Let’s talk about calorie tracking—specifically, why it’s one of the least effective methods for sustainable weight loss. I know it’s tempting to rely on apps and numbers, but today I want to give you real, eye-opening insight into why calorie counting often fails, and what actually leads to results (and keeps them!).
Calorie Counting Isn’t the Answer—Here’s Why
It might seem logical that if you just eat fewer calories than you burn, the weight will come off. While that might work short-term, it rarely lasts, especially for women navigating hormone changes in pre-, peri-, or post-menopause.
The biggest issue? Calorie counts on food labels aren’t always accurate. Yup, even if you’re meticulously tracking every bite, you could be off by hundreds of calories a week without realizing it.
For example:
I picked up a jar of dry roasted peanuts that claims one serving contains 170 calories. But when you do the math (factoring in fat, carbs, and protein gram-by-gram), it actually comes out to 182 calories. That’s a 12-calorie difference in one serving! Multiply that by multiple products a day, every day, and suddenly you’re consuming hundreds of untracked calories weekly. That adds up fast—and so does the frustration.
Why You Need to Focus on Food Quality, Not Just Quantity
Instead of obsessing over calorie totals, shifting your focus to macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbs—can be a game changer.
Let’s be real: A 300-calorie Snickers bar and a 300-calorie protein-rich salad will feel very different in your body. That’s because the metabolic response to those calories matters. It’s not just about how many calories you’re consuming—it’s about how your body processes and responds to them.
When we start looking at macros and the quality of our food, everything changes:
- Weight loss becomes easier
- You feel fuller longer
- Digestion improves
- Energy levels stabilize
- Cravings start to fade
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalance decrease
That’s the power of giving your body the right fuel.
Protein & Fiber: The Dynamic Duo for Women 35+
Here’s where it gets crucial: if you’re a woman over 35, especially navigating hormone shifts, tracking your protein and fiber intake is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Why?
Protein and fiber directly impact:
- Hormonal symptoms (like hot flashes, irritability, fatigue)
- Digestive health
- Satiety and appetite control
- Energy and mood levels
If you’re not eating enough of these key nutrients, it could explain:
- Constant cravings
- Afternoon crashes
- Poor sleep
- Digestive issues
- Mood swings
- Inability to lose or maintain weight
Here’s What You Should Track Instead
When I set up new nutrition plans for my clients, they always ask the same thing:
“Okay, but how many calories should I eat?”
My answer? Stop focusing on calories. Focus on your macros.
When you hit your macro goals (the right amount of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, and yes—even sugar), your calories will naturally fall into place. It’s reverse-engineering your nutrition in a way that supports your goals and your hormones.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re unsure about how much to eat, how much protein you need, how to calculate fiber, or what kinds of carbs are best for your body right now—I’ve got a free guide just for you.
Here is my Free Calorie & Macro Guide—specifically designed for women 35 and older.
This guide will break it all down for you in a way that’s simple, actionable, and totally doable. No more guesswork. Just a clear path to understanding your body, your food, and how to fuel it for the best results now and for the long haul.
The Bottom Line
You deserve to feel good in your body. You deserve results that last. And you deserve to finally step off the diet rollercoaster.
So let’s stop obsessing over calorie numbers and start learning how to nourish our bodies with the right foods, in the right amounts, at the right time.
You got this.
Let’s live life—and feel amazing doing it.
