If you're NOT following a specific plan

estherdragonbat

kimjschroeder wrote: »

Besides a calorie deficit, what else do you watch (or helps you lose easier)? I understand clean eating and eliminating processed food is best for you, but do you also watch your fat, carbs, or protein along with a calorie deficit?

I don't eat clean and I consume a number of processed vegetarian "meats". (I make my own seitan, but one of my go-to snacks/staples is Yves veggie dogs.) I've cut way back on bakery treats and keep my homemade desserts to 200 calories per serving or less. And I pay attention to protein and iron. The only other thing I've noticed is that over time, I've been looking for more in a snack than just "low-cal". If it's going to give me a decent amount of protein, iron, or fiber, I will usually choose that over a snack that's pretty much low-fiber carbs and salt. (And then there are times where I just want the pop chips or veggie straws more than the roasted chickpeas and that's okay, too.) I try to avoid trans-fats, which is easy now that most food manufacturers are cutting back on it/cutting it out entirely.

margbarco

I try to limit refined carbs for health. For weight loss,I focus on calories and getting enough protein to keep me full.

AnnPT77

crystalgulliver wrote: »

I try to eat really healthy foods during the week within my calorie range - I don't see how eating whatever (regardless whether or not it's in your calorie range) is healthy!

I don't much criticize others' specific eating choices, though I do like to see everyone stay strong and healthy overall.

But, y'know, when someone says something like that (bolded), it makes me suspect that either they don't enjoy the way they're eating as much as I enjoy the way I'm eating, or they have a pretty inaccurate idea of how I'm eating, or both.

I think your "whatever" might be different from my "whatever".

Best wishes, truly.

errydayimmusclin

margbarco wrote: »

I try to limit refined carbs for health. For weight loss,I focus on calories and getting enough protein to keep me full.

Yes, this is what I do as well.

janejellyroll

AnnPT77 wrote: »

crystalgulliver wrote: »

I try to eat really healthy foods during the week within my calorie range - I don't see how eating whatever (regardless whether or not it's in your calorie range) is healthy!

I don't much criticize others' specific eating choices, though I do like to see everyone stay strong and healthy overall.

But, y'know, when someone says something like that (bolded), it makes me suspect that either they don't enjoy the way they're eating as much as I enjoy the way I'm eating, or they have a pretty inaccurate idea of how I'm eating, or both.

I think your "whatever" might be different from my "whatever".

Best wishes, truly.

Yeah, for me eating "whatever" is eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans. If you don't enjoy those foods, I can see how the thought of eating "whatever" might seem like it would lead to poor health.

DancingMoosie

Nope. I try to get in some veggies and protein every day, but the most important thing to me is exercise. I try to get in (at least)an hour every day, whether it's all cardio or a combination of cardio, weights, yoga.

lemurcat2

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

crystalgulliver wrote: »

I try to eat really healthy foods during the week within my calorie range - I don't see how eating whatever (regardless whether or not it's in your calorie range) is healthy!

I think “eating whatever” has a practical application here. Most everyone who is “eating whatever” is aiming for higher protein intake and foods that they find satiating (so they can stay within their calorie goal and not be hungry all the time). To do that AND fit into your calorie goal, that generally means eating lean proteins, lots of veggies, a fair amount of higher fiber foods (like beans/lentils), some fruit, things like Greek yogurt, maybe things like oatmeal.

The “eating whatever” comes in IF we have calories left, we will indulge in something that others deem “unhealthy”. And we will do so without a single iota of guilt or concern because we do meet our nutritional needs. We also recognize the importance of long-term dietary adherence. Fitting occasional treats in a diet that is largely comprised of “healthy” foods is a way we can maintain these eating habits for life.

Great way to explain it. I think enough people have given examples of what they do that it's pretty funny a poster would not understand that we are not saying we ignore nutrition.