88: Why Calorie Counting Fails Every Time

The Primal Shift

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Counting calories seems logical on the surface: just burn more calories than you eat and you'll lose weight, right? But what if this seemingly straightforward advice is deeply flawed, inaccurate, and a massive waste of your time?

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’m challenging one of the most entrenched myths in the health and fitness community: calorie counting. The truth is, your body isn’t a simple calculator — it’s a dynamic, complex system influenced by hormones, metabolism, and even the types of foods you choose.

There's a huge gap between the calories you think you're burning and what your body is actually doing. Your smartwatch, fitness apps and even nutrition labels might lead you astray, with margin errors so big that your daily calculations become virtually meaningless. And that's before we even get into how different foods — protein versus carbs, for instance — are metabolized completely differently by the body.

Instead of obsessing over calories, I suggest a radically simpler approach: prioritize protein, focus on satiety, and learn to tune into your metabolic signals. Because when your hormones (especially insulin) are balanced and your blood sugar stays stable, losing fat becomes infinitely easier. And if tracking helps you feel in control, forget calories and focus instead on how foods affect your body — perhaps through the use of a continuous glucose monitor.

This episode isn’t just about debunking calorie myths. It’s about shifting your mindset to something more powerful: understanding your body’s true needs. Let’s stop counting imaginary numbers and start prioritizing real, nutrient-dense foods and listening to our own metabolic rhythms.

Learn more:

Levels Health vs. Nutrisense: Hands-On Review & Comparison: https://michaelkummer.com/levels-vs-nutrisense/

44: Why You Should Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/44-why-you-should-wear-a-continuous-glucose-monitor-cgm/

The Best Diets for Weight Loss (And Which Ones to Avoid): https://michaelkummer.com/best-weight-loss-diets/

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

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Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/

Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro: The calorie counting myth

01:06 - Why calorie math doesn’t work

03:54 - The hidden errors in tracking calories

05:56 - Not all calories are created equal

10:36 - What to track instead for fat loss

15:42 - Final thoughts

Find me on social media for more health and wellness content:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com/
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Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82
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[Medical Disclaimer]

The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.

[Affiliate Disclaimer]

I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

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