Why I Stopped Counting Calories and Found Peace With Food

When I first started my weight loss journey, calorie counting seemed like the perfect solution. “Eat fewer calories than you burn, and you’ll lose weight,” people said. It sounded logical, and honestly, it worked - at least on the surface. What I didn’t realize was how much it would cost me physically, emotionally, and mentally.

In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with calorie counting, why it didn’t work for me, and how trusting my body helped me heal, restore my energy, and find peace with food.

The First Time I Tried Calorie Counting

The first time I turned to calorie counting, I was determined to shed pounds quickly. I tracked every bite, weighed every meal, and stuck to a strict calorie goal. I ate what most people would consider a “healthy” diet: plenty of veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats.

The weight came off quickly, and I got compliments left and right. But beneath the surface, my body was waving red flags:

• My period stopped.
• My mood plummeted. I felt irritable and sad, with no clear reason why.
• My energy disappeared. Even basic tasks felt like a struggle.
• I started losing muscle. Instead of feeling strong, I felt weaker.

Worst of all, food became an obsession. I couldn’t stop thinking about it; when to eat, what to eat, and how much I could “afford.” It consumed so much mental energy that I had little left for anything else.

The physical toll was bad, but the mental strain was what truly broke me. Food ruled my life, and I wasn’t happy.

The Second Time Around: A Harder Lesson

Years later, I decided to give calorie counting another try. I thought I could be smarter about it, more balanced this time around.

I followed the same plan: track calories, eat “clean,” and keep up with my workouts. Once again, the scale rewarded my efforts. But this time, the consequences were even worse.

In addition to the issues I faced before. no period, mood swings, low energy, and food obsession, I also started losing hair. My hair became brittle, thin, and lifeless, which was heartbreaking.

That was the wake-up call I needed. It became clear that calorie counting wasn’t working for me. My body was crying out for help, and I had to listen.

Why Calorie Counting Isn’t for Everyone

Now, let me be clear: I’m not saying calorie counting doesn’t work for anyone. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it works better for some people than others.

But for many women, especially those over 40, it can do more harm than good. Here’s why:

1. It Can Mess With Your Hormones

Calorie counting can disrupt two key hormones that regulate appetite and weight:

• Leptin: This hormone tells your brain when you’re full. When you eat too few calories, leptin levels drop, making it harder for your brain to recognize when you’ve had enough.
• Ghrelin: Known as the hunger hormone, ghrelin signals when it’s time to eat. When you restrict calories, ghrelin levels rise, leaving you feeling hungrier than ever.

The result? You’re stuck in a cycle of constant hunger and dissatisfaction, which makes long-term success nearly impossible.

2. It Can Harm Your Metabolism

When you consistently eat less than your body needs, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. This can make it harder to lose weight over time and can even lead to weight gain when you stop restricting.

3. It Creates Stress

Tracking every calorie can feel like a full-time job. This constant focus on food can raise cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Elevated cortisol not only makes weight loss harder but can also lead to sleep issues, fatigue, and mood swings.

4. It Disconnects You From Your Body

Focusing on external rules (like calorie limits) can drown out your body’s natural signals of hunger and fullness. Over time, you lose trust in your own instincts, making it harder to eat intuitively.

The Turning Point: Choosing Health Over the Scale

One day, I hit my breaking point. I looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore.” The number on the scale wasn’t worth the toll it was taking on my body and mind.

So, I made the scary decision: I stopped calorie counting.

At first, it was terrifying. Without a tracker, how would I know if I was eating the “right” amount? What if I gained weight?

And, yes, I did gain weight at first, quickly. Years of dieting had dulled my ability to sense when I was truly full, so I often overate. But instead of panicking, I trusted the process. I knew my body would find its balance if I gave it time.

Finding Balance: Rebuilding Trust With My Body

After a few weeks, something incredible happened. My body started to regulate itself. The constant hunger faded, and I began to feel full and satisfied after meals. The weight gain stopped, and eventually, the extra pounds started coming off naturally.

Here’s what improved when I stopped calorie counting:

1. My period returned. This was a clear sign that my body was healing.
2. My mood improved. I felt happier, calmer, and more like myself.
3. My energy came back. I could finally keep up with my day-to-day life without feeling drained.
4. My hair grew back. It became thicker and healthier.
5. I stopped obsessing over food. My brain had space for the things that truly mattered: my family, my work, and my passions.

What I Learned

Calorie counting wasn’t the answer for me because it disconnected me from my body and its needs. Instead, I learned to:

• Listen to my hunger and fullness cues. My body knows when it needs fuel and when it’s had enough.
• Focus on nourishing foods. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods gave me the energy I needed without the stress of tracking every bite.
• Celebrate non-scale victories. Things like better energy, a stable mood, and feeling strong mattered far more than any number on the scale.

My Life Now: Freedom and Joy

Today, I’m in a place I never thought I’d be. I eat intuitively, my body feels strong and balanced, and I no longer obsess over food or weight. The freedom I’ve found is priceless.

If you’ve struggled with calorie counting or feel like your diet is controlling your life, know that you’re not alone. It is possible to find peace with food and trust your body again.

Ready to Reclaim Your Health?

As women over 40, we face unique challenges, but that doesn’t mean we have to fight our bodies. If you’re ready to reconnect with your body, find food freedom, and feel energized again, I’m here to help.

With love,

Your Health Coach, Silke 💖

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with a friend who might need a little inspiration on their weight loss journey! 💌

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