Counting Calories vs. Counting Carbohydrates

In order to lose weight and to lose it quickly, you can either count calories or count carbohydrates. Both methods will work, but some people find that one is better for them than the other depending on their eating patterns.

Each method has pros and cons. While it is appropriate to choose one over the other, it is also appropriate to combine both plans and let them work together for even greater benefits.

Counting Calories

More people are familiar with counting calories than with counting carbohydrates, also shortened to just carbs. For years, people were told to rely on counting calories and not so much on counting carbs.

It is true that in order to lose weight, a person must burn more calories than he eats. In fact, the Mayo Clinic advocates that burning 3,500 more calories than you take in can equal one pound weight loss.

Pros of Counting Calories

Food labels will help you count calories. They indicate how many calories are in one serving. Keep in mind that the calorie count is not for the whole box or bag. It is just one serving. The label helps you to set goals for your daily calorie intake.

Counting calories will help keep people on track not only for losing weight but also for other health benefits such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Cons of Counting Calories

Calorie counting only monitors your calories, but it doesn’t take into account other nutritional needs. Also, it could be dangerous to count and cut out too many calories per day.

Only packaged foods have labels. Fruits and vegetables do not have labels to help you count calories. It takes a little more effort to count calories by looking online for the number associated with certain foods.

Counting Carbohydrates

Counting carbohydrates involves keeping track of the number of carbohydrates you take in each day. Carbs come from almost everything you eat and drink. The number of carbs you need each day depends on your daily carbohydrate goal. Then you would divide the carbohydrates among your three main meals and your snacks. When you keep to your goal or even go below it, you will definitely lose weight.

Pros of Counting Carbohydrates

Food labels do not keep you in the dark about carbs. In fact, the labels give three listings for carbs. There is a number for total carbohydrates in the food along with a separate number for dietary fiber and a separate number for sugars.

This approach is excellent not only for losing weight but also for helping diabetics manage their blood sugar. Carbohydrates affect blood glucose more than other nutrients.

Cons of Carbohydrate Counting

You must realize that some foods have calories, but not all foods contain carbohydrates. For example, a porterhouse steak doesn’t have carbohydrates, but it is very high in fat and calories. Therefore, you might not be eating healthy meals even if you rely solely on reducing carbohydrates.

Calories and Carbohydrates Work Together

Whether you count calories or carbs, they both work together in a meal plan. You should not focus on one while overlooking the other. You need to watch both calories and carbs because eating fewer calories doesn’t always mean eating lower carbs. Keep in mind that portion control is essential no matter which method you use.

Personal Testimony

I have counted calories most of my life without much success when it came to losing weight. I recently started counting and reducing carbs and have lost a great deal of weight in no time at all. I am finding that reducing my carb intake is much better for me than merely counting calories. Since I am losing weight effortlessly, I will continue to limit my carbohydrates intake which also limits my calorie intake.

I have Type 2 diabetes and have seen positive results in managing it since I reduced my carbohydrates intake. I am thrilled with the numbers I am seeing on my scales and on my blood glucose meter. Two very important things have happened since I started counting carbs: I have lost a tremendous amount of weight and my blood sugar is at a normal level.