What you eat vs how much you eat

ammeg1234

I often struggle with mini binges, a few hundred calories or so of crisps and biscuits. Usually I can calculate these into my daily calorie intake instead of having lunch or dinner, so I will still be within my allowance for the day.

How much is this slowing down my weight loss? I am trying SO hard to stop myself from doing this - I just wondered how much difference there is between weight loss from restricting calories or eating just clean foods?

aarondnguyen

Your body recognizes food as energy sources. It doesn't dictate anything as "good" or "bad". With regards to simple and complex carbohydrates... complex carbohydrates are nutrient-dense and will often have fiber, thus they are more satiating (physiologically). But as we all know, there is a psychological hunger that exists (appetite). In my opinion, it's important to have a balance of both of these. The majority of my diet is from nutrient-dense food, such as yams and chicken breasts... but a small remainder is from burgers, pizza, cookies, etc. Eating strictly nutrient-dense food works but is by no means the ONLY way to achieve your fitness goals. I personally learned the hard way by restricting myself from certain types of food in the past for the same reasons as most people and what happened was I would often binge and fall off my diet as well.

Everything in moderation!

mamadon

I eat whatever I want as long as its in my calorie range. As far as weight loss is concerned, it simply eating at a calorie deficit no matter what the foods are. I do think that proteins tend to make me feel more full though.

tennisdude2004

I personally would suggest eating more food high in fat / protein and lower in carbs, to take the edge off your cravings. Also you may find the richer tasting food more satisfying quicker, so you may not eat as much.

Just remember all food calories are not the same. Maybe you should try an focus on nutrient efficient food (meat, veggies, fruit) as opposed to nutrient deficient foods (fast food, grains, high refine sugar).

Eating a higher carb diet will not help in controlling your body's natural hormones that spark cravings.

At the end of the day dieting is all about sacrifice (whether is food groups or restricting your calories and not eating when you're still hungry).

You've just got to find the sacrifice for you that feels the easiest to live with.

Good luck.

MissBabyJane

I personally would suggest eating more food high in fat / protein and lower in carbs, to take the edge off your cravings. Also you may find the richer tasting food more satisfying quicker, so you may not eat as much.

Just remember all food calories are not the same. Maybe you should try an focus on nutrient efficient food (meat, veggies, fruit) as opposed to nutrient deficient foods (fast food, grains, high refine sugar).

Eating a higher carb diet will not help in controlling your body's natural hormones that spark cravings.

At the end of the day dieting is all about sacrifice (whether is food groups or restricting your calories and not eating when you're still hungry).

You've just got to find the sacrifice for you that feels the easiest to live with.

Good luck.

Agree.

J72FIT

IMO it is not either or but both. What you eat is important because at the end of the day the body requires nutrients. How much you eat is important because if you eat too much (of anything) you will gain weight.

Get maximum nutrients with a minimum amount of calories. Fill up the remainder with whatever you fancy... and don't forget to move.

ammeg1234

Great, thanks all! I feel a bit more understanding now, it's something I've never quite grasped.