This post will talk about counting calories and how it helps keep you accountable.
I have found that when I count my calories, I am better able to monitor what I eat and stay accountable to my nutritional regime. The truth is that you can work yourself to death at the gym, and still gain weight and fat. Everyone has a specific amount of calories they should be in taking through out the day. The calories you need to intake depend on your age, gender, weight, and activity level. Many people over estimate the amount of calories they need, and under estimate the calories they are in taking. When you find that you are exercising hard, and still not seeing the results you desire, it is time to start counting calories. Try keeping a journal. In the journal write down the food and drinks you are in taking. Don't lie about the portions in your journal, your body knows the truth. In our home, we have a food scale. They are relatively inexpensive, and incredibly helpful. By keeping a food journal you will stay accountable to your diet. I also find that by keeping a journal, I cut down on my snacking. Keeping a food journal discourages me from grabbing that extra handful of trail mix, or adding an extra scoop of ice cream and chocolate syrup to my bowl.
