Is counting calories a good thing or is it bad for my health?
- Bianca*

It's always good to be aware of the amount of food you're eating, especially with overweight and obesity becoming more and more of a problem. That doesn't mean you need to pick up everything you eat and count the calories. Not only will that take forever, but it's not necessary in most cases.

Unless your doctor tells you to count calories for health reasons, your best bet for maintaining a healthy diet is to focus on balance and portion size.

One thing you should count is your fruit and veggie servings. Be sure to get at least five servings of fruits and veggies a day. Lean protein and whole grains are also good choices every day.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: March 2011

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.