Does Where Your Calories Come From Matter?

shannonshock13

A few things based on the comments above....

1) For those of you saying that my diet seems very boring, you're right! But, I'm kinda picky so I stick with the healthy foods I like. And I know myself well enough to know I'm not going to do much, any cooking most of the time.

2) I see that some people say they feel better when they eat cleaner, but do you see a better result when it comes to your body? For instance, do you feel like you look better despite not having lost any/much weight? Because like I said above, I don't really notice a difference in how I feel if I eat raw/clean foods vs. just low calorie.

I notice a difference for sure! Big difference in my hair skin and nails and my eyes seem clearer.

A friend of mine has lost over 40 pounds by taking a pill and she eats pretty much ALL processed foods (lean cusines, white bread, things with tons of sodium in them) and even though she has lost over 40lbs and im super happy for her, i think i even though i have only lost 15-120 (and am still 30 pounds heaver than her) i look more proportionate, my skin is brighter, i have more muscle tone .

I am in no way saying that like "haha im still big but i feel i look better than you" but i really think that it has a lot to do with the way we both eat as well as body shape.

davidroth

I should clarify so people aren't tempted to take things to the extreme. What I'm talking about is the occasional substituting foods here and there, but not really changing the total calorie intake. So instead of salad+chicken, eating a lean pocket. I'm not really talking about going from eating fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats to eating low-fat hot dogs, white bread, chex mix, and rice cakes.

I think overall, I'm getting a fairly well rounded diet. I'm eating fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats, fiber, and then I take a multi-vitamin/fiber/anti-oxidant supplements as insurance. I'm talking about substituting foods for variety/taste

Newfiedan

overall the occasional substitute will not hurt no.

shannonshock13

But to get back on topic i know its confusing and frustrating for me cos i will look around at food diaries and see wendys and jack in the box and just genuine crap food on there daily and yet they are still losing. So i guess for some people it doesn't matter where the calories come from. But i know for me... it doesn't work that way, i have fast food and i will most def not see a budge in the scale that week.

Everyone can do it different ways, comparing yourself or your diaries does not work, you need to find what works for you. So its no ones place to judge what you put into your body, its up to you to make the right decisions all on your own, feel free to check out mine if you like, I try my best and I have lost 27 pounds in 3 months, but my primary goal is to feed my body right.

I don't feel like im looking to compare, im looking just to look. If someone has their food diary open and if im bored then sure i may have a look. But i am in no way judging anyone cos what it is that they're doing is working for them! :bigsmile:

shannonshock13

overall the occasional substitute will not hurt no.

agreed!

brookesready

I would start by asking yourself.. Do you want to lose weight? or Do you want to lose weight, be healthy, live longer, and have more energy?

therobinator

One thing Bill Phillips did advocate, though, was the "free day," because he knows that no one can slavishly follow a certain eating plan forever. That's why he build "cheating" into his lifestyle.

I think that in general, calories in/calories out is the balance we need....but the fact is that when people eat empty calories or other "bad" foods, they get hungry faster and easier, and thus end up overeating and gaining weight, and they can get headaches or be malnourished and develop diseases. When we eat better, whole, fresh, clean foods -- we are more satiated and don't tend to overeat, thus we stay healthy. We'll also feel better because we are more likely to be getting the vitamins and nutrients we need, have a more steady stream of energy, no crashes, and be stronger, etc.

So, to answer you question -- I think, yes, it does matter where your calories come from -- but we can't be perfect all the time and we shouldn't strive to be so. "Bad" foods exist because we like them and we should not deprive oursleves all the time. It won't kill us as long as we subscribe to everything in moderation.

brookesready

A few things based on the comments above....

1) For those of you saying that my diet seems very boring, you're right! But, I'm kinda picky so I stick with the healthy foods I like. And I know myself well enough to know I'm not going to do much, any cooking most of the time.

2) I see that some people say they feel better when they eat cleaner, but do you see a better result when it comes to your body? For instance, do you feel like you look better despite not having lost any/much weight? Because like I said above, I don't really notice a difference in how I feel if I eat raw/clean foods vs. just low calorie.

I notice a difference for sure! Big difference in my hair skin and nails and my eyes seem clearer.

A friend of mine has lost over 40 pounds by taking a pill and she eats pretty much ALL processed foods (lean cusines, white bread, things with tons of sodium in them) and even though she has lost over 40lbs and im super happy for her, i think i even though i have only lost 15-120 (and am still 30 pounds heaver than her) i look more proportionate, my skin is brighter, i have more muscle tone .

I am in no way saying that like "haha im still big but i feel i look better than you" but i really think that it has a lot to do with the way we both eat as well as body shape.

