my diet concerns for some members of mfp

BoxingCoachMo

Hi guys

I have a few concerns regarding people and what i have seen in their diaries, as follows:

1. MFP gives everyone a target daily calorific intake to reach a certain weight, now eating well below this or the net effect of excercising and eating being well below this target... surely the individual will tend to lose more lean tissue than actual fat?

e.g. should a person who's goal is to consume 1200 calories, but they burn 600 excercising then actually eat 1800 calories?

2. Some people are eating too many empty calories but are coming under/on target. Are they cheating themselves in the long run?

Sorry if this comes across wrong but i am genuinely concerned for people.

MrsNoir

Oh gosh, is my diary one of those? lol. Not quite sure what you mean with "empty calories"?. Because to be honest, I haven't got a clue of what I'm doing, I just eat what I want most of the times and try to do exercise to be able to eat more or to be in soem green numbers at the end of the day (however I've been putting on weight for the last two weeks, even though I've tried to eat healthier than ever, well, or sort of

lwoods34

I totally understand your concern for other people, but what I have learned from responding to posts or from reading posts is that you cannot really voice your concern because alot of times you will get blasted for it. Different things work for different people and if its working for them, they will be completely resistant to your suggestions. I see plenty of food diaries that consist of small snacks rather than real meals. I see people eating 1000 or less calories and being congratulated for that. Yes they are losing weight but that will not work for them in the long run but who are we to tell them otherwise. its something they will have to figure out on their own. I see plenty of people eating like birds and losing 1-2 lbs per week while I am eating over 2,000 calories per day and only losing 1/2 lb per week (granted Im only looking to lose a few lbs). I would rather know that I can eat over 2,000 calories per day and still lose weight at a slower rate then eat very little to the point where I am hungry all the time and feel like Im starving myself.

The best thing that you can do in my opinion, is focus on YOUR goals and make sure you are doing what you need to be doing for YOU!

fiberartist219

They'll figure it out eventually. When I first started counting calories, I ate a lot of crap and when I ran out of energy, I stopped counting calories and ate anything and everything. Now, I try to get my fill of nutritious foods, but I still don't count calories anymore.

Everyone will do what works best for them, or they will stumble around while they figure it out. Either way, they'll live.

BoxingCoachMo

Oh gosh, is my diary one of those? lol. Not quite sure what you mean with "empty calories"?. Because to be honest, I haven't got a clue of what I'm doing, I just eat what I want most of the times and try to do exercise to be able to eat more or to be in soem green numbers at the end of the day (however I've been putting on weight for the last two weeks, even though I've tried to eat healthier than ever, well, or sort of

hello

I have not looked at yours :-P

chrissismone

All you can do is keeping focused on you.Weight loss is a personal thing and the fact people are slightly open to sharing what they are consuming is very risky.Most aren't really wanting to lose weight because of the real changes that have to happen.Only help those who really seem to want help.Yes there are alot of empty calories bc people are under the guise you can still eat what you want just smaller portions..instead of eating 5 taco bell taco's just eat 2..its still garbage they are eating just less of it..just mind your mule and share titbits along the way..

BoxingCoachMo

I totally understand your concern for other people, but what I have learned from responding to posts or from reading posts is that you cannot really voice your concern because alot of times you will get blasted for it. Different things work for different people and if its working for them, they will be completely resistant to your suggestions. I see plenty of food diaries that consist of small snacks rather than real meals. I see people eating 1000 or less calories and being congratulated for that. Yes they are losing weight but that will not work for them in the long run but who are we to tell them otherwise. its something they will have to figure out on their own. I see plenty of people eating like birds and losing 1-2 lbs per week while I am eating over 2,000 calories per day and only losing 1/2 lb per week (granted Im only looking to lose a few lbs). I would rather know that I can eat over 2,000 calories per day and still lose weight at a slower rate then eat very little to the point where I am hungry all the time and feel like Im starving myself.

The best thing that you can do in my opinion, is focus on YOUR goals and make sure you are doing what you need to be doing for YOU!

