How to Count Calories in Foods and Lose Weight

How to count calories in foods based on portion size

Some products packaging lists the calorie count per 100g, which is difficult to keep track of, as you may be unsure how many grams you have just consumed in any one portion. For example, if you eat 33 grams of food, the calorie count can be calculated by following the simple steps below.

1. Ascertain calorie count per 100 grams of the food, by checking the label.
2. Multiply the value by 33%

This simple method gives you a precise calorie count for a portion size of 33grams. If you consume 150 grams of any one product, then you will simply multiply the 100 gram calorie count by 150%. This is an important calculation to perform to allow you to accurately record how many calories you are actually consuming, and leads to a more effective weight loss approach.

Facts on calorie counting

• Alcohol contains approximately double the calories of a carbohydrate
• Fat contains more than double the amount of energy than protein or carbohydrate
• Fewer calories are consumed through foods rich in fibre
• Fibre is a form of carbohydrate but its energy can’t be digested, so in order to accurately count calories multiply the carbohydrate content by 3.75, providing the product contains high levels of fibre

Reducing fat intake, or calorie counting

This is an on-going debate in the weight loss field, and there are legitimate arguments for both, but many advise to use both to achieve the best results. It is imperative to count calories because we require to consume less energy through foods, in order for the body to resort to drain the energy from the fat stores, which is the fundamental principle of any weight loss program. The best way to achieve such results, yet still provide our body with enough nutrition and energy is to strictly limit all fat intake. Cutting down our fat intake, we automatically reduce our caloric count, and is the single easiest way to reduce calorie consumption. It is a fact that we need to monitor and record our calorie consumption in order to follow and continue an effective weight loss program.  Learn how to count calories in foods and lose weight now!