Should you count calories on a low-carb or keto diet?

By , (medical review) – Posted October 21, 2018

When it comes to weight, calories are often talked about but frequently misunderstood. Indeed, whether counting calories is actually useful for weight loss is debatable. Read on to learn about calories and their role in weight regulation on low-carb and keto diets.

What are calories?
How many calories do carbs, protein, and fat provide?
Calories count, but they are not the whole story
Counting calories: yes or no?

What are calories?

A calorie is a unit of energy that your body uses to perform hundreds of tasks. These include voluntary movements like walking, running, and jumping, as well as involuntary ones like breathing, circulating blood throughout your system, and maintaining normal body temperature.

Your body needs a certain number of calories just to keep these involuntary processes going. This is referred to as your basal metabolic rate, or BMR. Your BMR is influenced by many factors, including your age, gender, body composition, and genetics.

You require additional calories for physical activity, including walking. Overall, the more active you are, the more calories you’ll need.

How many calories do carbs, protein, and fat provide?

Each macronutrient provides a specific amount of calories:

Carbs: 4 calories per gram
Protein: 4 calories per gram
Fat: 9 calories per gram

Importantly, even though fat provides more than twice as many calories as carbs, it’s far denser and more filling.

Protein is generally considered the most satiating macronutrient, but it’s mostly used for cell repair, maintenance and growth. Thus protein intake is mostly important in order to fill your body’s protein needs. Protein is not very effective as a fuel (i.e. as calories). Excess protein has to first be converted to glucose in the liver, in order to be used as fuel. Eating protein in excess of your body’s needs is not necessarily a good thing, and it can reduce the effect of a strict low-carb diet. Learn more

Pure fats and oils get 100% of their calories from fat. However, the calories in most foods are a combination of carbs, protein, and fat.

For instance, although eggs are considered a protein food, the majority of their calories actually come from fat. For example, two large eggs provide 146 calories:

4 calories from carbs (1 gram) (2%)
52 calories from protein (13 grams) (34%)
90 calories from fat (10 grams) (64%)

Calories count, but they are not the whole story

Generally speaking, if you take in more calories than your body needs over a longer time period, the extra calories will be stored as fat.¹ Similarly, if you take in fewer calories than needed over a longer time period, your body will release its fat stores, and you will lose weight.

However, there is far more to weight regulation than just monitoring calories in vs. calories out. Indeed, most members of the human race appears to have regulated their weight effectively for millennia, before anyone even knew what a calorie was.

The modern obesity epidemic appears to be an unprecedented phenomenon, and it coincides with an ever-increased focus on counting calories. Correlation is not causation, so it would obviously be wrong to say that obesity is caused by counting calories. However, counting calories appears to be, at best, an imperfect aid to weight control. So what is really going on?

Hormones play a large role in influencing appetite, fullness, and fat storage. And research suggests that low-carb and keto meals may trigger hormones that lead to a natural reduction in calorie intake, especially in those who are overweight or insulin resistant.²

In one study, overweight people consumed a breakfast of eggs or a bagel. Although each meal contained an identical amount of calories, the group that consumed the egg breakfast stayed full longer and ate fewer calories at lunch than the bagel group did.³

Additionally, your insulin level – and how sensitive your body is to insulin – influence whether you store or burn calories. Researchers have shown that impaired insulin response following weight loss reduces metabolic rate and drives weight regain. However, lowering carb intake may help to counteract this effect.⁴

What’s more, when it comes to weight loss, low-carb diets regularly outperform low-calorie diets, even in studies where the low-carb dieters are not counting their calories.⁵

In a 2004 study, overweight and obese adults consumed a low-fat diet and a low-carb diet for one week each. Both diets were designed to reduce each person’s calorie intake by 500 calories per day. However, people lost more weight and body fat after the low-carb week than the low-fat week – even though the men averaged higher calorie intake during the low-carb phase.⁶

Clearly, calories are only one factor involved in weight regulation.

Video: Doctors answer

Read transcript

Dr. Eenfeldt: Isn’t weight loss all about calories?

Dr. Naiman: Yes, weight loss is all about… No, weigh loss is definitely not about calories. And I have a zillion patients who’ve gone on low calorie diets. And you can lose weight that way and you will immediately regain it. And we have plenty of studies that document this. So weight loss is not all about calories.

Dr. Eenfeldt: Isn’t weight loss all about calories?

