5 Common Calorie Counting Mistakes

Calorie counting Tracking can be a powerful tool for weight loss and health, but only when done correctly. Many people make small tracking mistakes that can make a big difference in results. If you do this, be careful. In this article, we explain the five most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Guessing Portion Sizes

Eyeballing your portions may feel quick and easy, but it's often inaccurate. A tablespoon of peanut butter can easily become two, doubling the calories. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to track accurately.

2. Ignoring Liquid Calories

That sugary chai, soft drink, or fruit juice may seem harmless, but they can add hundreds of calories. Track every beverage you consume—even healthy ones like smoothies.

3. Forgetting to Log Snacks

Small bites and casual snacks (like biscuits, a handful of nuts, or a spoon of rice while cooking) often go untracked. These small things add up and sabotage your calorie deficit.

4. Logging Food Incorrectly

Using generic or incorrect entries in your app can lead to errors. Always double-check food labels or use verified entries from trusted sources.

5. Not Adjusting for Cooked vs Raw

Rice, dal, pasta—cooked food weighs more than raw. Tracking cooked vs raw weight can cause huge miscalculations. Be consistent in how you log foods (either all raw or all cooked weight).

Mistake vs Fix

Bonus Tips

• Track in real-time, not at end of day.
• Use barcodes or food database apps like MyFitnessPal or HealthifyMe.
• Pre-plan meals to avoid guesswork.

FAQs