Living with ARFID presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to understanding and managing food intake. Tracking calories can feel overwhelming at first, but gradually it becomes a tool to demystify the process rather than a source of stress. From my experience, the key is not to obsess over every number but to use calorie tracking as a gentle guide to ensure nutritional needs are met without triggering anxiety. Some days, I find it helpful to focus on just one meal at a time, appreciating the nourishment it provides rather than the exact calorie count. I haven't always been comfortable with calorie tracking; it felt like the numbers owned me. But through patient practice and self-compassion, I now see calorie tracking as an empowering way to understand my body's needs and limitations. It’s not about perfection but progress. If you’re navigating ARFID or any restrictive eating challenges, consider approaching calorie tracking as a form of self-care. Using apps designed with sensitivity to eating difficulties or consulting with a dietician experienced in ARFID can also make this process more manageable. Remember, someday the numbers won’t own you—you’ll own how you interact with them. Until then, take small steps and be kind to yourself along the way.