Dangerous Diet Tip #5: Calories are all that Count.

Imagine me, 16 years old at the neighbor’s pool, feeling pretty sassy in my new one piece bathing suit with the buttons down each side.

My grandmother’s friend edges up to the side of the pool and motions me over conspiratorially.

“Elizabeth, I see you’ve lost some weight, tell me, what’s your secret?”

“It’s easy, just eat 1000 calories a day. You can eat whatever you want just don't go over 1000."

Ladies and gentlemen, why did I ever pay for a nutrition degree when I clearly had all the information at age 16????

Clearly, I jest.

1000 calories of hot dogs, English muffins, fat free cookies and pancakes does not a diet make—let alone a healthy weight loss plan.

But it’s soooo tempting to follow this advice. It’s simple, clear cut and junk food is totally fine--as long as you keep the total consumption under the specified number of calories.

Some WLS patients have taken the bait—especially after they stop losing weight.

Not surprisingly, there are some problems with this type of plan.

1. 1000 calories of potato chips isn’t nutritious but it fits the criteria.

2. If you don’t have enough protein you’ll be compromising your weight loss—regardless of calories.

3. Individual calorie needs depend on sex, age and activity level to name a few. One size does not fit all.

There’s a better way. Stop counting calories. Don’t let a number determine how much you’re going to eat today. Rely instead on your surgical tool and natural hunger.

This can be scary—flying without a net. The temptation to use total calories as a guide is real. But ignore it. You are ready for something else, something more effective and natural.

Here’s how to start:

1. Eat three bariatric-sized meals and two portioned snacks each day.

2. Sit down to eat, eliminate distractions: TV, computer, magazines or books.

3. Pay attention to the deliciousness of the food. Savor it.

4. Try to take at least 15 minutes to finish a meal, 30 is better.

5. When you are full, stop eating. Notice if there is still food on the plate. If there is, does that make you uneasy? There are a lot of members in the Clean Plate Club. Cancelling your membership IS possible, but first you have to realize you are a member.

It isn’t easy shaking old diet thinking and behaviors—the first step is realizing you are following them. With some self-compassion and support, you can find your way back to healthy and sustainable weight management.