Hey that is well said,

I don't open my mouth or type because i don't want to upset people, however if i see someone meeting their calorie target with 80%plus nutritious food i will compliment them as they are the examples for everyone else.

thats a good point about being full and losing slowly... its how it should be and that way you will stick to it.

Everyone... how good does she look!!!!!!!!! you look AWESOME

BoxingCoachMo

All you can do is keeping focused on you.Weight loss is a personal thing and the fact people are slightly open to sharing what they are consuming is very risky.Most aren't really wanting to lose weight because of the real changes that have to happen.Only help those who really seem to want help.Yes there are alot of empty calories bc people are under the guise you can still eat what you want just smaller portions..instead of eating 5 taco bell taco's just eat 2..its still garbage they are eating just less of it..just mind your mule and share titbits along the way..

"just mind your mule" i like that

BoxingCoachMo

I am not saying i eat well ALL the time, actually today i have been eating total cr@p!!!!!! But i know i have..i think many are really kidding themselves though

myogibbs

I can certainly appreciate your concern for others...it is hard to see things going on and not chime in with totally good intentions. Yeah, people will blast you for it and that is unfortunate. This is a healthy forum and we are all searching for the way...btw...I hope you don't look at my diary

flyawaybyebye

Be concerned about your own diet and let others be concerned about theirs, unless they ask for your help. Regardless of what your personal issues with food are, no one likes to be called out on it by a total stranger. If someone asks, offer your best, non-judgmental help. But if they don't, it's really better to mind your own business.

BoxingCoachMo

hi anabelle

I never advise people on their diets on here but sometimes it does make me concerned... but like people have said they will see its not working and may find a way/give up.

yuckidah

I find other people's diaries fascinating.
Some tend to eat foods that I consider total rubbish, but they're losing weight & doing really well, so good on them.
I also love reading about all the 'diet' products you guys have in the U.S - so many things already tailored for weight-loss. We have nowhere near the amount over here, so it seems (for want of a better word) 'easier' in America to grab something low-cal & prepackaged all ready to go straight off the shelf.
It makes me a bit jealous actually, but then I remember all the things I've heard about food in the USA (absolutely HUGE portions, cheap 'junk food', and a very high obesity rate) and realise that the journey is just as difficult for all of you as it is for those of us down here.
So, I love seeing all the different diaries, and seeing how everyone is tacking their own individual goals, plus I get lots of ideas to try. Just yesterday I was so excited to find Laughing Cow cheese in my local supermarket (I wasn't even looking for it) and knew it was something I'd heard about on here so bought some to try. And it's ok - a bit plastic & fake tasting, but at 20-something cals I'm happy to give it a go

MrsNoir

Oh gosh, is my diary one of those? lol. Not quite sure what you mean with "empty calories"?. Because to be honest, I haven't got a clue of what I'm doing, I just eat what I want most of the times and try to do exercise to be able to eat more or to be in soem green numbers at the end of the day (however I've been putting on weight for the last two weeks, even though I've tried to eat healthier than ever, well, or sort of

hello

I have not looked at yours :-P

Well, you certainly can, I'm one of the few persons in this world that may follow other people's advice, because I'm also concerned about people and I tend to give advice mysel . Now.. off to dance those calories so I can eat something else, as I'm starving! D

pinuplove

I see a lot of concerning food attitudes and behaviour, as well as many food diaries that are cringe worthy. Particularly among the younger female set. It seems now that thinner is always better no matter the cost. When I graduated high school I weighed 130 at 5' 3.5, word a size six and had full blown curves. I never thought I was too fat. I loved my body and took care of it. The seeming prevalence of what strikes me as borderline eating disorders here is upsetting.

I have my goal set for .5 loss per week, but I usually try to eat closer to my 1 pound goal. So many days it looks like I undereat calories when in reality I just want that wiggle room to be able to eat a little more sometimes without going red. I cam eat to my upper calorie goal and still know I'm in a deficit. But I try to always eat real food.

