Are all calories equal?

SarahStarr86

Hello! I know that it's important to eat healthy but will I still lose weight if I don't eat clean and "healthy" 90-100% ? I like to try and eat my best most days but I may have a day where I eat pizza, Wendy's, or some cupcakes. I still make sure that I stay within my macros but my food choices just may not be the healthiest. Thanks in advance!

looopyloops

all calories are equal, but that being said some foods will keep you feeling fuller longer, the more fiber and protein you can get in your diet the better, We all have days when we eat foods not as healthy for us, thats life and these foods are ok in moderation, a piece of pizza counted into your calories for the day is fine, if you are like some of us and could eat the entire pizza that is not so good. Be realistic, remember this a a lifestyle change, not a diet, and all foods should be allowed, just some more often then others.

luvriden

Yes a calorie is a calorie, but (of course there is a but...) pizza calories are loaded with sodium, fat, sugar; where the same amount of calories in fish, veggies and a salad are not. Someone once said on a thread here that you can loose weight eating 1200 calories of candy or 1200 calories of veggies, but you can eat a WHOLE LOT more veggies for 1200 calories, then candy. Your choice :-) . Try focusing your lifestyle change on a weekly basis so that over the course of a week, your calorie intake is within or limit and don't stress if you go over or eat wrong one day out of 7. When I do that, I just make sure it isn't Monday or Tuesday, since I weigh in on Wed. morning :-)

magerum

A calorie is a unit of measurement, so yes.

quiltlovinlisa

Yes a calorie is a calorie, so strictly speaking when counting, I think they're equal. That said, I sure feel yucky after eating certain types of calories, so I avoid them, just so i can feel better.

I think it's healthy to balance some splurges in. That's a healthy way to live for the rest of my life!

rybo

It depends.

Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't.

jonnythan

Look at my diary and rejoice.

I make sure to hit my calorie macro goals every day. I get enough protein, fat, carbs, and fiber. I eat vegetables. And that's all I worry about.

magerum

It depends.

Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't.

A pount of feathers weighs more than a pound of rocks? A unit of measurement is a unit of measurement.

potluck965

Yes, a calorie is a calorie, but the way your body uses calories from different sources can be different.

In general, I wouldn't worry about the occasional "dirty" calorie. This is a marathon, not a sprint and you will have a much better chance of success if you don't make yourself feel miserable and deprived.

jzammetti

You will get may opinions on this question, I am sure.

I eat what I want so long as it fits in my calories for the day (probably 75% better stuff and 25% not so great stuff). I make efforts to reach my protein goal every day at let the rest fall where it may (my protein goal is 150 grams but I am happy at 125).

This approach works well for me.

sheldonz42

It depends.

Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't.

A pount of feathers weighs more than a pound of rocks? A unit of measurement is a unit of measurement.

^So much this.

SarahStarr86

Thank you all so much! Everyone is so supportive )))) I like to have a "not so healthy" meal on Friday/Saturday. I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't ruin all of my effort given during the week. Thank you again!

jonnythan

Thank you all so much! Everyone is so supportive )))) I like to have a "not so healthy" meal on Friday/Saturday. I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't ruin all of my effort given during the week. Thank you again!

The only thing that will stop your progress is going over on calories.

shortie_sarah

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

jonnythan

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

cwolfman13

A calorie is simply a unit of measure; in that sense, a calorie is a calorie. 200 calories from broccoli is going to provide your body with the same amount of energy as 200 calories of ice cream.

Proper nutrition is a completely different conversation.

BlackStarDeceiver

A calorie is a unit of measurement, so yes.

This.

KatLifter

In for the debate... Again.

Bacon fries, anyone?

shortie_sarah

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

I'm sorry you see that my way is wrong, but it's the truth, reality, and fact. If people truly want to be successful in this, eliminating those things is the best way to go. Not the only way, but the best way. I'll be the first to admit that I love fast food and pizza, but I also know that if I want to change my diet for the better, there are healthier alternatives to those foods. You can have pizza, but there are healthier ways to make it. If burgers and fries are your weakness (it's one of mine) choose a turkey burger and sweet potato fries instead of McDonald's. I'm only advising to choose the healthier alternative.

