Calorie in vs. Calorie out...

mxmkenney
mxmkenney Posts: 486 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So I've heard over and over on MFP that as long as you stay at a caloric deficit you will inevitably lose weight.

So I have a theoretical question:

Let's say I eat 1800 calories worth of chocolate, and that is all I eat today. Aside from the fact that I would be feeling totally ill, if I stayed below my maintenence calories (let's say that's 2200), would I still be able to lose weight ?

BTW - I am not planning on doing this, but I would like to know the science behind the 'calories in vs calories out' theory. My husband says it is all about macro nutrients and not about calories. I eat at a deficit, but hardly ever meet my macro goals (40/30/30) and I have been able to lose some weight.

I was just wondering if eating high quantities of sugar/fat, with little to no protein while still staying at a defict can produce weight loss.

Replies

  • BombshellPhoenix
    BombshellPhoenix Posts: 1,693 Member
    Yes, you'd still lose weight.

    What would I do with 1800 calorie worth of chocolate.....
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    It all depends on the individual. Some use primarily fat for energy, while others use primarily carbs. It can be determined through an oxygen consumption test.
  • Camo_xxx
    Camo_xxx Posts: 1,082 Member
    Results of somebody who basically did what you are asking.

    http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Of course you'd lose weight if you burned more than you took in.
  • psych101
    psych101 Posts: 1,842 Member
    Oh there have been days that I have done that
  • FoxyLifter
    FoxyLifter Posts: 965 Member
    For weight loss: calories in < calories out.
    For body composition: get enough protein and lift heavy.
    For overall health: get enough fat, micronutrients, water, rest, maybe some cardio.
    For your sanity: don't eliminate a whole group of foods for no medical reason.

    Moderation, variation, and no unnecessary elimination!
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    yes. you'd lose weight.

    you'd earn my respect if you blew through 1800 calories of chocolate... because holy balls, that'd be awesome.
  • mxmkenney
    mxmkenney Posts: 486 Member
    :laugh:
    yes. you'd lose weight.

    you'd earn my respect if you blew through 1800 calories of chocolate... because holy balls, that'd be awesome.

    It was a theoretical question, but I didn't say I've never done that... TBH blowing through 1800 calories of chocolate isn't that hard when you're a chocoholic like me. :wink: It's stopping at 1800 that takes the self control!!

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