Hard to focus on counting calories and nutrition at the same time

BlessedMom70

I have just 10-15 lbs. I want to lose, and I know that even a 5-10 lb. loss can make a difference in one's health. I don't eat Snickers bars all day, but I don't eat kale all day either. Right now, I am focusing on getting the extra weight off and eating things that I enjoy that fit within my daily calorie goals. So in other words, I eat oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, etc. but I also eat things that can't really be deemed health food by any stretch of the imagination.

I figure that getting the extra weight off now is more important than making sure I have my 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies every day. I plan to focus more on nutrition in the future, but trying to stay within my calorie goals *and* focusing on superb nutrition at the same time is only stressing me out.

kommodevaran

Do you somehow feel guilty for not having "superb" nutrition? Don't. There is no such thing. A healthy diet is balanced and varied. You can eat what you like. A healthy diet made up of foods you like, makes it easier to not eat too much.

Lillymoo01

Concentrate on calories first and foremost. Next look at macros and find a balance that works for you taking into account your preferences and what helps most with satiety. Lastly look at micronutrients. If you do it all at once it will be overwhelming. This is a lifelong journey, not just a quick weight loss fix. If you want the weight to stay off you need to find a plan you can stick with forever.

AnvilHead

Don't let "perfect" be the enemy of "good enough".

To quote Eric Helms, "Once our nutrient needs are met, we don't get extra credit for eating more nutritious food."

NovusDies

You need food for energy. You need energy to live. In that context all food is healthy. Unless you are feeling symptoms of deficiency or your doctor is concerned about some level chances are you are doing just fine.

There is so much healthy this and that out there right now we (guilty myself a few times) imagine we need something we are not getting. The stress of worrying about it is probably the thing we should be most concerned about.

doittoitgirl

No one is perfect my friend! Even trainers and models gotta eat some tacos or pizza! Instead of focusing on cutting calorie dense indulgences out, switch to a focus on adding whole nutritionally dense foods more. I had to let go of the idea that food is "bad food" or "good food". It's all feeding your body and your mind in different ways.

1houndgal

BlessedMom70 wrote: »

I have just 10-15 lbs. I want to lose, and I know that even a 5-10 lb. loss can make a difference in one's health. I don't eat Snickers bars all day, but I don't eat kale all day either. Right now, I am focusing on getting the extra weight off and eating things that I enjoy that fit within my daily calorie goals. So in other words, I eat oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, etc. but I also eat things that can't really be deemed health food by any stretch of the imagination.

I figure that getting the extra weight off now is more important than making sure I have my 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies every day. I plan to focus more on nutrition in the future, but trying to stay within my calorie goals *and* focusing on superb nutrition at the same time is only stressing me out.

For many folks, easing your way into healthier lifestyle changes is helpful. I started with logging my foods first. Then when I felt ready, I also added more excercise to the mix.

Logging your foods that you have eaten helps you gain more understanding of which foods fill you up/which foods keep you satisfied longer, and which foods have the best nutritional value.

Lounmoun

Make small changes over time. If you ard not used to eating much fruit or vegetables, maybe add one serving to your day. When you are used to that maybe add another.

You don't have to be perfect to lose weight and be healthy. It is okay if you don't have a perfect diet ever.