Dr. Brukner: Well, so they’ve tried to convince us for the last 30 years. But calories in, calories out has been the philosophy of the 30 years. But, you know, you’re going to tell me that 100 cal from a piece of salmon is exactly the same as 100 cal from candy, or chocolate, or ice cream…

I mean that doesn’t make any sense at all, does it? So I mean calories in, calories out has been disproved. I mean there are calories from differences that have markedly different effects. And until we get rid of this whole calories in…

It’s been a disaster this calories in, calories out. I mean look at the effect. Since we have adopted that philosophy we have worldwide epidemics of obesity, diabetes, faKy liver and so on… It’s been a disaster and the sooner we forget about it… It’s sort of an attractive concept, you know, what you bring in, what you take out… But unfortunately it doesn’t work.

Dr. Eenfeldt: Isn’t weight loss all about calories?

Dr. Westman: Well, I think calories matter. The energy balance equation where we talk about energy in… calories in, calories out isn’t a good construct to help guide people… It’s more complicated than counting the calories on a label, for example.

Because the calories are handled differently depending on what type of calorie it is, based on the metabolism for that individual calorie. But I think that it’s pretty clear that when people are losing weight, they are eating fewer calories than they were before.

And then of course if the weight loss program that they are doing changes the metabolic rate, that’s another factor you have to take into account. But I think it’s fair to say that a low-carbohydrate diet isn’t magical. It follows the rules of science that we understand, having to do with energy balance and the calories.

So when I teach the low-carb diet, I don’t talk about calories. We don’t have to teach calories, but people are still eating fewer calories in general. That’s, you know, not the case for everyone. That’s the role for the practitioner to help people troubleshoot those situations.

More Q&A videos with doctors

Counting calories: yes or no?

At Diet Doctor, we don’t recommend counting calories. First of all, it’s impossible to know exactly how many calories you’re getting from a specific food, let alone precisely what your body will do with those calories. It’s far more important to choose foods that promote the release of hormones that reduce hunger, help keep you satisfied, and make it easier to achieve a healthy weight.

Focus on whole foods that contain high-quality protein, healthy fat, and nutrient-dense fibrous carbs, especially vegetables.

And if you are really struggling to lose weight, stay away from high-calorie, high-reward foods that are easy to overindulge in, even if they are low in carbohydrates. Classic examples of such foods are cheese and nuts.

Rather than counting calories, make all of your calories count by eating nourishing, well-balanced low-carb meals.

—
Franziska Spritzler, RD

Comments

Over a shorter period, calories can be stored as glycogen (carbohydrates). However, the maximum amount that can be stored is highly limited – only enough to last a day or two. ↩
PLoS One. 2018: A high carbohydrate, but not fat or protein meal attenuates postprandial ghrelin, PYY and GLP-1 responses in Chinese men ↩
J Am Coll Nutr. 2005: Short-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight and obese subjects ↩
Obesity (Silver Spring) 2015: Relationship of insulin dynamics to body composition and resting energy expenditure following weight loss ↩
You can find a large number of such studies here:

Low-carb weight loss studies ↩
Nutrition & Metabolism 2004: Comparison of energy-restricted very low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets on weight loss and body composition in overweight men and women ↩

39 comments

1
Matt
October 21
This is a terrible article, of course you should count calories. A low-carb diet is useless if you're consuming tons of extra calories from other sources. Is it the only thing you should be doing? No, obviously, but it is useful in combination with whatever diet you are on. To say that you shouldn't be counting, like it's a bad thing, is just irresponsible. And even hinting at it being the reason for obesity, wow...

