After reading an article titled “The Limits of ‘intuitive’ eating” by Gretchen Reynolds in the New York Times, I was shocked at the results of her study. In the study, Gretchen took 16 college males and females that were overweight and after counseling and education on healthier food options and calories, split the group into two groups where one group was told to calorie count, limiting to about 1200-1800 calories per day, depending on their body weight and the other group to use their body as guide to when and what to eat. Depending on the body is known as intuitive eating, or body mindfulness. This is the idea that your body knows what it needs and wants and to eat what you like depending on signs from your body such as hunger and fullness.

According to Reynold’s study, the group that used calorie counting overall lost more weight than the group who used intuitive eating. This is because after a few weeks the group who depended on their body began to not keep on track and actually gain a net weight of two pounds. As tedious as it is, calorie counting is actually a better way to monitor and sustain a healthy weight. In the case of trying to lost weight, body mindfulness can work for some but overall calorie counting is more efficient.

We discussed this idea of body mindfulness in Psychology class so when I came across this article I was intrigued to learn more about it through an actual study. Many people today are very conscious on calories, as it is on almost all menus next to all food selections and on the label of all packaged foods. Apps on phones are now used to help count exactly how many calories are eaten. I think these are very useful and this study proves that, while it is difficult to keep up with religiously, it is beneficial and necessary in efforts of weight loss and keeping a healthy weight.