Random thought.

skinnyminimoni

It just occurred to me today that it's not just about the quantity of calories you put into your body...it's about the quality! I know, I'm a bit slow on the uptake here, but I'm one of those people who thinks, "Oh well, I'll just order a burger...as long as my calorie count is under for the day, I'm good."

NO NO NO!!!

Yes, a calorie is a calorie, whether it's in cheesecake or a piece of spinach. But the nutritional value is what matters! Fat (good or bad), carbs (good or bad), sodium, fiber...THAT is what matters, not just calories! When people reduce dieting to "counting calories" it makes it sound so simple; in reality, it's so much more than that!

It doesn't have to be a scary science of counting out your individual rice grains with dinner. Just remember, it's not just QUANTITY, but QUALITY, that counts with calories.

bjohs

This is one of my beliefs as well. However, there will be plenty of people who will argue the other way. But I would be willing to bet that the people eating a 1,200 calorie per day diet consisting of wholesome, healthy food rich with whole grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables and lean meats feel 500% better than someone who eats a 1,200 calorie per day diet of pizza, burgers, hot dogs and other fast, processed food. To each their own. I'll stick with quality.

pkarim

There was a long post about this and people did not agree at all, but i do agree it is the quality. My boyfriend is a bodybuilder and he eats 2,500 calories of junk a day and his body is great EXCEPT his stomach. Yes the junk gives him energy but it is keeping him from getting where he needs to be.

bobbiedr

For the most part I look and track mainly the calories. However, at the same time I am also trying to make healthier choices when I can. I'll chose a turkey burger over a cow burger....etc.

Vhovell

I'm with you all there i've only been on here and calorie counting a week but when i 've had healthier meals i've felt so much better the following morning than if i didn't...still trying out my usual meals to find out their health value and had a few shocks!!

dointime

I used to belong to another weight loss site, and there was a member who would post food equivalents on occasion, like how many vegetables were equal (calorie wise) to a candy bar, and so on. It was kind of an eye opener, just to see how much real food you could eat for the same amount of calories as a tiny bit of junk.