Hoakiebs

Oh gosh, is my diary one of those? lol. Not quite sure what you mean with "empty calories"?. Because to be honest, I haven't got a clue of what I'm doing, I just eat what I want most of the times and try to do exercise to be able to eat more or to be in soem green numbers at the end of the day (however I've been putting on weight for the last two weeks, even though I've tried to eat healthier than ever, well, or sort of

Empty calories are things like alcohol or candy that have calories but NO nutrients!

pinuplove

I find other people's diaries fascinating.
Some tend to eat foods that I consider total rubbish, but they're losing weight & doing really well, so good on them.
I also love reading about all the 'diet' products you guys have in the U.S - so many things already tailored for weight-loss. We have nowhere near the amount over here, so it seems (for want of a better word) 'easier' in America to grab something low-cal & prepackaged all ready to go straight off the shelf.
It makes me a bit jealous actually, but then I remember all the things I've heard about food in the USA (absolutely HUGE portions, cheap 'junk food', and a very high obesity rate) and realise that the journey is just as difficult for all of you as it is for those of us down here.
So, I love seeing all the different diaries, and seeing how everyone is tacking their own individual goals, plus I get lots of ideas to try. Just yesterday I was so excited to find Laughing Cow cheese in my local supermarket (I wasn't even looking for it) and knew it was something I'd heard about on here so bought some to try. And it's ok - a bit plastic & fake tasting, but at 20-something cals I'm happy to give it a go

Don't be too jealous! Most of those packaged diet foods are either really high in sodium, sugar, or contain artificial sweeteners and a list of ingredients I can't even begin to pronounce. You (general you) are so much better off learning to eat real food in proper portions. You are right about portion sizes here - they are enormously bloated. In some fast food places a 'medium' soda is 32 ounces!

HMonsterX

Oh gosh, is my diary one of those? lol. Not quite sure what you mean with "empty calories"?. Because to be honest, I haven't got a clue of what I'm doing, I just eat what I want most of the times and try to do exercise to be able to eat more or to be in soem green numbers at the end of the day (however I've been putting on weight for the last two weeks, even though I've tried to eat healthier than ever, well, or sort of

Empty calories are things like alcohol or candy that have calories but NO nutrients!

If you don't count Taste as a nutrient. Not everything we eat has to be full of nutrients! As long as we get our macros and nutrients from other things, we can have something we actually eat purely for the TASTE, and not as it gives nutrients.

shanlynt

I don't think the OP was trying to bash anyone, just giving his two cents

BoxingCoachMo

I don't think the OP was trying to bash anyone, just giving his two cents

Well put and thanks friend

_Kitten_Kate

I totally understand your concern for other people, but what I have learned from responding to posts or from reading posts is that you cannot really voice your concern because alot of times you will get blasted for it. Different things work for different people and if its working for them, they will be completely resistant to your suggestions. I see plenty of food diaries that consist of small snacks rather than real meals. I see people eating 1000 or less calories and being congratulated for that. Yes they are losing weight but that will not work for them in the long run but who are we to tell them otherwise. its something they will have to figure out on their own. I see plenty of people eating like birds and losing 1-2 lbs per week while I am eating over 2,000 calories per day and only losing 1/2 lb per week (granted Im only looking to lose a few lbs). I would rather know that I can eat over 2,000 calories per day and still lose weight at a slower rate then eat very little to the point where I am hungry all the time and feel like Im starving myself.

The best thing that you can do in my opinion, is focus on YOUR goals and make sure you are doing what you need to be doing for YOU!

Hey that is well said,

I don't open my mouth or type because i don't want to upset people, however if i see someone meeting their calorie target with 80%plus nutritious food i will compliment them as they are the examples for everyone else.

thats a good point about being full and losing slowly... its how it should be and that way you will stick to it.

