION to what those nutrition facts say, as far as serving size and other nutrition values... but to count every single unit that goes into your body will only make you paranoid and your own worst enemy when you break it.

IF, and I mean IF, you are going to count calories... here is a great place to go to help track My Fitness Pal. MFP also has a free phone app, which is helpful for on the go. They virtually have EVERY type of food listed, and while I don't count calories, I frequent the app to check nutrition facts at restaurants and other on the go occasions.

In all seriousness, eat enough to stabilize yourself. If you're hungry, grab a snack. (Don't worry, snack suggestions are coming in a future post). If you're working out, eat more to replenish your lost calories, but eat CLEAN food, not a big mac or a pint of ice cream.

So proceed with caution stay positive, keep your eye on the prize and most importantly LEARN YOUR LIMITS AND KNOW THEM. Sometimes it takes trial and error to find them, but trust me, you'll know when you do.