KatLifter

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

So here is an honest question - you guys may be winning me over. I've seen people say there is no extra credit for eating extra nutrients. Nutrients go a lot further than the macros we track here. I have 300 calories left after dinner. How do I know I really hit my nutrient goals and am free to spend those 300 calories on ice cream, or if I should try to eat some more veggies etc?

kingtermite

While everyone is trying to be technical...let me give the explanation that I "think" you are wanting to know.

While a calorie is strictly a measurement unit of energy, yes they are all the same, but.....
Here is the big but. That's like saying a gallon of some really bad, dirty, low-grade gasoline is just as good as as a gallon of high-grade, clean gasoline. No, they aren't. They are both "a gallon", but that doesn't make them equal because one burns more efficiently than the other.

In the same way, healthy food is better calories because they are in a better form for your body to digest and get the NUTRIENTS from. Unhealthy food is processed and has the calories, but very little of the nutrients, or it has nutrients in such a form that your body isn't able to process/absorb it. This is one of the reasons juicing is so popular. It's a very efficient way of getting a lot of nutrients in your body and in a form that your body will absorb.

It doesn't mean you can't eat unhealthy food, but all things in moderation. Those foods, when eaten too much, actually deprive your body of nutrients, even though they technically have the calories. It triggers your body to think it's starving because of the lack of nutrients and will in turn trigger the "fat storage" mode.

So....keep the unhealthy eating to a minimum for optimal health...but splurge once in a while so you don't feel deprived. If you deprive yourself too much, you'll just lose motivation and stop.

55in13

Yes, but I am sure you are aware that 300 is more than 200. To me the toughest things with some of the foods you mention (pizza and cupcakes are probably the worst about this) is the possible variance. Maybe it had 150 calories, maybe 600... I eat some junk sometimes and when I do I err on the side of caution and say they are toward the high end of the calorie range.

shaleyn

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

I'm sorry you see that my way is wrong, but it's the truth, reality, and fact. If people truly want to be successful in this, eliminating those things is the best way to go. Not the only way, but the best way. I'll be the first to admit that I love fast food and pizza, but I also know that if I want to change my diet for the better, there are healthier alternatives to those foods. You can have pizza, but there are healthier ways to make it. If burgers and fries are your weakness (it's one of mine) choose a turkey burger and sweet potato fries instead of McDonald's. I'm only advising to choose the healthier alternative.

Pretty sure if one would have to choose whether to listen to someone with a 60+ lb loss or someone with a 5 lb loss, the one with proven results is the way to go...

jonnythan

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

I'm sorry you see that my way is wrong, but it's the truth, reality, and fact. If people truly want to be successful in this, eliminating those things is the best way to go. Not the only way, but the best way. I'll be the first to admit that I love fast food and pizza, but I also know that if I want to change my diet for the better, there are healthier alternatives to those foods. You can have pizza, but there are healthier ways to make it. If burgers and fries are your weakness (it's one of mine) choose a turkey burger and sweet potato fries instead of McDonald's. I'm only advising to choose the healthier alternative.

Fact? It's a fact that pizza and Hot Pockets and McDonald's are just "bad foods" and having them occasionally to "cheat" is just bad?

That's BS. Plain and simple. I eat food you would describe as "bad" pretty much every day of my life, and sometimes multiple times a day. And yet I'm in fantastic shape and around 150 lbs, 12% body fat after having been 210 lbs 40% body fat once upon a time.

There is nothing "bad" about Hot Pockets and pizza and burgers and tacos and ice cream if you can fit them into your daily macro goals.

Eliminating foods you love is the WORST way to go about this. Why do you think so many people regain weight? It's because they didn't make SUSTAINABLE changes. Simply telling yourself "I'll never eat a Quarter Pounder again" isn't sustainable. One day your resolve will fail, you will eat that Quarter Pounder, and you will feel like you've failed on one of your core goals. This is how people relapse.

The KEY is to eat the foods you love in healthy, sustainable ways. "Never" is not sustainable when you're talking about all the foods you love.

sunshyncatra

Yes, but I did find that I don't lose weight if I eat double stuff Oreos every day Keep it in moderation and exercise portion control.

jonnythan

BTW, here are the terrible things pizza and ice cream and Taco Bell have done to my body:

jonnythan

Yes, but I did find that I don't lose weight if I eat double stuff Oreos every day Keep it in moderation and exercise portion control.

