Get inspired by our coaches and guests
Discover Healthi Podcast
• Already eat healthy, but need help eating less
• Are number oriented
• Are seeking a straightforward weight loss method with clear parameters
• Would rather count calories than BITES
Calorie counting dates back to the early 1900’s. It was one of the first science backed methods of weight loss, rivaling those like the all-liquid and the even more extreme tapeworm diet. Although not much was known about this new method of dieting, the notion that eating fewer calories led to weight loss suddenly became mainstream. Since then, a lot more research has been conducted to uncover exactly what mechanisms lie behind this phenomenon.
Today we know that humans require a specific amount of calories a day to function. Generally, when we receive under that amount of calories, we lose weight. When we receive more than that amount, fat is stored. This method is really effective for those who need a little more guidance on how much they are eating, but not necessarily what they are eating. That is why we decided to create the Calorie Command weight loss program.
• The Calorie Command weight loss plan will calculate your optimal calorie intake based on your age, gender, weight, height and activity level.
• From there, this number will be reduced based on your weight loss goal (0.5 lb/week, 1 lb/week, etc.)
We know that starting a new diet is challenging so we created a step-by-step list of things to keep in mind as you ease your way into this new way of eating.
New diets take a while to get used to and you may not be successful from the get-go. If you go over your BITE allowance the first day, do not be discouraged. Your body will need time to adjust. It may take some experimenting but eventually you will find what works best for you!
Although no specific food group is rewarded or penalized on the Calorie Command plan, it is important to achieve a balanced diet profile. A good rule of thumb is to have 1/2 of your plate as non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 of your plate as whole grains, and the other 1/4 as a lean protein source.
Fresh, whole food options are generally dispersed throughout the perimeter of the grocery store. Collect the majority of your groceries here to be mindful of your caloric allowance. Choose foods in the center of the store sparingly to round out your plate by adding tasty finishers (think salsa or low-cal dressings).
Calories can sneak up on you when you’re least expecting it. Think about ranch dressing or a “splash” of olive oil. Don’t forget about these pesky guys as you are planning your meals and tracking your food intake because the calories can quickly add up.
Counting calories can sound like a fool proof plan, but it’s not. Some people may experience stagnated weight loss even with a deficit in accordance with their weight loss goals. It’s important to remember that if your body has too few calories, it may hold onto weight as well. Take a step back and try a less strict weight loss goal to see how it impacts your weight loss progress.
Calorie Command doesn’t reward or penalize any specific food choices, but there are guidelines you should follow to get the most out of this diet plan.
● When in doubt, go fresh. Fresh, non-processed foods, are much more likely to be lower in calories. They also include the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
● Focus on healthy carbohydrates and protein. Fat packs 9 calories/gram (more than twice that of carbohydrates or protein). Monitor how much fat you are eating because the calories can add up quickly.
● Healthy food has calories too. Calorie Command places a higher emphasis on how much you are eating. Make sure you regulate your serving sizes of "healthy" foods as well.
● 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
● 1 cup water
● 1 medium banana
● 1 tbsp. peanut butter
● 1 tbsp. honey
● 1 tbsp. chia seeds
● 1 tbsp. low-fat granola (or crushed nuts)
This oatmeal recipe is the perfect balance between healthy carbs, fat, and protein. Trade out the banana for other low-calorie fruits to change it up! The best part about this meal is that it's less than 500 calories!
● 3 cups arugula (or your lettuce of choice)
● 4 oz. grilled shrimp
● 1/4 cup cubed watermelon
● 1/4 cup blueberries
● 2 tbsp. feta cheese
● 2 tbsp. balsamic vinaigrette
● 1 tbps. walnuts (optional)
Throwing together different fruits into a bed of lettuce is a great way to take advantage of your Zero-BITE foods. It's also a great way to get your fiber in.
● 4 oz ground chicken breasts
● 1 tsp. olive oil
● 1 cup peppers and onions
● 1 tbsp. minced garlic
● 1 tsp. paprika
● 1/4 cup fresh or canned corn
● 1 tbsp. cilantro
● 2 small, corn tortillas
● 2 tbsp. guacamole
● 1/2 cup brown rice
● 1/4 cup hummus
● 1/4 cup bell peppers
● 1/4 cup carrots
● Any other low-cal veggies
Our pick for the best snack for the Calorie Command plan is veggies and hummus. This is a perfect, low-calorie, snack to top off your fuel tank in-between meals. The hummus has 5 grams of healthy fats and the carrots/bell peppers offer a perfect combo of vitamins and minerals. If you have calories to spare that day, feel free to add a small serving of pita chips!
● 3 heirloom tomatoes
● 1 tbsp. pepper
● 1 tsp. salt
● 1 whole, hard-boiled eggs
● 1 oz. dark chocolate
● 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, oranges or bananas
Lastly, here are a few key habits that will undoubtedly help you find success in your weight loss journey.
Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. Find something you enjoy that gets your blood pumping. It’s a great way to let off some steam and release those coveted endorphins. Another plus: in-putting your activity into the app will grant you extra BITES!
We all need a little motivation here and there. Check out the community feature in the Healthi app to get your questions answered, find recipe inspiration, or receive praise on a recent milestone you achieved. We’re all in this together.
It’s important to document your weight loss (or maintenance) journey. After all, that is why Healthi was created in the first place! Make it a habit to input your weight onto the app on a consistent basis and check out the weight trend graph (located on the profile tab) to see exactly how far you’ve come!
When you’ve come to a place in your journey when you’ve been hitting your goals and feel especially accomplished, it’s okay to celebrate! Pat yourself on the back and reward yourself! It’s important to let loose and remember to have fun.
A calorie is a measurement of the energy stored in food. Every food item has a specific number of calories based on it’s carbohydrate, protein, and fat composition. Humans have a constant demand for calories in order to fuel all the biochemical processes in our bodies. Think of it as fuel for a car. Without fuel, a car would stop running just like how a human without calories would stop breathing.
That said, calories should not be completely neglected. Everybody has an optimal number of calories they should consume in a day based on certain socio-demographic factors. For example, an active 6’ male would need more calories than a sedentary 5’ female
Although everyone has different calorie needs, the number of calories per pound of weight lost is about the same. 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) of fat. That means you would need to be at a deficit of 3,500 calories to achieve one pound per week (or 500 calories per day). A weight loss goal of 0.5 pounds per week would equate to a deficit of 1,750 calories per week, and so on and so forth.
The Calorie Command weight loss plan will calculate your optimal calorie intake based on your age, gender, weight, height and activity level. From there, this number will be reduced based on your weight loss goal (0.5 lb/week, 1 lb/week, etc.). The rest of the journey is up to you as you find foods that fit within your calorie allowance. See the example below to learn how an optimum caloric intake is calculated.
