To answer this question, let’s start with basic review of how calories work.  A calorie is a measure of energy.  Foods and beverages provide our bodies with energy.  Our bodies use energy for each and every function, from the beating of our hearts and the digestion of food to going on a hike.  If we consume more calories than our body requires, the extra energy is stored as fat tissue.  If energy output is greater than energy intake, energy from fat tissue is released and weight loss occurs.  Beyond this basic equation, is an area that we really do not know much about.  Everyone knows someone that appears to eat a lot and remains slim and another who seems to smell food and gain weight.  And what about that phenomenon of rapid weight gain that follows a weight loss?  The calorie equation is not as simple as it first appears. 

The Barix Nutrition Program does not focus on counting calories.  It stresses important behaviors to making good food choices that will allow the body to have a healthful weight loss.  These behaviors are:

§         Eat six small, high protein meals

§         Avoid foods and beverages with more than 2 grams of added sugars

§         Limit food with a high fat content

§         Obtain adequate fluid-most of which should come from calorie free sources

§         Do not eat and drink at the same time

§         Daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplementation

§         Exercise regularly

When these behaviors are followed, the result is adequate nutrition to nourish the body and support a healthful weight loss.  Each time a follow-up visit is made, the nutritionist will review the foods and beverages that are chosen and make recommendations for changes if needed. 

For most, calorie counting is not necessary to obtain the desired weight loss.  A person choosing large amounts of 100% juice to meet the fluid requirement will significantly increase calorie intake.  The nutritionist will recommend that most of the fluids come from non-caloric sources.  If this person makes the change to non-caloric beverages, they should not have to count calories from all sources to be successful. 

Other habits that can impact the energy balance are skipping meals, eating larger portions, choosing high fat foods or foods high in added sugar on a regular basis, or forcing food out of the pouch by drinking with meals.  

The lack of regular exercise decreases energy requirements in two ways.  First, energy is required for the activity.  Without the activity, energy requirements are decreased.  Those that do not exercise, lose a significant amount of muscle tissue during the weight loss phase.  This results in a lower daily energy (calorie) requirement or metabolism.

By following the Barix Nutrition Program recommendations, adequate nutrition for a healthful weight loss is obtained.  Following the recommendations increases the opportunity to be as successful as possible.

As the weight loss goal is comes into sight, the energy balance gets close to equilibrium, and energy intake is closely balanced with energy output.  At this point, it may be useful to count calories to identify choices that may need adjustment.  A word of caution, lowering calories below a certain point appears to be counterproductive.  The body senses that it is starving and works hard to conserve all energy output.  Your Barix nutritionist can help you to establish a healthful calorie goal. 

To sum it all up, calories do count, although counting calories is not necessary if you focus on the Barix Nutrition Program recommendations.  Making healthful lifestyle choices will enable you to reach and maintain your weight loss goals without feeling like you are following a lifelong diet.