To make the whole thing easier (and give you a more detailed snapshot of how rounded your eating is), it's worth downloading an app that goes beyond just numbers and gives you an insight into exactly how your food fuels you. Learning how to count calories can be the difference between fuelling your goals or accidentally overeating a certain macro, like protein or fat. a steak – as well as being made up of different macronutrients (protein, fat or carbohydrates). Some foods have more calories than others – e.g.

To get really technical, it's the exact amount of energy it would take to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with an eating disorder, contact Beat, the UK-based charity who hope to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.Į:, under-18s: What are calories? A quick refresherįirst up, let's get clear on what a calorie actually is: a unit of measurement used to establish the amount of energy in our food.

If you find these apps triggering it is best to avoid them. If you're already a healthy weight for your height and are still trying to lose weight, consider reaching out to a medical or mental health professional to work with you on creating a healthy body image and moving away from unnecessary weight loss. Not everyone who goes looking for information about calorie counting apps should be using them. When it comes to weight loss and learning how to lose body fat, CICO (calories in, calories out) is a tried and tested measure. Calories can be a handy resource – the NHS maintain that a calorie counting diet is still a good overall way to understand your food intake and can be an invaluable tool if you're trying to lose weight in a sustainable, healthy way. So, what to do if you're looking to track?įirst of all, while being mindful of the above, you don't have to dismiss calorie counting totally. For example, you could hit your daily calorie target but in actuality have eaten twice your daily sugar allowance. When downloading a calorie counting app though, it's important to remember that calories alone won't take into account whether your food is nutrient-dense, satiating or just out-and-out healthy. Nutrition and a balanced diet can be something people look to when a new year rolls around.

Which is better lose it or myfitnesspal