Counting calories is a time-consuming and difficult task. It’s no surprise then that many people give up on their weight loss journey before they even get started. Nobody wants to spend their life obsessing over numbers, but the truth is, if you want to lose weight you need to be aware of how many calories you’re taking in.
The good news is, that there’s a much easier way to count calories that doesn’t involve constantly measuring and logging everything you eat. It’s called the calorie density chart and it can help you lose weight without all the fuss (1).
Calorie density is the amount of calories per given volume of food.
The calorie density chart is a tool that can help you quickly and easily see which foods are high in calories, and which are low in calories. This way, you can make better choices about what to eat, and how much of it to eat.
Think of it this way: if your daily calorie goal is 1800 calories and you eat an Egg McMuffin for lunch and a couple of slices of pizza for dinner, you’re yet to hit your calorie goal. But you’ve consumed way more saturated fat and sodium than you should have for the day.
On the other hand, if you eat a big salad for lunch and roasted chicken and vegetables for dinner, you’re not only meeting your calorie goal, but you’re getting plenty of nutrients too.
The calorie density chart is based on the premise that all calories are not created equal. Rather than focus on the number of calories you’re eating, it’s more important to focus on the quality of those calories.
Without getting too technical, caloric density is calculated by dividing the number of calories in a food by its weight in grams.
Usually, low-calorie-density foods have the following qualities:
On the other hand, high-calorie-density foods typically have the following qualities:
Now that you know what the calorie density chart is and how to calculate it, let’s take a look at how you can use it to lose weight.
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Below is a list of common foods, ranked from lowest to highest calorie density (6).
To use the chart, follow these three rules:
The first two rows (foods with the lowest calorie densities) are vegetables and fruits. They are nutrient-rich and filling, but low in calories. This means you can eat a lot of them without going over your daily calorie limit (3).
Most of the foods you eat should come from the first five rows of the chart. This will help you fill up on low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, and leave less room for high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods. For your grains and grain products, try to choose whole grain versions most of the time.
With the exception of nuts and seeds, the foods in the last four rows are high in calories and low in nutrients. They should make up no more than 10 percent of your diet.
Occasionally indulging in food from the last three rows is okay, but try to make sure it’s balanced out with plenty of foods from the first five rows (2).
Read more: Kimchi: Calories, Nutrition, and Health Benefits
The calorie density chart can be a helpful tool for weight loss. Here’s how to use it:
Weight loss comes down to calories in vs. calories out. To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit by eating fewer calories than you burn (4).
To find your daily calorie goal, use an online calculator or speak to a Registered Dietitian (RD). A deficit of 500 calories per day is a good place to start.
Volume eating refers to the concept of eating more food, but fewer calories. This is achieved by filling up on low-calorie foods that are high in water and fiber, like vegetables and fruits.
When you eat foods from the first two rows of the chart, you can eat a lot more volume-wise while still staying within your calorie budget. This will help you feel full and satisfied, without overeating (2).
The foods in the last four rows of the chart are high in calories and low in nutrients. They should be eaten sparingly, if at all (7). The exception is nuts and seeds, which are high in calories but also high in nutrients. These can be eaten every day, just be sure to mind your portion size.
If you find yourself craving high-calorie foods, try to satisfy your craving with a lower-calorie alternative. For example, if you’re craving chips, have a small handful of baked chips instead. Or if you’re craving cake, have a cupcake with less frosting.
When tracking your intake, don’t forget to account for hidden calories. These are calories that you may not think about or realize, like those found in added oils and salad dressings.
Hidden calories can also come from the cooking method you choose. For example, grilling is a healthier option than frying.
This is not to say that you’ll only eat bland, dry food. There are plenty of ways to make healthy meals that are also flavorful and satisfying.
When you have a plan, it’s easier to stick to your goals. Meal planning can help you save time and money, while also ensuring that you’re eating nutrient-dense foods.
To plan a meal plan, start by picking a few recipes that you want to make for the week. Then, create a grocery list of all the ingredients you’ll need.
Once you have your groceries, take some time to prepare your meals. This can involve washing and chopping vegetables, cooking grains, or pre-assembling meals.
By taking these steps, you’ll make it easier to eat healthy and stick to your weight loss goals.
Beverages can be a major source of hidden calories. Even healthy choices like fruit juice and smoothies can be high in sugar and calories (5).
To stay on track, limit your intake of calorie-containing beverages. And make sure that most of your fluids come from water.
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In addition to following a healthy diet, you also need to get regular exercise to lose weight. Exercise helps you burn more calories and builds muscle, which can help you burn even more calories at rest.
To make exercise a part of your routine, aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week. If you’re just starting out, you can break this up into 10-minute increments.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when making changes to your diet and lifestyle. To increase your chances of success, seek out support from family and friends, or join a weight loss group.
Making lifestyle changes can be difficult, but having a support system can make it easier.
Weight loss takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Remember that even a small amount of weight loss can lead to big health benefits.
The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle. These tips can help you make lasting changes that will help you reach your goals.
Read more: Intermittent Fasting Macros – Managing Calories the Smart Way!
There are many reasons why the calorie density chart can be helpful in your weight loss journey. Here are just a few:
The calorie density chart can help you lose weight without feeling deprived. If you’re used to eating large meals, it can be hard to cut back on portion sizes. But when you focus on eating low-calorie-density foods, you can still eat a lot of food (in terms of volume) without going over your calorie goal. This way, you won’t feel deprived or like you’re on a diet (2).
When you know which foods are high in calories, it’s easier to make healthier choices. For example, if you’re at a restaurant and you see a dish that’s high in calories but low in nutrients, you can make a better decision about whether or not to order it.
Since the calorie density chart focuses on the quality of calories, it naturally leads you to eat more nutrient-rich foods.These are the kinds of foods that will help you lose weight and improve your health (4).
High-calorie-density foods are often high in refined carbs and sugar, which can trigger cravings. But when you focus on eating low-calorie-density foods, you’re less likely to crave unhealthy snacks and junk food.
If you’re trying to lose weight, the calorie density chart can be a helpful tool. It can help you make better food choices, eat more nutrient-rich foods, and lose weight without feeling deprived. So put it to good use and see how it can help you reach your weight loss goals.
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