Episode Overview

A caloric deficit is essential for fat loss—but do you have to count calories to achieve it? In this Q&A episode, Annie and Jen unpack what it really means to be in a caloric deficit and why tracking every bite isn’t the only path to success. They explore how behavior change, not just data collection, is the heart of sustainable weight loss. If you're tired of tracking or feel stuck relying on external tools like calorie or macro counting, this episode is a must-listen.

You’ll learn how to gauge your progress without obsessively logging food, why most people don’t want to track forever, and how to build internal skills and habits that support fat loss naturally—no spreadsheets required.

If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more.

Key Points

• Why calorie counting isn’t the only way to create a deficit
• How to use your body’s feedback to assess progress
• The difference between external rules and internal skills
• Why habit-based approaches are more sustainable for most women