Hey there. If you’ve ever struggled with calorie counting, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve tried tracking before and felt frustrated, or maybe you’re considering it now but aren’t sure where to start. The good news is, there’s a way to make it work without the stress of hitting a perfect number every day.
The first step is simple—track what you eat for two weeks. Don’t worry about whether it’s “good” or “bad.” Don’t stress over portion sizes. Just get an idea of what your normal eating habits look like. This gives you a baseline to work from. During this time, also take a waist measurement and check your weight on the scale. You’ll do this every two weeks moving forward.
Once you have that baseline, look at your average daily calories and subtract 200. That’s your new target number. But here’s the key—you’re not aiming for that number exactly. Instead, you’re working within a range. Give yourself 200 calories above and below that number as a flexibility zone. That way, if you’re slightly over or under, you’re still on track.
After two more weeks, check your progress. If your weight or waist measurement is decreasing slightly, you’re in a good spot. If nothing is changing, adjust by dropping your target to the lower end of your range and shifting your flexibility zone down as well. Keep repeating this process every two weeks, focusing on consistency rather than perfection.
The biggest mistake people make with calorie counting is stressing over exact numbers. The truth is, food labels aren’t 100% accurate, portion sizes vary, and your body doesn’t absorb calories the same way every day. Instead of trying to be perfect, focus on doing the best you can consistently.
If you’ve struggled with calorie counting before, I get it. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re using it as a tool for weight loss, this approach will help you make it work for your lifestyle instead of forcing your lifestyle to fit into an app’s algorithm.
This is part of a bigger mindset shift—taking ownership of your habits and making adjustments based on real results. If you’re ready to stop letting excuses hold you back, it’s time to take action. Let me know how you’re approaching calorie counting, or if you’re using another method like mindful eating or Weight Watchers, I’d love to hear how you’re making it work.
If you’re looking for long-term support in building sustainable habits, join The YLF Experience. Let’s take action together!