Replies: #9, #12, #33, #38
2
Missy
October 21
After many many years of counting calories and so called low- fat diets, I stopped and started looking at the carbs I ate. Also, stopped eating wheat and grains. Healed my gut. I have lost 45 pounds, off of blood pressure medicine, as well as no inflammation. I have been eating this way for 2 years. It has completely changed my life.
3
Patty
October 21
Was thinking the same thing, Matt. Some people experienced weight gain because they still overate even healthy foods and protein and fats. Your total number of calories for the day still counts for most people when it comes to weight loss or weight maintenance. On a personal note... I don't find eating protein as satiating as all these articles talk about... I need some carbohydrates to feel satisfied and give me energy.
4
Trevor
October 22
Patty..what about fat? You don’t need carbs if your eating the correct ratio of fats.
5
Tim
October 22
I find with a high fat diet, I eat less of everything and vounting calories is not necessary. Keto is a different way of thinking about food, for the long term. The word “diet” insinuates that it is a temporary activity, used in order to reach a targeted weight. The correct term for that is “Atkins”. The longer I eat ketogenic food, the less overall amount of food I am eating and I almost pass lunch, by forgetting to eat. I think the calirie issue is a self correcting issue tgat resolves itself, provided keto is adhered to long term and not as a fad “diet”.
6
Jacqueline
October 22
I have found eating low carb keeps me satisfied longer, therefore, I may not eat as much reducing calories. Every diet is not for everyone. This diet works for me long term. I tried low fat low calorie diets and they made me feel sick and messed up my blood sugar.
7
Karen
October 22
I have a thyroid issue cant seem too loose weight plud high chloresterol. Ive done a low carb eating seems to help but i get bored of veggies whsy can help thanks
8
Kathy Watson
October 22
I agree. I am eating sometimes more calories per meal on this way of eating than I used to. The difference is that’s where I stop. I just eat at meal times now. Most day just two meals a day. I feel fuller so do not need to eat constantly. I love the fact that on this website we are encouraged not to count calories. If anyone want to see this proved then watch “that sugar film” it just is the perfect example of how eating the wrong calories can lead to health issues and weight gain.
9
Reply to comment #1 by Matt
Fay
October 22
Where do I start replying to this? Firstly I need to assume that you have never tried low-carb Matt; otherwise you would know why you don't need to count calories. The reson most people consume too many calories is because they are always hungry. Keeping a count of how many calories you consume does not magically halt the hunger just because you reach your target for the day. Secondly; people that are following a low-carb lifestyle are interested in improving their health, not just losing weight. When you are healthly, your body automatically regulates the amount you eat. Thirdly you are being very rude in the way you are voicing your opinion.
2 comments removed
12
Reply to comment #1 by Matt
Una
October 23
How can you count calories? They bear no resemblance to counting carbs and you might as well go back on Weight Watchers or Slimmers World, and go low fat on 1,500 a day. You certainly lose weight on either of those plans but is it any good for you? Don't think so.
13
Una
October 23
How can you count calories? They bear no resemblance to counting carbs and you might as well go back on Weight Watchers or Slimmers World, and go low fat on 1,500 a day. You certainly lose weight on either of those plans but is it any good for you? Don't think so.
14
Randy
October 24
I would say everyone is an individual when it comes to diet and genetics. My wife and I went to very low carb for a year and I lost significant weight but she still struggled. We ate the same meals but she ate much less. She has a thyroid problem and I don’t. I can see reducing intake below 1200 calories may help in some cases even on low carb for people with certain physical issues.
15
Cindy
October 24
I have hypothyroidism and went on low carb diet. For six weeks I only lost three ponds and was becoming very disappointed. Didn’t cheat a mouth full. Then I decided to really up my water intake to eighty ounces plus daily. By the second day, dropped another 2.5 lbs. now I’m down 21 lbs. in five months. Very low carbs, lots of protein only. I’ve had Keto flu, etc. but now think the icky feeling was worth it.
16
Lisa W.
October 24
I don't count calories because like the article says, making the calories count is more important. The article certainly doesn't say go enter hot dog eating or pie eating contests. We have to read these articles with some common sense. The article is not a study; it's just an article. It's good to be watchful of the portions but you don't need to count calories to do that. Eat when you are hungry. Stick to whole foods as much as you can. Find creative ways to eat the foods you crave (so many good recipes out there for the sweet tooth!). To each his or her own though and forums should be places we can all come for support, never for negativity. Thanks for the good articles, Diet Doctor! Down 33 since Feb.
17
Yvonne
October 24
Over the last three months, since July 23rd 2018, I have followed LCHF. Although I have not been entirely strict all of the time. I have been moreso over the last 7 to 8 weeks. With a starting weight of 188 lbs (85 kgs), I am down about 15 lb (7 kg) which is not exactly stellar, but progressive. I am 5'7" tall.

Thank you for your timely comment, Cindy. Obviously you think water has a large impact and I don't believe I've been drinking enough if that is the case.

Although this seems like a nonsensical question, I have been having difficulty quitting smoking and just 2 days ago had to quit suddenly due to emergency dental work requiring surgery. The big question, is do you think smoking can interfere with weight loss by not allowing the entire body to heal? Please don't be too hard on me as I know smoking is not good for me but is an addiction just like sugar.