You might be surprised: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

Ophidion

BTW, here are the terrible things pizza and ice cream and Taco Bell have done to my body:

I had to say it...super job man, you are an inspiration.

sunshyncatra

Yes, but I did find that I don't lose weight if I eat double stuff Oreos every day Keep it in moderation and exercise portion control.

You might be surprised: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

Awesome Every body is different. That wasn't my experience. When I switched my evening snack from a few double stuffs to popcorn with butter (same calories), I started losing more weight. That isn't to say that I won't partake in them. They just aren't an everyday thing.

slendercurves

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

BUMP

shortie_sarah

Here is my input on the matter. I didn't read all of the replies so I apologise if this is repeated...

Say you have a choice between a hot pocket or a meal of chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice (1 serving of each). Both of those choices equal about 320 calories. The hot pocket, however is loaded with fat, sodium, and carbs, whereas the healthy meal is full of nutrients and vitamins. So you see, it's not only about counting calories, it's about making the correct choices.

In my opinion, if you are aiming to lose weight and keep it off, you have to train yourself to no longer want those bad foods. Think about it. Think about all the negative effects those foods have had on you. On your body, your mind, your looks, your health. Is it REALLY worth it? To me, it is not. I am no longer allowing those bad foods to make me feel that way therefore I am eliminating them out of my diet. Theres a saying that goes "out of sight, out of mind." Apply that saying to food but change it up a little. "Out of mouth, out of mind." If you no longer eat those foods and choose healthy alternatives, your body will adjust to crave the healthy foods. Don't allow yourself to "cheat" either. Some people say it's ok, but really you are keeping that bad food familiar to you, therefore you are allowing your body to continue to crave it.

If pizza is your favorite meal, there are healthy ways to make it. Pizza hut, or Dominos, or Papa John's is not the way to go. Sorry to put that so bluntly, but it's the truth. Here's a good way to make a healthy pizza: find some low carb and cal tortillas. Spray a pan with some olive oil Pam. Put a little bit of pizza sauce and then add your fav veggies (onion, peppers, mushrooms). Sprinkle some low fat, low cal moz cheese then fold the tortilla in half making a semicircle. Once one side is nice and grilled, flip it over to grill the other side. These come out really delicious! I call them Pizzadillas (like quesadillas) =P

I am sure you can find better alternatives to cupcakes as well. Trust me, if you don't train yourself to make better choices you put yourself at a high risk for going back to your old ways and gaining back all that you lost. This has to be a LIFESTYLE change and not a temporary diet. Best of luck to you!

Scaring people off Hot Pockets and Domino's, if they love Hot Pockets and Domino's, are the best way in the universe to set them up for failure and binging.

If you look around on this site, the most successful and happiest people are often the ones who eat things like Hot Pockets, Domino's, ice cream, Pop Tarts, etc., regularly.

The important thing is to hit appropriate macro goals. Thinking of certain foods as inherently bad or unhealthy is flat-out wrong.

I'm sorry you see that my way is wrong, but it's the truth, reality, and fact. If people truly want to be successful in this, eliminating those things is the best way to go. Not the only way, but the best way. I'll be the first to admit that I love fast food and pizza, but I also know that if I want to change my diet for the better, there are healthier alternatives to those foods. You can have pizza, but there are healthier ways to make it. If burgers and fries are your weakness (it's one of mine) choose a turkey burger and sweet potato fries instead of McDonald's. I'm only advising to choose the healthier alternative.

Pretty sure if one would have to choose whether to listen to someone with a 60+ lb loss or someone with a 5 lb loss, the one with proven results is the way to go...

Just because I just started doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm talking about. Again, I am advising to choose the healthier alternative. If you want a cupcake, I'm sure you can find a healthy recipe for cupcakes rather than buying some Little Debbie's. When I said to eliminate the bad things, what I meant was to eliminate the unhealthy alternative. Why would someone choose to keep craving those things when they have the opportunity to acquire cravings for healthier choices? I know everyone approaches things differently. There is more than one way to succeed. I guess I just find this way to be the best option for me, although it may not be the best for someone else...