editorNadia
replied over 1 year ago:
Counting calories is essentially a form of dieting and, as you mention, it can become a bit obsessive. Also, that tendency to keep eating when you "go over" one day is what psychologists call the "what the hell effect," which means that when we break our diet goals, we just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever. A more helpful strategy might be to get back in touch with what's going on inside your body. A mindful eating strategy to start with: Take a small handful of raisins and eat them as slowly as possible, noticing the flavor and the sensation in your mouth. Then, next time you eat a meal, do the same thing, chewing slowly and tuning in to the flavor. Over time, you can start to tune in to other sensations as well, noticing what your stomach feels like when it is halfway full, all the way full, or overstuffed. It takes mindful focus during your meals, but it can help you get back in touch with your body's sensations and cues. Some external cues can be more helpful than calorie counting too. A couple easy ones: Try eating off dessert plates and plan your meals in advance when you aren't hungry.
