That’s a Florence and the Machine lyric I like, but it also applies to a common issue in the world of health and fitness: people tend to lie—or rather, misreport—their calorie intake.

And guess what? It’s not just you. It’s human nature.

Why We “Lie” About Calories

Tracking your daily calories can feel like a chore, and even when we try our best, the numbers don’t always add up. That’s because people often underestimate how much they’re eating, even without realizing it. This happens to everyone, even professionals in the nutrition world.

This Study That Proves It

Here’s some eye-opening data: in a study on calorie reporting, 10 dietitians and 10 non-dietitians recorded their food intake for seven days.

The results?

• Dietitians – Even with their advanced knowledge, they under-reported their daily calories by about 232 calories per day.
• Non-Dietitians – They under-reported by 429 calories per day! (!!!)

That’s a pretty big difference! It shows that whether you’re a trained expert or just someone trying to lose weight, accurately tracking calories is tough.

Why Does This Happen?

There are a few reasons:

1. Portion Distortion – We often misjudge portion sizes, especially when eating out or snacking.
2. Forgetting the Small Stuff – Things like condiments, dressings, or that handful of chips might slip under the radar.
3. Estimations Over Exact Numbers – Unless you’re weighing every ingredient, you’re probably estimating, and those small errors add up.

How to Improve Calorie Tracking Accuracy

So, how can you become better at tracking your calories without driving yourself crazy?

• Be Mindful of Portions – Start weighing or measuring your food for a few weeks to reset your portion expectations.
• Log as You Go – It’s easy to forget what you ate by the end of the day. Try logging meals immediately after eating.
• Don’t Skip the Small Stuff – Even “insignificant” items add up, so track everything!

The Bigger Takeaway

More knowledge leads to better accuracy. While it’s hard to be perfect, having a better understanding of what you’re eating can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just be healthier, improving your awareness of your daily intake will help you reach your goals faster.

So, no need to lie to yourself—or anyone else—about your calorie intake. Let’s work together to create better habits and more realistic tracking!