Count Colours, not Calories!

Why You Should Count Colours, Not Calories, for Weight Loss

Let’s be honest—counting calories is exhausting. Scribbling numbers into an app, stressing over whether you went “over,” and trying to work out if the handful of nuts you had at 3pm ruined everything… it’s no way to live.

And the truth? Calories aren’t the full story when it comes to weight loss. Especially for women over 40, where hormones, stress, and metabolism play a bigger role than just numbers on a label.

That’s where a better approach comes in: counting colours, not calories.

The Problem with Calorie Counting

On paper, calorie counting makes sense: eat less than you burn, and you’ll lose weight.

But in real life?

• It often leads to restriction and obsession.
• It ignores food quality—100 calories of crisps vs. 100 calories of broccoli are NOT the same in your body.
• It doesn’t account for how food affects your hormones, cravings, or energy.
• And for women over 40, constantly eating less can actually slow down metabolism further and make fat loss harder.

Why Colours Matter More

When I say “count colours,” I’m talking about the colours of real, whole foods—fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, beans, wholegrains.

Every colour represents different nutrients, antioxidants, and plant compounds that help your body function better. For example:

• Reds (tomatoes, strawberries, peppers): support heart health and skin.
• Greens (spinach, broccoli, kale): rich in magnesium, great for hormones and energy.
• Oranges & yellows (carrots, squash, oranges): loaded with vitamin C and beta-carotene for immunity and skin.
• Purples & blues (blueberries, aubergine, beetroot): powerful antioxidants for brain and anti-aging.

When your meals are bursting with colour, you’re naturally feeding your body what it needs to reduce cravings, balance blood sugar, and support fat loss—without feeling restricted.

How Counting Colours Helps with Weight Loss

• Better nutrition, less hunger
  Colourful foods are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals that keep you full and satisfied.
• Balances blood sugar
  Fibre + phytonutrients help keep energy stable and cravings under control.
• Supports hormones
  Nutrient-rich foods reduce inflammation and support the hormonal changes that often make weight loss harder in your 40s and beyond.
• Stops the obsession
  Instead of worrying about every calorie, you focus on building vibrant, nourishing meals that actually taste good.

Simple Ways to Count Colours Instead of Calories

• Aim for 3–5 different colours on your plate each meal.
• Use fruit and veg as the base of your meals, then add protein and healthy fats.
• Think: “How can I add one more colour?” instead of “How many calories is this?”
• Make it fun—challenge yourself to “eat the rainbow” across the day.

The Bottom Line

Weight loss isn’t about eating less—it’s about eating better. By focusing on colour, you nourish your body, keep hormones and blood sugar happy, and make meals exciting instead of restrictive.

So next time you look at your plate, don’t ask “How many calories is this?” Ask: “How many colours have I got here?”

Your body (and your waistline) will thank you.

✨ This is exactly what I help women over 40 with—ditching the calorie-counting stress and learning how to eat in a way that feels good, works with your body, and actually lasts.