Everyone... how good does she look!!!!!!!!! you look AWESOME

This is my personal opinion... If you have information or knowledge you want to share with me, I am completely open and want to hear it. The more I can learn and the healthier I can be the better. If you have some expertise in the area, then by all means share what you feel is appropriate. I would never "blast" someone when they share their experience or knowledge with me. I am like a sponge.... I will take everything in, what works for me I keep, what does not- I let go.
I think some people may have unrealistic goals. I personally expected that as heavy as I am and what seemed like a drastic eating change, I would have lost more, more quickly. I have lost and gained the same 2 lbs over the last 2 weeks. So, I am tweaking things to see what really works for me. And others may be doing the same. I think one of my issues may be that I am under estimating the amount of food I am eating. I don't measure...except salad dressing. I just use the palm, cards, dice est. So, I may be eating more qty than what I log.
Ignorance is bliss... and if people are doing something that is not good for them and you could say something that MIGHT help... don't hold your tongue for fear of backlash. Stand your ground. Share what you know. There is a lot of BS out there..if people have half a brain or care, they can figure that out for themselves.

StatutoryGrape

I see a lot of concerning food attitudes and behaviour, as well as many food diaries that are cringe worthy. Particularly among the younger female set. It seems now that thinner is always better no matter the cost. When I graduated high school I weighed 130 at 5' 3.5, word a size six and had full blown curves. I never thought I was too fat. I loved my body and took care of it. The seeming prevalence of what strikes me as borderline eating disorders here is upsetting.

I have my goal set for .5 loss per week, but I usually try to eat closer to my 1 pound goal. So many days it looks like I undereat calories when in reality I just want that wiggle room to be able to eat a little more sometimes without going red. I cam eat to my upper calorie goal and still know I'm in a deficit. But I try to always eat real food.

I agree...the "Must be as thin as possible!" attitude that some people on this site take is frightening. What's "thin enough"? You might say a 4 now, but that's down from a 6, an 8, a 10 that was "thin enough" a few months ago...where do you even draw the line?

LisaWixom

I am trying my hardest to make my weight loss more of a lifestyle change. These past few weeks I have started by meeting calorie goals, then added in the gym and now it is my goal to lear how to eat "right" I am one of the few I guess that appreciate when people who know about it than I do look at my diary and give me good sound advice. For right now, my diary is a lot of lean cuisine lol as I was focusing more on portion control and adjusting to eating different. Next week I am going to change my focus to What and How much. For me, it is a lack of knowledge. Too much change all at once would have been overwhelming. BUT! If you know about food and want to add me and peek at my diary to give me advice PLEASE do! I cannot afford all this food, and the gym membership, and a trainer once a month to make sure I am handling the workouts properly, AND a nutritionist. So the nutrition part is all on me. The more advice the better.

teagin2002

All you can do is keeping focused on you.Weight loss is a personal thing and the fact people are slightly open to sharing what they are consuming is very risky.Most aren't really wanting to lose weight because of the real changes that have to happen.Only help those who really seem to want help.Yes there are alot of empty calories bc people are under the guise you can still eat what you want just smaller portions..instead of eating 5 taco bell taco's just eat 2..its still garbage they are eating just less of it..just mind your mule and share titbits along the way..

I agree with this. When I started losing weight I was nearly 300lbs and just wanted my weight to go down even if I lost some muscle mass. Of course with time as I got smaller my goals changed, and now I am working of lowering BF and maintain my LBM.

Everyone has different goals and they are entitled to those goals even if we don't agree with them. I sometimes have to delete people from my friend list because I disagree with their goals so strongly and there is nothing I can do about it.
It is very sweet of you to be so concerned for others that you took the time to write this. I am extending a friendship request to you and hope you will accept :flowerforyou:
I can never have enough sweet and caring people on my friend list