I too have noticed all of the same things from eating clean, including increased energy. The sad thing about your friend is that she may lose the weight now, but as soon as she stops taking the pill she will gain the weight back and it will be harder to get it off later since her metabolism is getting screwed.

jackalope28

Great question and I've enjoyed reading other people's perspectives.

I guess I view the question a little bit differently - sure, you can lose weight eating twinkies or organic carrots, but at the end of the day, aren't we all trying to be healthier? I think the argument about what's better nutrition-wise is a clear winner on carrots versus twinkies.

There's no one right way to lose weight, you do have to do what works for you, but I guess my two cents is that if you're going through the work to be losing weight, why not get healthier along the way?

As for getting bored with what you're eating, I agree with another poster's comment to pick up some books/mags on clean eating so it doesn't feel so restrictive.

Great topic!

zognorf

It absolutely matters.
Our own Denial and Rationalization, and Billions of dollars of advertising from some of the smartest marketers on the planet will try to tell us otherwise...but facts are facts.

Quality building materials build quality results. Shoddy foods lead to a shoddy body. The "twinkie guy", if he stuck to it, would develop diabetes in just a few short years. Everywhere you see processed foods, you see obese people--like myself--and health issues. Leaving processed foods, bad foods, instant foods behind was the best thing I've ever done for myself.

as to boredom? Invest in yourself...you're worth it...learn to cook good food. You'll feel better, you'll look better, and most important...You take control of what goes in you. Read the label on lean cuisine...the salt, chemicals etc?

Those are there to hide the fact that you're eating cardboard.

therobinator

Hubby and I started out saying we would have a cheat meal once a week. Its been 2 weeks now since we've done that. After a while I think we want those things less but if you can work them into your calories once in a while, why not? Variety is the spice of life!

My DH and I have had the same experience -- the better we eat, the less we crave the junk -- not that we don't ever crave it, but we just want it so much less than before.

therobinator

I still enjoy ice cream (yes the full real stuff, not the "light" crappy stuff).

Even butter is better for us than all of those fake butters. Butter has nutrients!!.

Yes!! Yes!! I would rather eat a little bit of something that is bad for me but still a "real" food, over junkfood or fake food substitutions.

suzycreamcheese

i dont think it matters if you eat crap food here and there. I think ideally as long as youre getting your vitamins, your protein and your fibre, then apart from that, how you get your calories is up to you.

I have no interest in eating clean. I LIKE dirty food. I just try not to eat too much of it.

FearAnLoathing

I eat what I want and do not care if its processed or not,to be 100% honest.And since I already know I can keep the weight off like that I also dont worry about it.

zognorf

How long have you stuck to the clean foods? My wife notices a difference after a couple of days...it take me WEEKS to feel better--but eventually, I do. and I mean feeling a LOT better "all of a sudden". Different people have different reactions, and some are more in touch with their bodies than others. I'm one of the rationalize-the-potato-chips-today kinda people, so I suspect it takes me longer to feel good because I'm not paying attention to how bad I feel, either.

Stick to it till you feel good, THEN see if you still want the bad food.

jen1516

i dont think it matters if you eat crap food here and there. I think ideally as long as youre getting your vitamins, your protein and your fibre, then apart from that, how you get your calories is up to you.

I have no interest in eating clean. I LIKE dirty food. I just try not to eat too much of it.

Love it! Hahaha. I don't think I could ever go clean either.

merflan

Yes it matters. For your health and well being - the healthier you eat, they healthier you are.

Newfiedan

Clean does not mean super vegetarian nazism lol, it means that the bulk of the diet come from unprocessed foods, I get a kick out of ppl who look at me all wide eyed and say "you eat a clean diet".

4theking

Variety is the spice of life. You're right, eating chicken and egg whites is going to get very old. You need to take baby steps. You goal should be to stay within your caloric goals, but enjoy your food. I love every thing that I put in my mouth, and if I don't want something I don't eat it. You need to be creative and seek out other people's advice on good recipes. I made lasagna last week that I ate and still logged a loss the next day. Moderation, portion size, variety... it doesn't matter what you eat. Strive for a balance. Try to limit the simple carbs (ie those twinkies and pretzels), try to limit the bad fats (twinkies lol), and load up on fruits and veggies. Once you've got that, fill in the rest as you see fit (hello... chocolate?!!?)

Why all the twinkie bashing lol

A successful diet is one that you can stick to long term and enjoy. To answer your question, in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter much. Macros.....protein, carbs, fat, no matter the source will provide the same effects when it comes to weight loss.

sweetheart03622

Variety is the spice of life. You're right, eating chicken and egg whites is going to get very old. You need to take baby steps. You goal should be to stay within your caloric goals, but enjoy your food. I love every thing that I put in my mouth, and if I don't want something I don't eat it. You need to be creative and seek out other people's advice on good recipes. I made lasagna last week that I ate and still logged a loss the next day. Moderation, portion size, variety... it doesn't matter what you eat. Strive for a balance. Try to limit the simple carbs (ie those twinkies and pretzels), try to limit the bad fats (twinkies lol), and load up on fruits and veggies. Once you've got that, fill in the rest as you see fit (hello... chocolate?!!?)

