4 Reasons why counting your calories isn't working

So you’ve finally started counting you calories for a while and cant seem to see any changes?

Here are 4 common mistakes that tend to limit those who count calories using a food diary app.

Inaccuracy with logging

This is a huge issue I see for most that believe they’re logging but what they’re actually logging is the first item they see in the search results.

For example

If you’re going to be having a chicken sandwich for lunch. Searching for ‘Chicken sandwich’ and pressing the top option, for some cheeky bunch, the lowest calorie option. This is leaving you up to a complete guessing game. How much chicken is in your sandwich? Does this sandwich have mayonnaise, sauce or avocado? What bread is on the sandwich?

Get where i’m going with this?

Now for those game enough to eat sandwiches that are pre-packaged and have a scan-able bar code or label, you don’t need to stress.

For those who don’t want a sandwich made 6 months ago, make your own at home, take an extra 2 minutes to enter each ingredient properly.

Consistency

Now i’m sure you aren’t surprised this is on the list. Counting your calories isn’t for business hours. It’s 24/7. If you track your food from Monday-Friday (well done) your lack of results may be driven by what hasn’t been tracked over the weekend.

It’s a common misconception that once you have a bad day, its time to start again tomorrow. Your body doesn’t reset each day. The whole week of great eating can be sabotaged by the Saturday you binge drink, inhale a kebab and snort a line of sugar. I’m not against any of these things, I’m just point out the reason you may not be happy next weigh in.

If you’re the type of person that is a weekend warrior. Total your weekly calories and workout how to distribute them to suit your life style.

Honesty

You might be able to hide the cheeky nugget box from your partner but your body is enjoying all those extras, just like it should. You’d be surprised at how often I ask people about their food logs and everything is great… until i ask about snacks, soft drinks or wine. “Just a small piece” adds up over the days. If it goes in your mouth and isn’t water, track it.

Daily movement & exercise DRAMATIC decrease

Hung over in bed all day? Netflix and chill? Whatever.

It’s my understanding that some people go from working and active job, exercising and putting in long days of life to sitting in bed on a Sunday. I’ve been guilty of this plenty. Just remember you aren’t doing even 1/3 of what you’d usually do. So now is not the time to start binge eating during your ‘Friends’ marathon.

Try cutting your calories in half on days like these.

I don’t think I’ve met somebody who isn’t getting results that isn’t guilty of at least on of these. Do a little self reflection and see what you come back with :)