I was reading this article and it really made me wonder if there is a fine line between counting calories and pushing ourselves into an eating disorder. I understand that it is nowhere near that "simply" explained and I have an intimate knowledge of eating disorders and food addictions. But the interesting thing to me is that I never quite looked at the possible connection between "normal" dieters who count calories and movement into an eating disorder state...

Calorie Counting is an Eating Disorder?

That was an interesting article. I don't think calorie counting is an eating disorder when done sensibly. But when taken too far it can turn into one. If you're allowing yourself enough calories a day and not being too hard on yourself if you go over, then I would think it's pretty safe.


I'm trying to get away from calorie counting and following my body and what it wants, but sometimes it's hard and you can feel more in control of the diet if you know how calories you've had. I don't think calorie counting is necessary for weight loss, but if it helps people to lose weight then that's good. It's just important to not become obsessive with it as that can lead to disordered eating

I have a lot of respect for Andreas Eenfeldt, he's in the Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) / paleo camp, but I don't agree with this, well not as a blanket statement.

Too many people fail to reach their goals for fat loss and body composition, and have no idea why, because nothing is getting measured, they have no idea how much they should be eating, or how much is actually going down the piehole.

Calorie counting is not essential for everyone, and should not be necessary for ANYONE, but the fact that most of the population can't come to terms with the fact that what they eat should never even be in their diets, then having a way to measure intake becomes essential.

If someone has half of their bodyweight in fat to lose, then hell, get them counting and recording something, calores, macros, whatever.

When they re-learn how and what to eat, then sure, go for a more intuitive approach, but I am sure that a few months of calorie counting and consistent weight loss is going to do more to improve their self esteem and sense of wellbeing that panicking about developing an eating disorder.

His post , and title, is designed to raise debate, to get people to visit his site and interact. and by looking at the long list of comments, he got what he intended.

Just my opinion as someone who spends much of my time teaching people to eat better, move better, and shed body fat. Without some way to quantify whether they are complying or not makes it a VERY difficult business to be in. My clients want results, and if a little recording gets them healthier and leaner, so be it!!

Very interesting article;-) But i also think calorie counting is not a food disorder as long as you get enough amount of calories each day. And of course if you do not grab calculator like a maniac each time you want to eat an apple)

I have always found it a little crazy counting all my calories. I know what is fattening and what isn't, although you do have to check the back of the product and look at the calorie count sometimes like with yogurts and juices in boxes.

I find it quite a useful tool to know how much energy I'm putting into my body. It's surprising how you can eat to excess and not actually realise. Personally it helps me to stick on track and also hi lights problem foods that are giving too many calories. I can't say it would lead me to any eating disorder, but as with anything food wise, certain people will take it to excess if it's in their nature.

I discover it very much a valuable apparatus to know the amount vitality I'm putting into my body. It's amazing how you can consume to abundance and not really figure it out. By and by it helps me to stay on track furthermore hello lights issue sustenances that are giving an excess of calories. I can't say it would lead me to any dietary problem, yet as with anything nourishment shrewd, certain individuals will take it to abundance on the off chance that its in their inclination.

To me counting calories has become my new way of life and actually discovered i eat a lot more rubbish than I need to and slowly but surely i'm reducing the crap

I can see from both sides of the argument on this one... sometimes people can become fixated on the amount of calories required to eat or the limit they can eat.

I believe quantities of certain food items should not be limited - I.e green vegetables which are low-calorific in context to other things.

If you use the calorie counting as a measurement to say what you’re allowed to eat for your final meal of the day, I’m not sure this would help myself. If on the other hand it was to highlight/educate what each item I’ve eaten contains then this could informatively and actively change my habits of food I eat.

Calorie counting should be used to educate and effect change in habit and not be a way to control what we eat or how often we eat an item of food.

I've got a friend that I believe has turned counting calories into an eating disorder. It runs her life now. So I believe it