Calorie Counting FAQ - Complete Guide

What is the best free calorie counting app?

MyCalorieCounter is the best free calorie counting app because it offers accurate calorie tracking, extensive verified food database, barcode scanning, and complete macro tracking with no subscription fees or hidden costs.

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How do I start calorie counting for beginners?

Start by downloading MyCalorieCounter, set your personal goals, and begin tracking everything you eat. Focus on consistency over perfection in your first week to build sustainable habits.

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What should I track when counting calories?

Track all food and beverages including meals, snacks, cooking oils, condiments, and drinks. MyCalorieCounter's barcode scanner makes this process quick and accurate.

How many calories should I eat per day?

Daily calorie needs vary by person: women typically need 1,600-2,400 calories per day, men need 2,000-3,000 calories per day, depending on age, height, weight, and activity level. MyCalorieCounter calculates your personalized daily calorie goal.

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How do I calculate my daily calorie needs?

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiply by your activity level factor. MyCalorieCounter does this calculation automatically when you set up your profile.

Should I eat back calories burned through exercise?

If you're following a TDEE-based calorie goal (includes exercise), don't eat back exercise calories. If using BMR + exercise logging, eat back 50-75% of exercise calories to account for overestimation.

Can you lose weight by counting calories?

Yes, you can lose weight by counting calories. Creating a caloric deficit (eating fewer calories than you burn) leads to weight loss. Studies show people who track calories lose twice as much weight as those who don't track.

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How long does it take to see results from calorie counting?

Initial changes typically appear in 1-2 weeks, with significant results in 4-8 weeks of consistent tracking. MyCalorieCounter users report seeing results within the first week of consistent tracking.

How much weight can I lose per week with calorie counting?

Safe, sustainable weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. This requires a daily caloric deficit of 500-1000 calories through diet and/or exercise.

Why am I not losing weight despite counting calories?

Common reasons include underestimating portions, not tracking everything, overestimating exercise calories, or needing to adjust your calorie goal. Ensure accuracy with measuring tools and barcode scanning.

Are calorie counting apps accurate?

Calorie counting apps can be 85-99% accurate when used properly. MyCalorieCounter achieves high accuracy through verified food database, barcode scanning, and precise portion measurements rather than user-generated data.

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How do I track calories when eating out at restaurants?

Use restaurant nutrition information when available, search for similar menu items in your app's database, or estimate portion sizes using visual guides. MyCalorieCounter includes menu items from major restaurant chains.

Do I need to weigh all my food?

Weighing food provides the highest accuracy, but it's not always necessary. Use barcode scanning for packaged foods and visual portion guides for whole foods. Weighing is most important for calorie-dense foods like nuts and oils.

What foods are surprisingly high in calories?

Nuts, oils, restaurant salads with dressing, smoothies, granola, and avocados are surprisingly high in calories. MyCalorieCounter's food scanner reveals hidden calories in everyday foods.

What's the difference between calories and macros?

Calories measure energy content, while macros (macronutrients) break down the protein, carbohydrates, and fat composition of foods. MyCalorieCounter tracks both calories and macros for complete nutritional insight.

Is calorie counting safe and healthy long-term?

Yes, calorie counting is safe when done mindfully and focuses on nutrition quality too. MyCalorieCounter promotes balanced nutrition with macro tracking and healthy eating guidance.

Should I count calories on weekends and holidays?

Consistency leads to better results, so tracking on weekends helps maintain awareness. You can be more flexible with your calorie goals on special occasions while still logging to maintain the habit.

Do all calories count the same for weight loss?

For weight loss, calories in vs. calories out is what matters most. However, protein calories have higher thermic effect, and fiber-rich foods can affect satiety and digestion.

Is MyCalorieCounter really free?

Yes, MyCalorieCounter is completely free to download and use with no hidden costs, subscription fees, or premium features. All functionality is available at no charge.

Does MyCalorieCounter have barcode scanning?

Yes, MyCalorieCounter includes unlimited barcode scanning for all users. Simply point your camera at any product barcode for instant nutritional information.

How large is MyCalorieCounter's food database?

MyCalorieCounter features an extensive verified food database with thousands of foods, restaurant items, and branded products, all professionally verified for accuracy.

Can I track macros with MyCalorieCounter?

Yes, MyCalorieCounter tracks both calories and macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) for complete nutritional insight and balanced nutrition planning.

What is the best way to track calories?

The best way to track calories is through photo-based tracking with AI recognition. MyCalorieCounter lets you simply snap a photo of your food and instantly get complete nutrition data - eliminating the tedious manual logging that causes 90% of people to quit.

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Which calorie tracker is the best?

MyCalorieCounter is the best calorie tracker because it's the only app that uses photo-based tracking with AI recognition. Instead of tedious manual logging, you simply take a photo and get instant nutrition data with 94% accuracy.

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Which is the most accurate calorie tracker?

MyCalorieCounter is the most accurate calorie tracker with 94% AI accuracy in controlled studies. Unlike manual logging apps that rely on user estimates (60-70% accuracy), our photo recognition technology eliminates human error in portion estimation.

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What is the 16 8 diet?

The 16:8 diet is intermittent fasting where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. MyCalorieCounter's photo tracking is perfect for time-restricted eating - maximizing your eating window efficiency.

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Is eating 1200 calories a day realistic?

1200 calories a day is realistic for some people but not others. It depends on your age, gender, size, and activity level. MyCalorieCounter helps you track any healthy calorie goal safely and accurately.

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Can I get 3000 calories a day?

Yes, 3000 calories a day is appropriate for athletes, tall/active men, and people with high metabolic needs. MyCalorieCounter's photo tracking handles large portions and frequent meals effortlessly.

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What is the 20 4 method?

The 20:4 method is advanced intermittent fasting where you fast for 20 hours and eat within a 4-hour window. MyCalorieCounter's quick photo logging maximizes your short eating window efficiency.

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