Like most people I decided (yet again) on January 1, 2012 that I would make a lifestyle change when it came to my fitness and actually stick to it this time. I like some believed that you could eat pretty much what you wanted just as long as you consistently worked out and I soon found out that I was very wrong.

As the inches and pounds began to shed, I realized it was not just the working out that was causing the difference; it was portion control and watching my calorie intake. There’s perhaps nothing I dread more than counting calories, but the results are absolutely worth it!

Check out these five tips below on why counting calories is crucial to your fitness goals.