Modération vs low-cal/calorie-free/low-carb/low-fat

elga_thres

Hi, guys! I'd love to know if you really want some treats, would you choose the classic version of the food or the low-cal/calorie-free/low-carb/low-fat version (e.g. ThinSlim Food, walden farms, etc.)? Which one is better ? Thanks ☺

arditarose

Whatever you want. A lot of people on here go for moderation of the real thing. I'm a volume eater so I have found things I really love that I can eat in high volume. I can't do one serving of gelato. When I was heavier I was a bit better at it, but trying to cut as a relatively lean 5'4" woman who doesn't do cardio...I have alternatives. Even in maintenance honestly.

rankinsect

I go for both, if there's a tasty low-cal version, it means I can eat more of it and make my goal, so that's a win. But if the low calorie version is significantly inferior, I'll opt for less volume but more quality.

jgnatca

I'd rather have one square of high quality dark chocolate. Most of the time. If I want mindless volume I go the other way; tasteless air popped popcorn.

nvmomketo

I eat low carb so I would go for a low carb treat. Why eat out of my WOE, and lose the health benefits of it, if I don't have too.

I'd pick a low calorie low carb treat if it was there, but they don't seem to occur often.

Yi5hedr3

Low carb and low fat do not belong in the same sentence. When you go low carb, you go HIGH Fat.

dutchandkiwi

Totally depends on what it is that is the treat. In some cases the low cal can be very very nice, but then I often see it as a different food altogether.
Generally speaking I go for the real deal, but in smaller portions. If I am going to treat myself I want to enjoy it to the fullest.

yarwell

Many of the substitutes are disappointing so a controlled portion of the real thing would be preferable if necessary. I would rather not have (say) bread at all than have something tasteless that complied with my diet.

But if a good "modified" alternative exists then I would use that.

earlnabby

I also choose whatever tastes best to me. I like Skinny Cow ice cream treats so I might go for those instead of a Dove bar, but if I want a cookie, I definitely go for a controlled portion of the original. I have a good bakery near me so it is easy to get one cupcake or one chocolate chip cookie. If I am elsewhere, I may stop in a gas station and buy a single serve package of oreos or something.

Francl27

Depends. Sometimes I go for low calories (like tortillas/wraps), sometimes for the full calorie thing (baking goods). Just depends on what's worth the calories to me.

hgycta

As everyone else here has mentioned, it all depends on the person. Are you satisfied after half a cup serving of ice cream that can easily be 250+ calories? Or a small pastry for 400+ calories? If not (such a small serving would only make me crave more), then low calorie alternatives are a life saver! But you also have to be sure to pick the right alternative; do some artificial sugars make you gag? Will the taste of ice cream alternatives such as Arctic Zero be enough for you? Aside from Arctic Zero's Chunky Cookie Dough Pint, their creamy ice creams are decent but I'd prefer Halo Top over them. And you mentioned ThinSlim - they do an excellent job of filling me up (due to their ridiculously high fiber count per treat) but some of their snacks (most notably their brownies and squares) have such a strong bitter/chemical aftertaste that I can't stand them for the price. I'd much rather their cookies, which still slightly have that taste.
To simply summarize all of that, I see no harm in low calorie alternatives. Just find what works for you, don't overdo it (too much artificial sweeteners and fibers can lead to the worst GI distress you've ever experienced, as I've learned), and find the right product that will hit the spot for you! Do whatever helps you maintain your sanity as you seek to lower/maintain your weight!

Sabine_Stroehm

The key isn't losing the weight, it's LEARNING to keep it off. However you see that working best for you, that's what's best.
For me, limiting refined carbs, and increasing my consumption of nutrient dense plant foods was a great way to lower my calories, and control my cravings, and for the past 14 years it's been a great way to keep the weight off. Everyone is different.

So for me: yeah, I'd probably just not eat the carby treat.

hamlet1222

classic version and moderation for most things, especially cheese, ice cream, jam (the low fat/low sugar versions of these I find awful). For coke though I always go for diet coke or coke zero.

Kalikel

I focus on making things that I really DO like and that are healthy. Those are good. I like to eat GOOD stuff, not stuff that tastes kind of like something good.

PeachyCarol

It depends on what the thing is. I'd rather have small servings of chocolate or cookies than "light" versions, but a Yasso bar will do me for an ice cream fix in a pinch. However...

There is one absolute which holds firm for me:

Walden Farms anything is never an option.

elga_thres

Thank you for all your responses! I guess I'll choose the alternatives if they taste good. But are there ingredients in modified versions that I should look out for ?

yarwell

elga_thres wrote: »

Thank you for all your responses! I guess I'll choose the alternatives if they taste good. But are there ingredients in modified versions that I should look out for ?

Some low sugar / low carb options use sugar alcohols. Not all of these are good and can give you digestive issues. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Maltitol is absorbed more than they want you to believe etc.

Working2BLean

I like real actual holiday treats sometimes

Splenda is good to add instead of sugar for me

But it isn't that big of a deal to just exercise a little more and burn off that yummy good piece of real pie

Whatever works for you.

It isn't like I will ever ever have a brownie again in my life. I just know I need to burn it off if I eat it by either cutting back on a meal or increasing my calorie burn.

earlnabby

PeachyCarol wrote: »

It depends on what the thing is. I'd rather have small servings of chocolate or cookies than "light" versions, but a Yasso bar will do me for an ice cream fix in a pinch. However...

There is one absolute which holds firm for me:

Walden Farms anything is never an option.

I actually like a few of their salad dressings (especially the Honey Dijon and Raspberry Vinaigrette). I stay away from most f their stuff though.

Need2Exerc1se

Sometimes I would choose the low calorie/fat version and sometimes I wouldn't. It depends on the product, my preference, what else I've eaten that day/week, how the item will be used, etc.

robertw486

I use moderation when needed, but there are some less calorie rich things I have found that I actually like. Some of them aren't even advertised as low fat/sugar/whatever, but just pack a lot of flavor and taste well for the calories involved. That being said, there are some "healthy" choices that might as well be cardboard IMO, they just taste nasty and I avoid them at all costs.

I often opt to go exercise so I can eat the most tasty version and still don't have to exercise much moderation.

stealthq

rankinsect wrote: »

I go for both, if there's a tasty low-cal version, it means I can eat more of it and make my goal, so that's a win. But if the low calorie version is significantly inferior, I'll opt for less volume but more quality.

Yep.

There are some ingredient substitutions that I know from experience help me cut some calories without sacrificing the taste/texture I like (e.g. 2% for whole milk unless the recipe relies on milk fat - most don't). And there are some 'substitutions' that really don't substitute well (spirallized veg aren't pasta, aren't anywhere close to pasta), but have their own merits (spirallizing veg cuts down on prep and cooking time and results in a nice texture with little peel - good in plenty of dishes)