EP #11 Mastering Nutrition: Is Counting Calories Helping or Hurting You?

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of tracking calories. Should you be tracking your calories and is it needed for your health journey OR do you need to let go of food rules and learn how to make food choices from a solid mindset? We explore the pros and cons of each approach, share personal experiences, and provide practical advice to help you decide which one is right for you. We also discuss when tracking can become harmful and how to build a balanced, intuitive relationship with food. Whether you're a beginner trying to understand nutrition or someone who has struggled with yo-yo dieting, this episode has something for you.

What We Cover:

• Why the term "tracking calories" can be misleading.
• The difference between being a "robot" with food versus being emotionally driven by it.
• How emotional eating can show up and why some people feel "bored" with food.
• Recognizing the role of food in your life – is it just fuel, or is it filling an emotional void?
• Understanding when tracking macros or calories is useful and when it can be harmful.
• How to rebuild a balanced relationship with food after years of dieting or bingeing.
• Identifying physical vs. emotional hunger cues.
• How to know when it’s time to stop tracking and transition to intuitive eating.

Key Takeaways:

• Tracking calories can lead to hyper-focusing on numbers and losing sight of balanced nutrition.
• Emotional eating is common but can be managed by recognising triggers and developing other coping mechanisms.
• Understanding your hunger cues and emotional triggers is crucial for a healthy relationship with food.

Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt confused about whether to track calories or macros, this episode is for you. Tune in, get clear on what works for you, and take back control of your relationship with food. Share your thoughts & takeaways with us on instagram @shebreakstherulespodcast