10/09/2026
I’m a dad… and I’ve done it. Just like you. 😂
The “Parent Tax”.
We’ve all been there.
🥪 “Here Dad, I don’t want my toast crusts.”
Nom. ~25 kcal
🍎 “I’m full, you can have the rest of my apple.”
Nom. ~40–50 kcal
🍗 “I don’t want my last chicken nugget.”
Nom. ~50 kcal
🍟 “And these chips…”
Nom. ~100 kcal
🍪 “Mum, I made you a cookie!”
“Well, I obviously can’t say no to that.” ❤️
Nom. ~80–150 kcal
None of these seem like a big deal.
And individually, they probably aren’t.
But here’s the sneaky bit…
If those little extras add up to 250–350 calories a day, that's potentially:
➡️ 1,750–2,450 calories per week
➡️ 7,500–10,500 calories per month
And if you're trying to lose body fat, that can be enough to significantly reduce or even wipe out the calorie deficit you carefully created elsewhere.
“But I don’t count those calories!”
Exactly.
Your body unfortunately doesn't have a “Parent Tax Exemption” setting. 😂
Calories still contribute to your overall energy intake whether you track them, forget them, lick them off your kid’s plate, or mysteriously find them attached to a biscuit.
🚨 BUT…
This isn't me telling you to stop eating leftovers or refuse the lovingly crafted cookie.
Food waste isn't the goal.
The point is simply to be aware of the extras.
If fat loss has stalled despite doing everything “right”, take a look at the little things happening around the edges of your diet.
Because sometimes it isn't the big meal that's causing the problem.
It’s the “just one bite” brigade.👀
All calories count, even when you don't count the calories.