I feel like I am in a stall as I hear weight falls off other people. I am now eating only once or twice a day and fasting for at least 16 hours. I do have two coffees, sometimes three with cream, butter and coconut oil which carries me through to lunch around 2 p.m. is it silly to ask if that's too much?

Any comments are welcome.

Replies: #21, #24, #30, #31, #34
18
Debbie
October 25
The freedom of NOT counting calories is the best. I did this and was over weight my whole life.
Now as I mainly count only by Carbs. The tide is changing.
19
Ty
October 25
I've been on keto for 10 months, and I tracked religiously for the first 6 months. I regularly went over the caloric recommendations that MyFitnessPal gave me, instead I focused on maintaining my macros. I lost 35 lbs doing that. I feel great and I have no intention of stopping what I'm doing. I probably have another 10-15 lbs to still lose but I'm happy where I'm at and will continue to do lazy keto (not track) and see what happens.

Reply: #22
20
pauline
October 25
Yvonne, well done! LCHF and quitting smoking - that is awesome. As a former smoker, I quit 20 years ago, it is a huge addiction, don't underestimate that. Keep plugging away .....
21
Reply to comment #17 by Yvonne
Julie
October 25
Wow, good for you! Fifteen pounds in three months is very respectable. Hang in there, keep doing what you have been doing and acknowledge that you're making wonderful changes in your life that will make a positive difference in what you can accomplish every single day.
22
Reply to comment #19 by Ty
Karen
October 25
Ty, Same here. 10 months, 30 lbs down, with 10-15 to go. And like you, I know my calorie count was more than "calorie counting" diets would allow. For me, the limiting of calories contributed significantly to me gaining weight, which is why I love and feel great on keto. I am not always stringent (yes, there are cheat moments), but overall, I have changed my eating lifestyle significantly for the better. To anyone considering keto, beyond the basics, drink lots of water, and ensure diet (or supplements) provide enough sodium, magnesium, and potassium (electrolytes). I am sure keto might not work for everyone, but for me it has been the best gift I could have given myself. I typically have 25 - 35 g net carbs per day -- rarely a little more, frequently a little less -- and am happy at that level right now since I am continuing to lose weight.
23
Ray
October 25
I have lost 20 kgs so far by selecting the low carb foods (not quiet keto) , intermittent fasting (16:8) and portion control. I used to count calories but found it an irksome burden that was not absolute.
24
Reply to comment #17 by Yvonne
Karen
October 25
You are doing awesome, Yvonne! 15 lbs in 3 months is great!! Don't starve yourself, (and make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting electrolytes (sodium, magnesioum, potassium) in your diet or through supplement) but listen to what your body is telling you as far as being full. If you are eating 1 or 2 x a day and ensuring you are getting sufficient amounts of fat, protein, and, yes, even carbs and are steadily losing weight, then that is what is right for you. Without the smoking is obviously heathlier and if you have stopped just keep going!! Congrats!!
25
Julianne
October 25
I’ve been doing low-carb for two months now, and I have not lost any weight, in fact I have gained. Food has been a daily struggle for me my entire life. I don’t have the luxury of eating only when I’m hungry. I work full-time and have a scheduled lunch hour, so if I try to do intermittent fasting and skip breakfast, I’ll be starving at 10 AM and I can’t just suddenly stop and eat a meal then. Plus, I really just like to eat, and I don’t necessarily stop when I’m full. I usually have no sensation of being full until long after I’ve already eaten more than I should have, if even then. So, the idea that you’ll be full longer and eat less doesn’t work for me. The Macro calculators I’ve used show that I should eat about 1500 calories per day to lose 1-2 lbs per month. That’s only 500 calories per meal and not realistic to sustain long enough to lose the 35 lbs I need to lose. And then what? If I start eating more calories I’ll just gain the weight back. So I feel like I’m stuck. I don’t have it in me anymore to do the starvation diets of my youth, and I’m not going to track anything or count calories for any diet; I just won’t do it. I guess I’ll just continue to be a fat girl for the rest of my life.

