Fat down, but lbs up?

Angel_Cake25

Hello everyone.

So Today I jumped on the scale and felt a bit discouraged. My scale says I have gained about 1-2lbs since I began cleaning up my diet. I haven't been able to workout the past few days because of travel and family emergencies... but I have tried to keep my calories/eating clean. Anyway...
The scale said I have gone down in fat content, but up in pounds. My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach. So just looking for some advice. Will the scale be shifting some more (I need to drink more water today, yesterday was stressful beyond all measure and didn't have enough).

I am going to loose 20lbs, but weight loss has been sluggish for me in the past two years.
Also, with BMR, some sites say I it is 1,555 calories a day... but I am worried that eating 1,555 will make me starve. Advice?

fushigi1988

The scale said I have gone down in fat content

My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach

Great work. Just ignore the scale, you are gaining muscle. Have you tried measurements?

fushigi1988

Why would you eat at BMR? You are also bring active, so you need more.
Weight loss will go slower after a while, but you could work on body recomposition.
http://gokaleo.com/2012/09/19/body-composition-that-last-five-pounds-and-how-to-deal-with-problem-areas/

RGv2

The scale said I have gone down in fat content

My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach

Great work. Just ignore the scale, you are gaining muscle. Have you tried measurements?

Highly doubtful. It can take 2-3 months for a female to put on 1-2lbs of muscle mass, plus (unless the op isn't fully tracking), isn't eating nearly enough to put that much mass on.

When did you "clean up your diet"?

Are you logging it accurately?

Otherwise, 1-2 lb fluctuation in body weight is quite normal.

jennegan1

Are you ovulating/pmsing? Also I eat about 1400 a day and Im not starving...But I dont know your weight but for me being at 179 I feel full on 1400 a day....Are you eating proteins and fiber enriched foods to feel fuller longer?

wheird

Hello everyone.

So Today I jumped on the scale and felt a bit discouraged. My scale says I have gained about 1-2lbs since I began cleaning up my diet. I haven't been able to workout the past few days because of travel and family emergencies... but I have tried to keep my calories/eating clean. Anyway...
The scale said I have gone down in fat content, but up in pounds. My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach. So just looking for some advice. Will the scale be shifting some more (I need to drink more water today, yesterday was stressful beyond all measure and didn't have enough).

I am going to loose 20lbs, but weight loss has been sluggish for me in the past two years.
Also, with BMR, some sites say I it is 1,555 calories a day... but I am worried that eating 1,555 will make me starve. Advice?

The bodyfat measurement on your scale is going to be very inaccurate and can be affected by several factors that include clothing and hydration levels.

How long ago did you change your diet?

BusyRaeNOTBusty

1-2 lbs = water weight fluctuations.

TR0berts

The bodyfat measurement on your scale is going to be very inaccurate and can be affected by several factors that include clothing and hydration levels.

Yeah - this. And also, as has been mentioned, a few pounds here or there can be water weight fluctuations.

cwolfman13

1-2 lbs = water weight fluctuations.

^^^this...

you are not gaining muscle and those scales are highly inaccurate for determining your BF%. Even when you lose weight, you don't see sudden and huge drops in BF% that would be measurable.

Your weight loss isn't going to be linear...you're going to have weeks with bigger losses and smaller losses and no losses and even gains due to water, waste, and other things that cause natural body weight fluctuations. It's best to wrap your brain around this now because your maintenance isn't going to be static either...you're going to have a range of weight, not a specific number.

Mr_Knight

The scale said I have gone down in fat content, but up in pounds.

Consumer scales are far more accurate measuring weight than measuring body composition. I would not blindly trust it without a whole lot more data.

nxd10

When I go down in fat, I go up in carbs (you have to eat something). Plus the holiday is big for salt. I bet that's what your weight is, btw.

For me, I will hold water and eventually gain weight and certainly get hungrier if my carbs go over 45%. When my carbs go up, my fat goes down. So I'm going to suggest that's where you look on your macros. Fat is very calorie dense and you need to stick with 'healthier' fat that your body can digest. But it's easy to digest carbs like added sugar that really spike your insulin and trigger rapid fat production.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

jennegan1

From what I see is you went over on your sodium as far back to the 18th. Not every day but its more then likely from that. Plus the one day that you walked for 330 minutes. Which comes out to 5.5 hours....So you walked for 5.5 hours straight?

Sarauk2sf

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Angel_Cake25

The scale said I have gone down in fat content

My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach

Great work. Just ignore the scale, you are gaining muscle. Have you tried measurements?

