Maddi Cerasuolo isn’t a fan of calorie counting, a common strategy for weight loss. In a recent TikTok clip, she shares her dissent against this method, emphasizing that it can do more harm than good.
At just 24, Cerasuolo, who goes by @madswellness on TikTok, spent seven years tracking her food intake before realizing the negative impact it had on her life.
Many people count calories by assessing their energy needs based on factors like height and weight, then they establish a daily calorie goal. However, Cerasuolo, a Toronto-based wellness advocate, explains that this approach was a source of guilt for her whenever she exceeded her planned calorie intake.
She emphasizes that calorie counting feels like a temporary fix and eventually leads to plateaus or negative feelings towards food. According to her, the true goal should be a sustainable lifestyle that fosters a healthier relationship with eating.
Now, Cerasuolo practices intuitive eating, allowing her hunger cues to dictate when and what she eats. She doesn’t restrict any foods and avoids guilt after enjoying treats.
While calorie counting can lead to weight loss for some, it has its downsides. A 2021 study from Deakin University discovered that 71% of participants had used calorie-tracking apps, with many experiencing symptoms like food obsession and anxiety, especially those focused on weight loss rather than health.
Expert Insights
Nutrition expert Lyon, based in Amsterdam, notes that while calorie counting might aid short-term weight loss, it fails to provide enduring results. She emphasizes that weight management involves a complicated interplay of metabolism, hormone levels, and nutrient balance.
She advises against relying solely on calorie counting, which can lead to weight regain, and instead recommends focusing on nutrient-rich foods that support overall health.
Lyon lists some pros and cons of calorie counting:
Pros of Calorie Counting
- Increases awareness of portion sizes.
- Can yield quick results for short-term weight loss goals.
Cons of Calorie Counting
- Overlooks nutritional value, potentially leading to deficiencies and hormone imbalances.
- Might encourage undereating, resulting in health concerns like missed periods and low fertility.
- Can foster an unhealthy fixation on food, impacting mental health.