Tracking calories sounds easy but actually can be challenging when a person eats out, consumes a meal made from a complex recipe or is not educated about factors such as portion size or the number of calories in drinks such as lattes. Calorie counters are an excellent tool for keeping track of what you are taking in, and some even help track how many calories you are burning off. Having a realistic daily calorie count can help you lose weight.
Significance
Keeping calories under control is important, and many people are failing in the effort. The United States saw a dramatic increase in obesity in the 20 years leading up to 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available. One state, Colorado, had an obesity prevalence that was less than 20 percent in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity makes people unhealthy and is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Benefits
Calorie counters often help dieters stay on track rather than stray from their weight-loss path by consuming more calories than they realize they are taking in. For example, it's easy to accidentally consume an extra 500 calories a day via beverages, such as calorie-laden mochas or sodas, advises Dr. Robert Keith, Alabama Cooperative Extension System nutrition and health specialist and nutrition professor at Auburn University in Alabama. People also become more conscious of their food choices due to the need to enter data into the calorie counter after each meal or snack. This can help deter extra snacks or high-calorie food choices.
Use
A calorie counter keeps accurate count of all the calories a person takes in during the day. A person trying to lose weight needs to consume 500 fewer calories than his body uses every day, according to the Mayo Clinic. This allows for losing about 1 lb. each week, which is the most sustainable rate of weight loss, the clinic advises.
Many calorie counters have databases or libraries with calorie information on common foods; to record calorie intake, enter the name and amount of the food or beverage you've consumed. Other calorie counters require you to enter or the quantity of and ingredients in the food or beverage you've consumed. Some calorie counters keep a running, daily tally of calories taken in, and some provide information and advice that helps users balance their diets, another essential goal in healthy weight loss. These counters track the amount of fat, protein, carbohydrate, salt and fiber people eat.
Types
There are several types of calorie counters. Many of these counters can be used to determine the amount of calories you are consuming as well as the number of calories you are burning. Some handheld calorie counters, software, websites and books even offer step-by-step guidance for losing weight. Handheld calorie counters are portable and quicker to use than books. Computer software often offers features such as personal diaries that help you reach calorie intake and overall weight loss and nutrition goals. Books don't cost very much comparatively and are portable; however, you need to do your own math with them, advises CalorieCounters.com, a calorie counter review website. Websites allow good accessibility but are not as fast as software you can purchase. Many websites are free or have low-cost subscriptions.
Considerations
A calorie counter will help you lose weight only if it is utilized properly and if you are weight-conscious, meaning you are taking active steps toward losing or maintaining a goal, according to CalorieCounterWatch.org. Your effort needs to include exercise, as dieters who do not exercise often fail to keep weight off or reach their ultimate weight loss goals, the Mayo Clinic reports.
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