For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told that achieving optimal body weight is a simple process. Anyone who can count calories can do it! Just get the numbers right and reaching a perfect weight becomes as easy as keeping track of “calories in, calories out.” Simple enough, right?

Not necessarily. I’ve been a performance athlete and cycling coach for a long time now, and if I’ve learned anything it is that calorie counting is actually a very complicated business. Read the full column in HEALTH & FITNESS»