Calorie tracking: Friend or foe? We tell ALL
Are you ready to take control of your health journey with calorie tracking? Before you dive headfirst into counting every crumb, The Healthy Mummy is here to help you understand what it is, how it works, and some sneaky pitfalls to avoid so you can achieve your weight loss goals while still enjoying delicious foods!

The Lowdown on Calorie Tracking
Think of your body as a unique energy system. The food you eat provides fuel (measured in calories), while your daily activities burn that fuel. Calorie tracking is simply keeping an eye on this balance – It’s like creating a budget for your body’s energy!
Making Calorie Tracking Work for You
- Determine Your Daily Needs: This isn’t rocket science, but you can use our Healthy Mummy Calculator to estimate your daily calorie needs based on your age, weight, height and activity level. Remember, these are estimates, so adjust them based on how you feel!
- Set Your Goal: Looking to shed some kilos? Create a gentle calorie deficit by eating slightly less than you burn. A safe goal is usually 500-1000 calories less than your daily needs. Be mindful though, drastic cuts can really harm your progress and backfire!
- Become a Food Detective: Here’s where things get interesting. You can track your food intake in various ways:
- The Healthy Mummy App: Our digital helper with a massive database of nutritious recipes and easy logging features, available in the app that let you log your meals with a few taps.
- Food Journals: Old school, pen and paper. Write down everything you eat and drink, from that morning latte to your afternoon snack.
- Measuring Portions: Eye-balling portions can be tricky, so consider using measuring cups and scales for accuracy.
- Track Your Progress: It’s not just about the numbers on the scale! How are your clothes fitting? Do you have more energy? These are all great indicators of progress!
How to Avoid Common Calorie Tracking Mistakes
Okay, let’s get real. Calorie tracking can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes people make:
- Label Lies: Don’t trust calorie labels blindly. There can be a slight difference between what’s listed and reality.
- Focusing Only on Calories: Calories are important, but don’t forget the quality of your food! Prioritise whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein for a balanced diet. Your body will thank you!
- Obsessive Tracking: Calorie tracking shouldn’t become your life’s obsession. There will be days you eat out or have a treat – that’s okay! Be flexible and enjoy the journey.
- Underestimating Exercise Calories: Don’t downplay your sweat session! Be honest about your activity level to get a more accurate picture of your calorie burn.
Tips and Tricks for Tracking Success
- Find a system that works for YOU: Whether it’s The Healthy Mummy App or a notebook, choose what feels right for YOU.
- Prep is key: Prepping healthy meals and snacks can be a lifesaver on busy days. Try our budget-friendly meal prep ideas to stay on track during busy days.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Our Healthy Mummy community is here to support you!
Remember, calorie tracking is a tool to help you understand your body and develop a positive relationship with food. It’s not about restriction – it’s about making informed choices that nourish your body and help you reach your goals!
Want more support on your health journey? Check out our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge for personalised meal plans, workouts, and a supportive community of mums just like you!
Are you ready to give calorie tracking a go? Share your experiences or questions in our Community – we’d love to hear from you!
With hundreds of thousands of mums from all over Australia, all with the same goals, concerns, and struggles, our community is there to support you through it all.Join our community of supportive mums!