Calories In Calorie Out (CiCo) diet has been gaining popularity on social media platform Reddit. However, health experts suggest that counting just calories would lead to unhealthy weight loss. CiCo diet works on a simple principle of reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie spending. Many diets in the past have suggested a similar solution for controlling weight, but this could lead to nutritional deficiency. Many users on Reddit have reported positive results by following CiCo diet.
Health experts suggest that just counting calories can even lead to people consuming unhealthy food items. It isn't harmful to keep your calorie intake in check, but following calorie intake and cutting on certain foods items should in line with the nutritional value of foods items as well. Having a balanced diet is vital for long term health.
A user commented on social media, “CICO will work. It doesn't matter even though you're consuming healthy food, junk food, cheap food, or fancy food. When it comes to weight loss, CICO is the only thing that matters .” Such comments prompt many people to try new diet plans — health experts advise caution in following such diets.
Even if someone reduces calorie count for a short period for shedding some extra weight, it should be done keeping in mind a balanced diet. Healthy meals with lower calorie count can help in keeping weight under check in the long term. Instead of going in for crash-diet plans, people should focus on long-term weight management solutions.
Commenting on the new diet trend, Aisling Pigott-Jones, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association said, “If we just watch at calories out versus calories in, we ignore certain complexities of nutrition, weight loss, and our connections with food.”
Cynthia Sass, MPH, a nutrition expert, and RD and Health's contributing nutrition editor reported Yahoo News, “We presently understand that the essence of the calories you eat— and the timing, and also the macronutrient balance — all influence how your body uses calories, satiety, and metabolism.”