Highly doubtful. It can take 2-3 months for a female to put on 1-2lbs of muscle mass, plus (unless the op isn't fully tracking), isn't eating nearly enough to put that much mass on.

When did you "clean up your diet"?

Are you logging it accurately?

Otherwise, 1-2 lb fluctuation in body weight is quite normal.

I am logging it accurately. I measure food when I have the ability. I started cleaning up last week, trying to work out as well. Water does sound like the most reasonable explanation. I haven't had nearly enough in the past few days, so I may be retaining water.

jennegan1

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Have you ever tried to buy in bulk? Especially the meats...Then cut it down to size or like with chop meat freeze half of it? I started buying in bulk for chicken breast about a year ago and now doing it for other things as well to save on money towards the end of the month when I cant always spend those few extra dollars...I also buy frozen veggies to save as well

Sarauk2sf

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

meshashesha2012

The scale said I have gone down in fat content

My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach

Great work. Just ignore the scale, you are gaining muscle. Have you tried measurements?

the OP is not gaining muscle if she is only eating the amount of calories she'd need if she were in a coma.


OP as noted those scales can be inaccurate, something as slight as how much water you are retaining will cause a difference in fat measured

Amadbro

either lean mass or water weight (most likely since you're in a deficit)

Drink tons of water and you'll probably lose some lbs

other than that..don't depend on the scale. Using it as a reference point is fine but use your mirror

sloane70

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

YES. Eating clean is greatly affected by one's social status, where one lives, how much money one earns, and other resources available. Thankfully, you can do things to help even it out a little. I have been super poor, and made my own tortillas, dried beans, rice, and used inexpensive protein sources to help make sure I was getting my nutrition. But it does require a lot of time, a lot of planning, and some investment, and those are also things that a lot of folks just don't have.

A few things that might help:
-Is there a coop nearby that has better quality foods at a discount for members (especially if there is a work requirement for members, such as 8 hours/month)?
-Community gardens can give folks a place to grow some of their own veggies, which can be frozen or canned at home. I'm trying to explore growing my own stuff at home, and next spring I am going to be putting some old plastic buckets out under my south-facing windows to try growing tomatoes.
-Ask at the farmers market if they have "seconds"; these are often windblown, bruised, or otherwise unattractive fruits and veggies that are still high quality and edible, just not pretty enough to sell for full price. I paid $20 for a full bushel of apples; I got 36 half pints of apple butter, two apple pies, and still have a bunch of apples (frozen) left to put up as jam.
-Whatever you can make ahead, do. I've started baking bread with the Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day recipe; it's cheaper, I can add whatever I want to it (seeds, parmesan cheese, you name it), and I know exactly what went into it. I also use my crock pot a lot for beans & rice meals.

Phoenix_Warrior

The scale said I have gone down in fat content

My stomach is looking a bit leaner that it was and I can feel muscle in my stomach

Great work. Just ignore the scale, you are gaining muscle. Have you tried measurements?

the OP is not gaining muscle if she is only eating the amount of calories she'd need if she were in a coma.


OP as noted those scales can be inaccurate, something as slight as how much water you are retaining will cause a difference in fat measured

^This. And stuffs. Otherwise, I wish to know secre5s and such

MissKriss3

Highly doubtful. It can take 2-3 months for a female to put on 1-2lbs of muscle mass, plus (unless the op isn't fully tracking), isn't eating nearly enough to put that much mass on.

When did you "clean up your diet"?

Are you logging it accurately?

Otherwise, 1-2 lb fluctuation in body weight is quite normal.

I started squatting the bar in October, today I squat 200lbs.

Pretty sure I have gained more than 1 - 2 lbs of muscle mass

Sarauk2sf

Highly doubtful. It can take 2-3 months for a female to put on 1-2lbs of muscle mass, plus (unless the op isn't fully tracking), isn't eating nearly enough to put that much mass on.

When did you "clean up your diet"?

Are you logging it accurately?

Otherwise, 1-2 lb fluctuation in body weight is quite normal.

I started squatting the bar in October, today I squat 200lbs.

Pretty sure I have gained more than 1 - 2 lbs of muscle mass

Strength gain =/= muscle gain


Edited to fix quotes.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

Wow. Chill out a bit. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that's been something that has been very back and forth on this website clean v. not clean eating or what ever. I agree, nutrient foods are key.

Angel_Cake25

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

YES. Eating clean is greatly affected by one's social status, where one lives, how much money one earns, and other resources available. Thankfully, you can do things to help even it out a little. I have been super poor, and made my own tortillas, dried beans, rice, and used inexpensive protein sources to help make sure I was getting my nutrition. But it does require a lot of time, a lot of planning, and some investment, and those are also things that a lot of folks just don't have.

