quantity vs quality

Princess_in_training84

is it really how many calories you eat that is important rather than how those calories are made up....obviously i avoid things like takeaway foods but it isnt always easy to rely on low fat foods

thrashscara

Calories are important, but so is keeping on eye on fat, especially saturated fat, protein and carbs. It depends what you goal is.

DemoraFairy

For weight loss alone, what the calories are doesn't matter. Eat what you want as long as it's in your calorie budget. For health it matters, and for things like satiation (a full meal will keep you more full and be much healthier than the same amount of calories of chocolate), but as long as you're in your calorie goal then you don't need to worry about not losing weight. Just beware that certain foods will make you retain water weight so the next day it may look like you've gained weight, and foods may make you bloat, but ultimately it won't affect weight loss.

I lost 4st while at uni eating nothing but microwave meals, pub food and take aways (not advocating that as a good lifestyle, just saying it can be done!).

Sued0nim

Princess_in_training84 wrote: »

is it really how many calories you eat that is important rather than how those calories are made up....obviously i avoid things like takeaway foods but it isnt always easy to rely on low fat foods

Just calories, with an eye on protein for me which is based on 0.8g protein per lb LBM

it worked - I'm at my goal

JPW1990

If all you care about is the number on the scale, number of calories is the only thing that matters. If you are interested in your long-term health, you have to be a little picker than whatever adds up to less than your total.

malibu927

Calorie deficit=weight loss, macros=health and satiety. Stick to your deficit and try to reach your fat and protein intake goals.

Liftng4Lis

malibu927 wrote: »

Calorie deficit=weight loss, macros=health and satiety. Stick to your deficit and try to reach your fat and protein intake goals.

+1

Princess_in_training84

thanks all...i do try to stick to reasonably healthy foods but sometimes i like some of the not so good things

Need2Exerc1se

Princess_in_training84 wrote: »

is it really how many calories you eat that is important rather than how those calories are made up....obviously i avoid things like takeaway foods but it isnt always easy to rely on low fat foods

For fat loss, it's really about calories. For health and satiety, where the calories come from matters. You need get nutrients, including the very important macronutrient "fat". It's also good to enjoy what you eat, so finding the balance between lower calories, good nutrition and satiety is very important IMO.