yuckidah

I find other people's diaries fascinating.
Some tend to eat foods that I consider total rubbish, but they're losing weight & doing really well, so good on them.
I also love reading about all the 'diet' products you guys have in the U.S - so many things already tailored for weight-loss. We have nowhere near the amount over here, so it seems (for want of a better word) 'easier' in America to grab something low-cal & prepackaged all ready to go straight off the shelf.
It makes me a bit jealous actually, but then I remember all the things I've heard about food in the USA (absolutely HUGE portions, cheap 'junk food', and a very high obesity rate) and realise that the journey is just as difficult for all of you as it is for those of us down here.
So, I love seeing all the different diaries, and seeing how everyone is tacking their own individual goals, plus I get lots of ideas to try. Just yesterday I was so excited to find Laughing Cow cheese in my local supermarket (I wasn't even looking for it) and knew it was something I'd heard about on here so bought some to try. And it's ok - a bit plastic & fake tasting, but at 20-something cals I'm happy to give it a go

Don't be too jealous! Most of those packaged diet foods are either really high in sodium, sugar, or contain artificial sweeteners and a list of ingredients I can't even begin to pronounce. You (general you) are so much better off learning to eat real food in proper portions. You are right about portion sizes here - they are enormously bloated. In some fast food places a 'medium' soda is 32 ounces!

Yes, I know you're right.
My brother and his partner work for an airline so are regularly in LA. Now, i assure you, they are big big 'foodies' - they love food, love cooking, and eat far too much of too many good things (it's a family trait obviously ), but they are often disgusted with the food/portions served over there and even take photos of what they eat as they're just blown away by the immensity (& unnecessary-ness) of it all. I see these pics and it's actually rather sickening. No wonder USA has a major obesity problem if kids are being raised thinking these HUGE portions are 'normal'. It's sad really. If American children came to NZ they'd think they were being starved, lol! (But I bet they'd love the freshness & flavours once their palate's adjusted to the taste of 'real' foods).

Switty_Kitty

Thanks for caring. People like me sometimes need guidance and a kick in the *kitten* to keep on track. It's friends like you that help other on their road to healthy weight loss. :flowerforyou:

Bikini27

I am not saying i eat well ALL the time, actually today i have been eating total cr@p!!!!!! But i know i have..i think many are really kidding themselves though

I understand your concern, because I have seen it myself.

But from what another poster said, it's a learning curve about what will work and what won't. People that insist that veggies are the devils food? They'll eventually hit a wall with all the processed foods and the extra work they have to do to fit it in. I did! I used to try to justify a bag of chips or a frappacino.


Now I know better. I'm not perfect, but I'm doing something right because my skin is clearer, my body is happy, and I'm fueled to push through my workouts everyday. O, and I sleep better!

Thank you for caring :flowerforyou:

Abbzzz

Hi there, I understand what you are saying. If you want to make a difference, why not post a daily tip about empty calories and other choices people could make. Maybe compare healthy food and their calories to unhealthy, this would open people's eyes a bit and posting it on your page would not focus on just one person so no one would get offended and you would also be able to voice your concerns without people knowing you are refering to them!!!

BarbWhite09

It's the persons decision what they put in their mouth, not your concern, really.

ttrussel

He didn't say he was going to give everyone a speech. Talk about bashing....that's what you guys are doing telling him to mind his own business.

I come in under a lot of days simply because I'm full and just can't hold any more food. Got in a rut where I didn't lose ANYTHING for about 2 1/2 weeks. One of my MFP friends "politely" told me to stick to my goal, eat my exercise calories to get myself jump-started again! She gave me good advice, I followed and started losing again.

He is simply stating he is concerned and wonders if anyone else sees the same thing.....
I personally do NOW that I'm aware of it. If someone eats crap all day and are 500 calories over their goal, I simply don't comment. Goes back to the old adage "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".

Keep up the good work & if you want to add me as a friend so you can spy on my diary and keep me in line if I get out... feel free!

Nishka09

Every body is different. I know I ate well under 1000 cal for years and was quite skinny, although what I did eat was junk. Now I usually eat really healthy but am overweight. Empty cal, healthy cal, it doesn't matter on the scale, it's all just cal. Your health of course is a different matter... But some people just care about the weight.