Counting calories is a common way to start a weight loss journey, but one expert explained that it could be slowing down people's progress.
Personal trainer Olly Wood explained that counting calories helps get initial results but slimmers could soon find themselves "stuck" if they make the mistake of relying solely on this.
Olly said: "The trouble is you got some initial result and it is a good first step but you may not able to sustain it. You have either put the weight back on or you're struggling to maintain it.
"You have probably noticed that your energy is lower, your recovery and overall mood is lower and your cravings are through the roof."
People should not solely focus on calorie counting on their weight loss journey
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While people know calorie deficits can work, they may not consider other factors that can get in the way of weight loss - like "hormonal function or overall gut health".
The expert explained: "If you are just looking at calories but not considering colours and nutrients - all of the stuff that allows your body to function at a high degree, you're probably going to feel bad.
"My recommendation to you would be to count colours, not calories. It sounds fluffy but brings it back to a level of focus on whole foods and nourishing the body with foods that you feel good on."
Move away from solely tracking calories, Olly advised, and consider tracking other elements in your life, such as sleep.
The personal trainer said: "Another trouble with most people is when they go into this restriction of calories, they have a strong urge of cravings that come with it.
"It really starts to disrupt a lot of those very natural mechanisms."
To combat cravings, the expert recommended having the right foods to make you feel full.
He explained: "If we do not focus on that nutrient aspect of replenishing or fulfilling those minimum needs of protein intake or overall function of the body, you are going to notice that things feel drained and things do not work in the same way."
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The personal trainer advised focusing on how stressed and anxious you are
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Weight loss goes beyond just what you put into your mouth. Your stress levels, for example, can affect how the body stores fat.
The expert added: "Look at how we are digesting foods, are we getting enough good quality sleep, how stressed and anxious are we throughout the day.
"Addressing some of those other factors plays a vital role in our body playing ball."
