QUIT Calorie Counting... Here's What REALLY Works
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 13, 2023
Ever tried counting calories to lose weight?
If so, I can practically GUARANTEE it hasn’t worked out for you. (Or it won’t in the long term.)
There are a couple of reasons why this method inevitably fails.
First of all, it’s more complex than it sounds. Calorie counting is labor-intensive and far from straightforward.
And second… well… it’s an ABSURD concept.
Confused? Don’t be. I’ll explain…
To understand why calorie counting is a ridiculous approach to weight management, you must know HOW scientists measure calories.
They take food like an apple, stick it in a machine, and burn it to a crisp. As it burns, they measure how much energy it takes to create that piece of apple charcoal.
If you’re thinking that your body doesn’t work that way, you’re ABSOLUTELY right.
There are MANY reasons why this “burn it to a crisp” measurement doesn’t make sense. But the most serious of these is that food acts as a messenger when you eat it.
One of the messages certain foods (like sugar) tell your body is to store fat. While others have different things to communicate.
In other words, even if another food (such as steak) has the exact same number of calories, it doesn’t send the same store-fat message.
If you want to lose weight and control your blood sugar, ditch the calorie counting and try intermittent fasting instead.
And recent research confirms that advice. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that intermittent fasting can help folks lose weight and keep it off for at least a year.
And although the study stopped after a year, if you stick with it, I’m willing to bet that loss will be permanent.
When you fast, you refrain from eating for a specified period. But don’t worry, it’s not as harsh as it sounds. In fact, we ALREADY do this naturally every night as we sleep.
So with intermittent fasting, that period of not eating is just extended a bit further.
Typically, folks feel free to eat anytime during their waking hours. And that’s usually between 14 to 16 hours a day. Cut that window down to 10, and now you’re intermittent fasting and on your way to losing weight.
Most folks choose to simply wait to break their overnight fast for a few more hours and then stop eating a bit earlier in the evening.
Amazing things happen when you eat this way.
Confining your eating to a 10-hour or less window slashes the risk of metabolic syndrome and all its associated diseases, including…
- cancer,
- heart disease,
- and Alzheimer’s.
Plus, most folks who practice intermittent fasting lose weight (and keep it off). And they see improvements in their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
But wait, I haven’t even told you the BEST part yet!
You get all those intermittent fasting benefits even when you don’t change a thing about what you eat. You can eat whatever you want and lose weight. All you have to do is stick to your window, and you’re set.
Regardless, I DO recommend you skip the ultra-processed foods and cut out the inflammatory added sugars and vegetable oils.
P.S. Your gut health has a huge impact on your overall well-being. And it turns out you can use this same “timing trick” to modify and restore your gut microbiome. CLICK HERE for the details.
Source:
“Time-Restricted Eating Without Calorie Counting for Weight Loss in a Racially Diverse Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Annals of Internal Medicine, 27 June 2023, doi. org/10.7326/M23-0052
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...
These Morning Rituals WILL Change Your Life
We’ve all heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” But what if the early bird could do more than just catch a worm? What if those first few hours of the morning could set you up for success, improve your health, and boost your overall well-being? Welcome to the world of transformative morning...