Are all calories the same?

cecehite19

I have a question for anyone who may have an idea or an opinion. So we are all counting calories...Ipersonally try to write everything as close as I can find or look up with no real problems. My question is if you have a diary that lets just say adds up to 1200 calories and that is your goal...great, but does it matter what kind of calories it actually is nutritionally? I assume if your diet is more balanced between the food groups you will lose more weight or....... does it really make a difference as long as you are within your correct 1200 calories? I am looking at the sugar, fat and carbs MFP suggests and try to reflect this in my diet but does this matter to those of you who seeing success? Do you try to have good days and allow a little flexibility? I am just trying to learn from those who have been on here longer. Thanks in advance for your response!

joanneonline

Cece - It's so funny you posted this question because I was just looking at the nutrition ratio chart that the myfitnesspal iPhone app has and wondering about the ratios myself. Being the true Geek that I am, I did a little research and found some really good information (great downloadable pdfs - check them out) at the USDA site:

USDA - Dietary Guidelines for Americans
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm

According to the USDA, here are the recommended proportions for our age group:
Recommended Macronutrient Proportions by Age
Adults (19 years and older)
Carbs: 45–65%
Protein: 10–35%
Fat: 20–35%
Source: Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington (DC): The National Academies Press; 2002.

Two other sites of interest focused on women's health:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/healthy-eating-after-50
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/nut.htm

So, I believe the quick answer to your question would be, no - all calories are not alike from a nutritional benefit standpoint.

As for me, I notice I just feel better and have more energy when I limit sugar and empty carbs and stick with whole grains. If I don't get protein throughout the day, my head gets foggy and I get tired. I also take sublingual B12 and calcium supplements everyday.

Hope this helps!

Joanne

cecehite19

Thanks Joanne! That was really helpful!