In this episode, Lou joins The Rogue Treatment Podcast as she explores the topic of calorie counting and its effectiveness in weight loss. Together, they discuss the origins of calorie counting and its relevance in today's society. Lou explores the idea of calorie counting as a tool to counteract the impact of processed foods and chemicals in modern diets. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on whole foods and the 80-20 rule, where 80% of the diet consists of unprocessed, nutritious foods.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Calorie counting is a tool that can be effective for weight loss, but it's important to focus on the quality of food consumed, not just the quantity. The 80-20 rule is a good approach to nutrition, where 80% of the diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods, and 20% can include indulgences like processed snacks. Processed foods often contain additives that make them more addictive, leading to overconsumption and weight gain. The origins of calorie counting date back to the 1820s, but it became popular as a weight loss tool after World War I. Portion control and understanding the nutritional content of food are key factors in maintaining a healthy diet, whether or not calorie counting is used. BEST MOMENTS "Calories are not technically made equal. If you had a handful of peanuts and then you had peanut butter, your body is going to use more calories to process the peanuts." "At what point did calorie counting become a thing to lose weight because of the impact of all the shit that we're ingesting that maybe causes us to increase weight?" "No one ever got fat from eating too many vegetables. It is all the processed foods that we eat and it's all the additives in the processed foods that make us want more." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset.