Candice Swanepoel’s Trainer Says Counting Calories Is “The Worst Thing”

If you had Candice Swanepoel’s trainer sitting across from you, you might expect him to recommend stricter portions, a food scale, and an app to track it all. Justin Gelband has a very different message. Speaking with Evie’s Brittany Hugoboom, the Victoria’s Secret supermodel trainer pushed back on the pressure women feel to turn to monitor every little thing they eat. “It is the worst thing for a woman to sit and count calories and measure food and so forth because that’s how eating disorders begin,” he said. Gelband has worked with some of the most recognizable Victoria’s Secret Angels, including Swanepoel, Romee Strijd, Jasmine Tookes, and Laís Ribeiro. His approach tailors training to each woman’s body and goals. He’s also shared his experience with Evie readers in “I’m A Victoria’s Secret Angels Trainer. Here Are 5 Insights For Getting Runway Ready.” Coming from someone women might expect to hand them an even stricter diet, it’s a striking message. “When you start counting calories and you start measuring your food, it makes your brain so crazy,” he said. Gelband acknowledged that bodybuilders may approach tracking differently because of their specific goals. His criticism centered on everyday eating, particularly when women feel pressured into rigid rules that leave them anxious around food . His comments reflect his perspective as a trainer who has trained some clients who have struggled with an eating disorder. Gelband’s advice was emphatic: “Do not count your calories. Do not measure your food.” Coming from someone women might expect to hand them an even stricter diet, it’s a striking message. Instead of feeling like you need to eat salads every day, Gelband is passionate about getting your protein in and even the controversial blood type diet that Miranda Kerr has talked about. Watch the full exclusive interview here.