Why all the twinkie bashing lol

A successful diet is one that you can stick to long term and enjoy. To answer your question, in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter much. Macros.....protein, carbs, fat, no matter the source will provide the same effects when it comes to weight loss.

Your fault! I've had twinkies on the brain lol

Goal_Seeker_1988

Yes, it does matter where the calories come from. If it's mainly carbs which are sugar once broken down it's up to what your body does with them. I found it very interesting watchin FAT HEAD I recommend you watch it so it can explain it to you a lil better. Like the twinkie diet, you lose weight.... Muscle weight that is, but you keep the fat! So yea, it really does matter where the source of calories are comin from.


If I may add, I lost 75lbs and have kept it off for over 2.5 years. I didn't lose the weight eating everything and anything I wanted. Everything should be in moderation. Once you understand food and how your body uses it then you will be able to lose the weight and keep it off. And for those who claim it doesn't matter where the source of calories come from they obvisiously don't know how the body breaks down food and how it is used.

seemichellerun

There are a lot of schools-for-thought on this one, so you're likely to get a lot of answers.

I recent read about a researcher who published a manuscript detailing his food/weight-loss experiment on himself. The "Twinkie Diet". He only ate a low number of calories for 10 weeks, but it all came from complete junk (like Twinkies!). He lost 27 pounds, and his 'health' numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) all improved. The conclusion was that it is the calories that count, not the source of the calories.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

Here is the thing with the Twinkie diet dude, if my math is correct, he only lost 18 lbs of fat and actually lost 9 lbs of LBM. Which comes to 1 lbs of muscle for every 2 lbs of fat. Yeah, that doesn't sound to good to me. I'd be pretty upset if I lost 9lbs out muscle. Muscle is what makes you look good naked, and well, I want to look good naked.

4theking

Yes, it does matter where the calories come from. If it's mainly carbs which are sugar once broken down it's up to what your body does with them. I found it very interesting watchin FAT HEAD I recommend you watch it so it can explain it to you a lil better. Like the twinkie diet, you lose weight.... Muscle weight that is, but you keep the fat! So yea, it really does matter where the source of calories are comin from.


If I may add, I lost 75lbs and have kept it off for over 2.5 years. I didn't lose the weight eating everything and anything I wanted. Everything should be in moderation. Once you understand food and how your body uses it then you will be able to lose the weight and keep it off. And for those who claim it doesn't matter where the source of calories come from they obvisiously don't know how the body breaks down food and how it is used.

It does not matter for weight loss. Yes a twinkie diet will cause you to lose muscle but that is not what we are talking about. Many leading nutrition guys agree the effects of a junk food diet compared to a clean diet will yield very similar results, as long as the macros and calories are the same. Not many studies have been done on this, but what has been done supports this.

Grokette

I think that it matters! In the new version of the Eat Clean Diet book, Tosca Reno says that someone who eats clean may lose weight on 2,000 calories a day but gain weight on 1,600 cals of junk. And by junk i think she means a diet consisting of mainly processed foods and little whole foods.

you said "For example, what I've been eating lately is fruits, veggies, nuts, chicken, egg whites, and the occasional protein shake. The only problem with a diet like this, it gets OLD really fast and I'm afraid there is no way I'll be able to eat like this long term."

It sounds like you need a good clean eating cookbook to give you some more options

I was thinking the same thing.............

Are you eating the same meats, fruits, veggies? Why not whole eggs? They are fabulous for you.

Experiment with different herbs and spices - you can get the ground versions at first and then transition over to fresh if you like.

Bay leaves, oregano, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salts ( i use different colors and textures depending on what I cook), cumin, tarragon, etc.............they will really change up the taste of your foods.

search online for recipes and such. You will be amazed at what you find.

Newfiedan

It does not matter for weight loss. Yes a twinkie diet will cause you to lose muscle but that is not what we are talking about. Many leading nutrition guys agree the effects of a junk food diet compared to a clean diet will yield very similar results, as long as the macros and calories are the same. Not many studies have been done on this, but what has been done supports this.

I would like to know where you get your info as you say a lot of "studies" have been done on this stuff and to some degree you may be correct but I have also seen you dole out a lot of bad advice as well or at least what can be construed as bad advice based on the same "studies" I think that you may need to do some more research on it. We all need to find what works for us as there is no one simple answer but there are set of guidelines which work quite well when applied correctly. I disagreed with you before on a few points. Now you may have found what works for you and if so that is great but when some of what I hear completely contradicts common sense then I think we need to look more closely on these studies or at least quote a source so we can see them for ourselves.