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Is it normal to count calories?

21 Answers
Last Updated: 05/05/2020 at 1:18am
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Brenda King, PsyD

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I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
sorgenfresserchen
February 13th, 2015 9:34am
I think that it is not a good idea to generally label behavior as "good" or "bad". In this case counting calories CAN lead to several problemativ issues and at eh moment when it creates suffering it should be considered not normal.
AwesomeHeart
August 2nd, 2016 2:40am
I don't think counting calories could be classified as 'normal' or 'abnormal'. I would say that it is probably common to count calories, but being common does not necessarily make it healthy. Individuals count calories for many reasons; because of health, fitness regimes, diabetes, eating disorders, and other health concerns. One could ask themselves whether calorie counting is beneficial or if it hindering their life in a negative way.
CalmCourage
May 5th, 2020 1:18am
I think it is normal if you've got a certain weight goal in mind. I know many people who want to gain weight so will count their calories! Why do you count your calories do you think? Out of just curiosity and intrigue or are you trying to lose or gain weight? I find it quite hard to track my own, I've tried apps but don't seem to carry it on for too long. I suppose it's quite useful to track what you are eating, to see if you're maintaining a balanced diet and to see how much calories your body needs.
ridoissaunicorn
April 6th, 2020 12:20am
it is completely normal to count calories as it helps you stay aware of yourself and helps you stay fit and motivated. it isnt always healthy as u may starve but it is good if it is done in control and with intentions of being healthy and not starving. it is beneficial and great to count calories to be aware of what youre eating contains and can help a great deal with health control and help u develop habits that are positive and good for u. so yes it is always and completely normal to count your own calories
GiedreSi
November 12th, 2018 7:43pm
It depends. On one hand, a lot of people do it, and in that sense, it is "normal" (i.e. not completely out of the ordinary). In addition, counting calories in itself is not necessarily a detrimental act. On the other hand, you do need to check in with yourself, and be honest in answering a few questions: What is your goal of counting calories? Is it part of an unhealthy food restriction? Do you feel obsessed with the number of calories in your mind? Does counting calories interferes with your ability to think and function in daily life? If yes, then it should not be considered normal, and can in fact be unhealthy. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is this: food and calories should not be a big part of your mind or life.
Anonymous
July 24th, 2018 2:32pm
Some people do it for athletic purposes, or weight-loss purposes. It isn't unusual, as long as counting calories doesn't get it the way of your every-day life.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2018 3:29am
Counting calories can be part of a diet or fitness regime. This can be healthy and improve your physical well-being. However, counting calories can be obsessive and unhealthy for some individuals. If you find yourself needing to count calories and obsessing so much over it disrupts your day, then you might want to consult a professional. Counting calories and restricting them can be a symptom of an eating disorder. If you have concerns whether your personal calorie counting is healthy or not, ask your doctor.
TimelessClassic
March 9th, 2018 9:43pm
It can be perfectly normal, I myself do it, because I like to monitor the amount of salt and sugar I intake. It can however also lead to obsession over weight and be a very negative thing (I myself had this issue 5-6 years ago). If you use calorie counting to provide yourself with a health and balanced diet, with the correct amount of calories for your height/weight/fitness level, then it can be a very useful thing. It can also be useful for people who are over weight to move to a healthier weight range. However deciding you want to stick to 600 calories a day, denying yourself eating anything, etc can be very harmful and people should seek professional help if this occurs
Anonymous
February 24th, 2018 6:51am
Yes, it can be a good thing or a bad thing it all depends on what your intentions are and if you are becoming obsessive with the counting
Anonymous
February 20th, 2018 8:21pm
yes, it‘s normal to count calories, but just if you eat the calories you/your body needs.
ITJoy64
February 13th, 2018 12:59pm
Counting calories we consume its fine, but enjoying your food and listening to your body works just as well.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2016 1:27am
Yes, it gives you more control over dieting. While diets aren't for everyone it can help you if you chose to diet. Things like fitbit can help you count calories burned and multiple websites help you keep track of calories gained.
Anonymous
January 15th, 2015 2:57am
Yeah, gives you control of your health. Of couse you have to have a control about how much calories you take.
Anonymous
July 19th, 2016 10:21am
It depends on how one does it as well as the mental state you are in when doing so. Counting calories is a sign of a more serious problem if a person gets extreme anxiety or stress when he/she has exceeded the calorie count, or dials up exercise to compensate for the extra calories as a way to manipulate one's body.
Adhuri
January 19th, 2016 10:11am
Yes obiously. It helps to have a proper diet but if one count it for all day long and more then it maynot correct
NoImaginationY
November 12th, 2015 11:30am
It is very much normal and usually a healthy thing to do. You get mindful of what you eat and have a much clearer idea of what's going on with your body. It starts becoming a problem when you're obsessed about it, with a very concrete example of needing to weight everything to specific grams in order to eat.
wonderouspeace
September 7th, 2015 4:42am
For many teenagers it is, and it isn't necessarily bad. It begins to become an issue when you start to count calories to an extreme. When counting calories you want to reach the goal for your weight and height.
ElectricHearts
June 23rd, 2015 8:44pm
Counting calories is a very common form of either losing, maintaining, and even gaining weight. Normal, on the other hand is a matter of perspective which is different for everybody. :) Hope this helps!
starryRiver83
March 14th, 2015 6:25pm
It depends on the reasons for counting the calories. Are you counting the calories because you fear eating too many? Is there a reason you need to keep counting calories, for health reasons? Are you counting them excessively and trying to avoid a certain amount when you don't need to? Everyone needs to keep an eye on what they are eating to maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle, but not excessively with everything. If you are doing it excessively and are trying to control your diet in an unhealthy way (and by that sticking to a limit of calories which may be too small) then I wouldn't say it was entirely normal, nor something to be encouraged.
bestTruth96
March 10th, 2015 6:36pm
A lot of people count calories for a number of reasons. Are you obsessively counting calories? Do you worry about every foods calorie content? What happens if you go over x amount of calories? Are there good calories and bad calories? If you answered yes to these questions no counting calories for you in not healthy.
Rivielle
January 25th, 2015 4:58am
If you are working out or if you are on a diet which consists of limited calories each day. I would say it's pretty normal now but dont overdo it. Dont be afraid to take in calories because that's your energy