Right now one of my recipes is being considered for a leading national women’s magazine. It’s really exciting! I hope my recipe gets picked and when it does, I will be sure to share the good news with you. Even though I’m excited to be considered and I really hope my recipe gets in the feature, there’s a part of me that’s very frustrated. And that’s what I want to talk to you about today …
As a part of this recipe submission process, you have to provide the nutritional value for your dish. Of course, that’s not an odd request, people want to know what’s in your recipe — duh and no problem. I wasn’t worried because I make really healthy food. I eat SUPER healthy. You see it throughout my posts. So, I found a nutrition calculator online, input my ingredients and # of servings and sent the values to the editor.
Houston, we have a problem.
I quickly received an email from the editor asking to verify the nutritional information because the calories per serving and fat content seemed ‘rather high’ and she just wanted to double check. All of the sudden it hit me: Most people still count calories! WTH people! You are seriously still counting calories? Yes, you are! Stop it. Stop it right now. If you’re eating healthy and putting unprocessed, honest to goodness natural stuff in your body, you do NOT have to count calories. I repeat, you DO NOT HAVE TO COUNT CALORIES. So, just stop it.
I was able to rework the numbers and servings to a point where an ‘average’ person (calorie counter) wouldn’t be alarmed and I think we should be good to go. The whole experience just made me sad. It was a reminder that the majority of the population is focusing on the wrong things. I can’t point the finger without pointing it first at me though. I counted calories before. I did the whole points thing. I tried pre-portioned meals. Then, I found freedom in eating real food. Now, I will never go back.
Set yourself free from the guilt and condemnation that comes from counting calories. Eat veggies, fruit, meat, nuts and healthy oils. Cut out the junk. Do it for your body, mind and spirit. Do it for your family. Do it for you.
I love you and I want something better for you. There is life beyond calorie counting.
~ Kate