A few things that might help:
-Is there a coop nearby that has better quality foods at a discount for members (especially if there is a work requirement for members, such as 8 hours/month)?
-Community gardens can give folks a place to grow some of their own veggies, which can be frozen or canned at home. I'm trying to explore growing my own stuff at home, and next spring I am going to be putting some old plastic buckets out under my south-facing windows to try growing tomatoes.
-Ask at the farmers market if they have "seconds"; these are often windblown, bruised, or otherwise unattractive fruits and veggies that are still high quality and edible, just not pretty enough to sell for full price. I paid $20 for a full bushel of apples; I got 36 half pints of apple butter, two apple pies, and still have a bunch of apples (frozen) left to put up as jam.
-Whatever you can make ahead, do. I've started baking bread with the Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day recipe; it's cheaper, I can add whatever I want to it (seeds, parmesan cheese, you name it), and I know exactly what went into it. I also use my crock pot a lot for beans & rice meals.

Those are great ideas. Thank you. The farmers markets are kinda shut down around here in the winter. But I will look into that come spring.

wheird

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

Wow. Chill out a bit. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that's been something that has been very back and forth on this website clean v. not clean eating or what ever. I agree, nutrient foods are key.

She wasn't getting snarky, she was clarifying since you misunderstood her previous comment.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Have you ever tried to buy in bulk? Especially the meats...Then cut it down to size or like with chop meat freeze half of it? I started buying in bulk for chicken breast about a year ago and now doing it for other things as well to save on money towards the end of the month when I cant always spend those few extra dollars...I also buy frozen veggies to save as well

I will look into that, buying in bulk. Thank you. Hopefully someday I will be able to buy a house and have my own garden lol.

Sarauk2sf

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

Wow. Chill out a bit. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that's been something that has been very back and forth on this website clean v. not clean eating or what ever. I agree, nutrient foods are key.

What? Chill out? Really? . Maybe you should be clearer with your comments. And how on earth did you read that I was thinking you were attacking me? I was clarifying and making sure you read my comments correctly as your response indicated you had not.

Good luck with your gurney.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

Wow. Chill out a bit. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that's been something that has been very back and forth on this website clean v. not clean eating or what ever. I agree, nutrient foods are key.

She wasn't getting snarky, she was clarifying since you misunderstood her previous comment.

That's how it sounded, and if I misunderstood I apologize Sarauk2sf. I didn't misunderstand, I understood it clearly, I was just commenting on how this website goes back and forth on this issue, but people fail to realize the expenses of healthy living.

Angel_Cake25

I was thinking the scale was "too good to be true" when it came to the fat content. Weight loss is a process, my diary is open to those who want to read it. I never said I am a saint, so don't get it twisted. Learning to eat clean is difficult process, especially when you are on a lower income budget. Thank you.

You do not have to eat 'clean" to lose weight. Try to eat to a reasonable caloric deficit, with the majority of your diet comprising nutrient dense foods. Treats and non-whole foods are fine as long as you are getting a good amount of micronutrients from your diet and your macros are reasonable.

Try to be as accurate as possible with your intake. Weigh your food where possible and log everything.

This is thrown back and forth on the site. Half say only 'clean foods' the other half say just eat at a deficit. I do try to stick to vegetables/veggies/etc. But the reality of the situation is that in the United States they are rather expensive. I usually get frozen ones because they are cheaper, but the facts remain that with our messed up system its cheaper to buy potato chips than apples. I am lucky to have some financial stability, but the facts remain that I am a grad student with other money responsibilities. I can't go buy a bushel of organic apples or buy a huge slab of salmon every week. Shaking my head. I do my best, but people need to also understand that to eat "completely clean" in this country is also connected to economic standing.

Did you read my comment correctly? I did not say to eat clean and I did not say to just eat at a deficit. I said, try to get nutrient dense foods for a good portion of your diet - you were the one who brought up 'trying to eat clean'. Foods do not have to be organic or fresh to be nutrient dense. Frozen and even processed is fine.

My point was/is...don't get caught up in extremes.

Wow. Chill out a bit. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that's been something that has been very back and forth on this website clean v. not clean eating or what ever. I agree, nutrient foods are key.

What? Chill out? Really? . Maybe you should be clearer with your comments. And how on earth did you read that I was thinking you were attacking me? I was clarifying and making sure you read my comments correctly as your response indicated you had not.

Good luck with your gurney.

I am sorry, Sarauk2sf. I misunderstood your intent. Thank you for your comments and advice.