Do you count calories to maintain your weight?

I don’t count calories per se, but I am aware of them.  On super busy days I loosely keep track to make sure I eat at least 1,200.  I aim for my meals to have no less than 200 but no more than 600 as a general rule.  And as a future dietitian I think it’s important that I’m aware of how many calories common foods are packing.

So when Everyday Health e-mailed me about reviewing their new book, My Calorie Counter, I jumped on the opportunity.

My Calorie Counter is essentially a database of nutritional information.  I would not recommend this book for someone with no interest in tracking calories, but there is a nice section of information about nutrition and weight loss in the beginning of the book.  I liked that all of the advice in this section is correct and up-to-date (at least as far as what I’ve learned) and doesn’t rely on any fad diet mentality.  The book can be helpful all on its own, but is meant to be paired with Everyday Health’s online tools.

What I Liked –

• The book is divided into three sections – common foods, store brands, and restaurants.
• The restaurant section included a vast range of eateries, including nutritional information for Cheesecake Factory, which is notoriously difficult to locate online.
• The book is small (about the slice of a slice of bread) and light enough to be easily slipped into a purse or briefcase.
• The font is easy to read and information is shared in a graph that is easy to follow.
• In addition to calories and total fat; saturated fat, sodium, carbs, fiber, and protein are also included.  (ie, this book can also be useful to diabetics or people watching their sodium intake)
• As I stated above, the advice in the front of the book is up-to-date and easy to understand and would be helpful for any lay-person.
• The book does not necessarily apply only to weight loss and dieting, but would be useful for someone looking to maintain a healthy diet.

What I Didn’t Like –

• “Common Foods” is divided into veggies, fruits, grains, etc, but it would be easier to find what you are looking for if those divisions were marked on the top of the pages.
• I wish that trans fat values were also included, as this is one of key things I always check for on nutrition labels.

Everyday Health is also giving me the opportunity to share with my readers.  I am giving away two copies of My Calorie Counter.  To enter to win – leave a comment on this post.  You have until midnight, Friday July 8th to enter.