Does calorie tracking become an obsession?

Diet & Nutrition
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1

It’s been 3 months since I started the diet, but I’ve noticed that I’m constantly calculating the calories of every bite I take. Even when I go out to eat with friends, I get anxious while choosing from the menu. Is this normal, in your opinion? Or does this eventually lead to an unhealthy obsession? How can one live at peace with calories?

2

I experienced the same thing; I’ve been logging calories on my phone for 2 months straight. Honestly, at one point, I couldn’t even go out with friends. What woke me up was realizing that “I’ve completely forgotten to eat for enjoyment.” Try letting loose a little; accept that it’s okay to indulge every now and then.

3

3 months ago, I was just like you; I became an enemy to food without realizing it. I questioned everything I ate 50 times. Then I went to a nutritionist, and I learned that I could find balance without counting calories. I felt so relieved :grimacing:

4

But if you’re calculating down to the millimeter, I think there might be a bit of obsessiveness involved. You say it’s normal, but constantly being “stressed out” doesn’t seem very normal to me. I really suggest you think about what you’re getting hung up on :sweat_smile:

5

Tracking calories is all about ‘balance.’ Constantly calculating can increase cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to various problems in your body. If the issue starts affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to consult with a dietitian or psychologist.

6

Friends, thank you for the comments. I noticed that I seem to be afraid of losing control. It feels like everything will go out of hand if I let go. I had some weight issues in my childhood, and I guess some things might have stayed from that.

7

For me, the main issue here isn’t really weight loss, but control. I mean, you might have a thought in your head like ‘I have to keep everything under control.’ When it comes to weight problems from childhood and all that, it gets you thinking a bit.

8

First, take a little break, for example, don’t count calories for a week. How do you feel? Take notes. If you’re feeling really uncomfortable, definitely see a specialist; there are simple techniques to help you stop this.

9

If you’re overly worried about calories and that kind of thing right now, it could end up being harmful for you. Okay, losing weight is important, but in our time, there weren’t such apps; everyone would be a bit mindful but not stressed out about it. I think you shouldn’t dig too deep into this.