Hey guys I'm 15 years old 165 pounds and 5 foot 9 inches and I was wondering is it bad to count calories for my age? A lot people just say eat healthy and lift and some say it's good so it' helps in the future. I have still had progress counting calories but i just wanted to know if there are any bad effects to counting calories. I don't strictly count I just try to get a rough estimate of how many calories im eating to maintain a deficit. So should I count calories or not?

There's never anything wrong with counting calories. I think you might be confusing counting calories with restricting calories. Counting calories doesn't necessarily mean altering how much you eat; it just means, well, counting the calories. I'd say go for it. Even if you don't plan to change your diet, never hurts to know exactly where you are at in terms of cals & macros.

Lolwut.

Nothing wrong with counting calories at your age, I think people just say that so you don't eat too less and stunt growth some how. That and the fact some people may think it's too complicated for a young teenager.

I wouldn't cut at your age unless you really need it, I'd just stay at maintenance and grow like that. Slowly losing fat and gaining muscle.

So is it ok to restrict calories?

Database wrote:

So is it ok to restrict calories?

I really don't know. I'd say yes but take it very slow.

Database wrote:

So is it ok to restrict calories?

I'm 15 too. What moore93 said was spot on. In my opinion I think it's fine if you make sure to get all your nutrients in. Just don't be on too much of a deficit. But then again doctors say I've finished growing so you should probabley just start eating really clean.

Database wrote:

So is it ok to restrict calories?

If you're hungry, eat. I wouldn't restrict them until you know for sure you're done growing or are at least 18-20 years old. Just workout and eat healthy.

But how will I know if im in a caloric deficit to make sure I'm losing weight?

Database wrote:

But how will I know if im in a caloric deficit to make sure I'm losing weight?

If you're still growing, you don't want to be in a caloric deficit? Just start eating healthier and working out more. Listen to your body, if you're hungry, eat. Eat after training as well. Other than that, don't pig-out and you should lose fat. I think you should just try this, see if it works. If not, come back tell us what you did and make a new plan? There's also nothing wrong with counting calories, it might be a good idea to keep track in case you need to tweak your diet. Just start off not restricting calories.

Thanks for the replies and You guys are right no need to count calories just eat healthy and workout regularly.

Database wrote:

If you're hungry, eat. I wouldn't restrict them until you know for sure you're done growing or are at least 18-20 years old. Just workout and eat healthy.

I agree with this post, you shouldn't restrict calories until you are fully grown.

count calories, but don't restrict them.

Get yourself into the habit of monitoring what you eat, how much, etc. and when you're older and don't have the benefits of teenaged hormones making life super-easy, you'll already be in the habit of monitoring calories, and thus counting them on a deficit/surplus will be a simple modification as compared to a total lifestyle alteration.

Database wrote:

So is it ok to restrict calories?

If you're fat, yes.

Is it bad to wear a seatbelt when driving?

No..

How is counting calories bad? its a good thing if you do so, however its not needed but can help you a lot.