Replies: #32, #39
26
Peter West
October 25
Matt you are so wrong its not funny, I had previously lost 14Kgs of weight on LCHF not counting calories eating lots of meat eggs which are full of calories but snacking on berries etc having salads, i put it all back on in 6 Months, my fault, eating pizza munching on potato chips etc. I know what gains weight and simple it is not calories if you stick to low carb intake and have meat drink at least 2 liters of water per day . simple change your lifestyle you lose weight
LCHF is not a quick fix but if you adhere to you few simple rules then you will slowly but surely lose that weight guaranteed without a doubt and the best thing is you do not need to starve yourself .
I lost the weight 1st time around without doing any exercise at all so i know it works, this time around i have lost 4kgs, very early days yet but i know if i stick to it without starving i will reach my goal weight of 89.9kgs. I started both weight journeys at 117kgs currently 113Kgs but this time around i am doing walking my block of 4kms 5 times per week on average and sticking to LCHF
27
Susan
October 25
I have been doing a keto-ish diet for couple years. Not tracking, but staying with whole foods, avoiding sugar and starches, learning to cook keto. I was pretty much stalled most of that time, but l felt better - clearer head, less digestive issues, and my shape was changing, slowly. I never wanted to track calories, carbs, what have you - too obsessive. Then, about 6 weeks ago, l finally gave in and started using the KetoDiet app on my phone to track everything. Its pretty easy to do, and surprisingly, l've started losing weight. Even though I thought I was low carb, l was still eating too many carbs and calories. And the occasional cheat was just that much too much. I wish I was one of those folks who can do Keto without tracking, but I'm just not. Too old, too heavy for too long, too insulin resistant, whatever. But Keto is the way to go, and if l have to be super strict for it to work, so be it.
28
Christine
October 25
I need to count the total amount of calories and carbs or I slip into eating too much. I think it depends on a lot of things, but like Susan, I'm older and was heavy for a long time. The funny thing is I lost close to 100 pounds on a low calorie diet and have kept the weight off for seven years. With everything I've read about Keto I recently decided to switch to Keto for better health. I felt like an outlier in terms of being able to lose the weight and keep it off with a low calorie diet. However, after reading about low carb/Keto, I learned that I had basically been eating low carb for 7 years. Mainly because I don't eat processed foods, and most of my fruit was berries.
29
anke
October 25
I´ve been eating LCHF/Keto for nearly 2 years now and tested out various recommondations about nutritional ratios, counting calories, doing IF , special food combinations and supplements and the result is like approving a lot of health benefits, feeling much better, no more depressive episodes, very good blood parameters, but never reached a state of real ketosis nor lost any weight but even gained weight ... . I will continue eating keto for my health cause it makes me feel much better than I used to feel all my life before but no matter which way I used to eat and how much psysical activity I´ve been doing I only have a chance to loose any weigt very slowly (about 1-1,5 kg a month) by restricting calories strictly to a very low amount (< 400 !) . Even if I have my daily need even only from MCT fats, my body refuses to give away any weight :-( . I feel helpless !
30
Reply to comment #17 by Yvonne
Stephanie
October 25
Hi Yvonne, Are you saying that the 2 or 3 coffees with cream etc. are during your fasting hours, or to break your fast? The Diet Doctor's Dr. Jason Fung's advice about this, that I have read, is that strictly speaking coffee and tea should be black during fasting, but a teaspoon of milk or cream is acceptable if this helps one to tolerate fasting. Eg for people who dislike black tea or coffee.
31
Reply to comment #17 by Yvonne
Jan Holding
October 25
Hello Yvonne, you’re doing really well. I just wanted to address the point you made about smoking. I’m a retired smoking cessation nurse specialist and want to reassure you that you have done so well with your weight loss. Yes, smoking does have a very detrimental effect on your body but now that you have stopped smoking your body will begin to heal immediately. If you are struggling to cope with cravings, which can be very severe and difficult to cope with, then try some nicotine replacement products to help you. I can help you understand how to use them if you are unsure. Best of luck .
32
Reply to comment #25 by Julianne
Paul
October 25
Julianne, please don’t get discouraged. Take an extra look and make sure you aren’t getting any hidden carbs sneaking in. The intermittent fasting is key. Make sure you’re getting plenty of healthy fats in your meals. The “fear of fat” is very hard to get over, it was for me anyway. More fat will keep you from getting hungry.
33
Reply to comment #1 by Matt
Vlad
October 25
Is that so? Yet here i am, lost almost 60kg without counting anything, except the carbs. And yes, after i reached 113 kg i started to stagnate and then went all in in a meat only diet (i currently eat beef, while i still have a job and afford it every evening and a cup of coffee stuffed with butter) so i broke that plateau. started at 160kg btw.
So really, its time to put this horse shit with counting calories to rest. Its not useful to anyone.
