Living The Lifestyle, Tuesday, May 18, 2021

88olds

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion.

Monday - crewahl (Charlie)
Tuesday – 88Olds
Wednesday - newmantjn (todd)
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday - Al_Howard

Today's Topic: CICO or something else?

Do you think what you eat matters? Or is it all calories in calories out? Do you pay any attention to anything other than calories, count every macro, or something in between?

88olds

I think my weight is strictly CICO. But living with my plan has a lot to do with the details. When I started WW there was always a lot of talk about the Big Mac and large fries lunch that would burn up every point for the day and maybe some WPA too. Would that be ok? How could something like that be ok?

I didn’t get it. No one was asking what I thought was the real question- how the heck can anyone live like that?

I’ve never counted anything but calories although I have looked at my protein intake. I think that goes to satisfaction. And feeling satisfied is key in my plan. The result seems to be a balanced and reasonably healthy diet. But it was getting enough food for the calories that pushed me there.

Al_Howard

I "watch" fiber, sodium, and protein, but coune WW points AND MFP calories.

crewahl

I think CICO is a shorthand for a concept, similar to BMI. As a general rule, your height to weight ratio has an impact on your health. In specific cases (the football running back) there’s another layer of information needed to assess health. CICO is similar in that it will give a key to overall weight loss, and to that extent I think it’s true. However, it won’t tell you anything the contribution of your diet to your overall health.

I’m not one who (currently) pays attention to nutrition detail. I count points using WW, and that “guides” me toward healthier options in order to stay within the points allocation. I don’t eat a lot of fat, I don’t consume a lot of red meat, I’ll eat an occasional salad - heck, I’ve been known to voluntarily eat spinach on occasion!

If I put any credibility into the process that goes into food guideline (insert rant here), I might pay more attention to the food pyramid or whatever the flavor of the month is. At this point, though, it’s all about managing my weight as a lever to health.