34
Reply to comment #17 by Yvonne
Peter
October 25
Yvonne, in some people coffee seems to trigger an insulin response, which could leave you hungry so you want to eat more than you need. Try going to one cup of coffee (no sugar of course), and than have tea the rest of the day to get your caffeine fix. It is not the caffeine in the coffee, but one of the other complex organic compounds in it that appears to trigger the insulin response. Also, make sure you are keeping the fat/protein ratio where it is best by cutting back a little on the fat. While weight management is a complex energy/hormone/emotional balance, if you eat more calories than you consume you will not lose any weight.
35
Nix
October 25
I used to count calories for most of my life. Been on keto for just over a year and feel fuller for longer. By choosing protein with loads of salad or vegetables is satifying and keeps me going for up to 8 hours. Calories can sometimes be less than 1500 and I don't even feel hungry between meals. On my days off I eat 2 meals one 4 hours after waking up and one 4 hours before bed. This gives me enough to keep satisfied and still able to lose weight. I currently consume 20g carbs per day and occasionally go over if I want to but overall a good lifestyle eating the keto way.
2 comments removed
38
Reply to comment #1 by Matt
Sharad
October 25
I totally agree with Matt. And in fact if there are 4 calories in each gram of carb and protein, and 9 calories in each gram of fat, then counting the grams in marcos is, in essence, counting calories. One is simply substituting the counting of calories with the counting of grams.
39
Reply to comment #25 by Julianne
Jane
October 25
Julianne. I feel for you. I would suggest not trying intermittent fasting until you have been keto for a while. You will lose your appetite (yes really. It was a revelation to me), and IF will be much easier. Eat a breakfast, eat a lunch etc and just keep your carbs to under 20g a day. You can eat lots of no-carb foods, such as meat, if you are hungry. Just try it for a week and see how you go. All the best to you.
40
Cate
October 26
Like some of the other women here, I am perimenopausal with an underactive thyroid -both of which add a layer of difficulty to weight loss. I was amazed to lose 8.5 kilos in 5 weeks, when my weight has only gone up each month since about 2013. I know keto reduces cravings for me which helps eat less but also that if i had heavy cream and fat bombs at every meal, i wouldn't lose any weight with the other factors in my life.
41
Ellen
October 26
If I am losing, I do not count. If I stall, I'll count carbs until I am back on track as a reset. Research also show that no matter what system you use, keeping a food journal assists weight loss. It can be as simple as just writing down what you ate with portions and not necessarily counting units.
42
Ellie
October 28
I've been using the Fitday App for the past two months and have lost 8kgs so have been tracking calories and carbs with keto low carb as my primary tool. The app is designed around calorie intake but I find considering both figures has been beneficial for me and you can programme the ratio of carbs, fat and protein into your regime. In the past I've struggled to lose weight on low carb alone, not focusing on calories and I think this was because I ate too much protein, thinking it was somehow "free" food. Looking at the ratio of carbs, fat and protein seems to be a good option for me, as I keep my net carbs (carbs less fibre) to about 20 per day and my calories seem to end up between 1250-1450. I gain 300 calories leeway from my daily exercise and while I know this is not perfect science I am consistently losing weight every week. This gives me a high fat, moderate protein, low carb mix (with the calorie count as a factor) and is getting good results. I agree weight loss is an individual thing but this works for me.
43
AJ
October 30
Everyone on the blog makes very good points and in general we are all thinking the same way. I count carbs, fats , protein and fiber (for net carb purposes) and regardless of calorie intake, if my carbs stay below 15g then I will lose. If I do have a high carb day then I am mindful of my calories, I think this helps me to maintain portion control. The most difficult thing is NOT to count calories as I have been doing this the whole of my dieting life, over 45 years and even after 3 years of successful loss and maintenance on keto where I know its not the most important factor I STILL DO IT, I just can't help myself! There is no doubt in my mind that LCHF is simply the way to go. Having tried every diet in the book, this has to be the most satiating, giving me unprecedented energy levels and a zest I have never had through any other way of eating because I enjoy cardboard free food. I will continue to count my calories whether they be high or low simply because its within my comfort zone to do so, however I will never go back to a low fat low calorie intake ever again. The DD website is the best website I have ever had the pleasure of logging into. Keep talking everyone, we are all pulling in the same direction, it works stick with it!

Should you count calories on a low-carb or keto diet?

What are calories?

How many calories do carbs, protein, and fat provide?

Calories count, but they are not the whole story

Video: Doctors answer

Counting calories: yes or no?

Keto sweeteners- the best and the worst

Guide for low-carb dietitians

All articles and guides by Franziska Spritzler

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