All Calories Created Equal

tanigrrrrr

Ok, So I make a point of viewing as many peoples diary's as I can. Mainly for meal ideas, ways to mix it up, see what other people are doing etc, I find it interesting also...
But I have noticed a going trend which concerns me slightly. People eating 1 or 2 times a day, and eating pizza for lunch then having something else high calorie for dinner, not eating in between, excersising loads (eating back those calories in the form of something else high fat/ calorie) and moving on from there.
Im not sure if they are loosing weight, but surely if they do loose weight, are the destined to put it all back on again, by not recognising the balance of eating well, and occassionally having foods that you enjoy.
Please dont get me wrong, I think you can be healthy by eating well 95% of the time and eating what you want from time to time.
I just think that just reducing the bad things you eat to be inline with your calorie goal is detremental to your cause.
Does anyone else feel this way - or have you lost heaps of weight just reducing your calories no matter what you eat?

Sidesteal

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

ninerbuff

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

Echo this and just to add that many people FAIL at weight loss because of restriction and abstaining from foods they like to eat. When restriction happens (especially with foods you like) and cravings hit and people cave, then that's when lots of people give up because they don't think they can handle the rest of their life restricting.


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Kymmu

sidesteal and ninerbuff are reiterating everything I was going to.
goo advice there..good luck!

yesthistime

bump

abradley114

OMG Yes i agree i do not understand why the heck people do this haha. Its called "junk food" for a reason it is bad for you and if you are having only that everyday there is going to come a time when your body stops losing plus your body will be storing fat from all that processed **** they are putting in there bodies. Don't get me wrong once in a while its good your "spike" day or "cheat" day knock yourself out but everyday... c'mon they will prob NEVER get to there ideal body that way! Anyways thats why those people prob won't look as good as you or be as healthy as you haha keep doing what your doing Have a great day

grinch031

The way I see it is when people choose foods with little nutritional value over foods with high nutritional value, they are setting themselves up for failure in the long term. Hunger will eventually overcome them and they will get lazy, stop counting calories, and regain the weight.

I think people need to be willing to make a sacrifice to eat a much greater proportion of better quality foods if they want to have sustainable weight loss.

astrampe

OMG Yes i agree i do not understand why the heck people do this haha. Its called "junk food" for a reason it is bad for you and if you are having only that everyday there is going to come a time when your body stops losing plus your body will be storing fat from all that processed **** they are putting in there bodies. Don't get me wrong once in a while its good your "spike" day or "cheat" day knock yourself out but everyday... c'mon they will prob NEVER get to there ideal body that way! Anyways thats why those people prob won't look as good as you or be as healthy as you haha keep doing what your doing Have a great day

Then it's a good thing that people don't really need some stranger on the internet's approval, isn't it?

And sorry to burst your bubble of infinite wisdom, sweetheart, but I know a lot of people who eat whenever and whatever (in moderation) they want, with great bodies and in excellent health....

junyr

The only diary I'm really concerned with is my own.

njmp

I have seen quite a bit of this too. But I am also guilty..I treat myself almost every day. So I guess I might be in that category? I eat healthy MEALS, but I will have a beer at the end of the day, or a cream egg (delicious easter treat for those who don't know), or sometimes both! I have been working out 7 days a week...so far I have been losing, and I'm not going nuts feeling like I have to eat only salad and chicken.

astrampe

The only diary I'm really concerned with is my own.

THIS....

shrdlicka23

Completely agree with Astrampe. My husband can sit around and eat cake, cookies, pizza, burgers, french fries, regular soda, candy, etc and not gain an ounce and still have a six pack and be in perfect health. Dirtbag husband!

tigersword

I agree with Sidesteal and ninerbuff, and just want to add, high calorie/high fat food is not automatically unhealthy, anymore than food is automatically healthy because it's low calorie.

kennethmgreen

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

Echo this and just to add that many people FAIL at weight loss because of restriction and abstaining from foods they like to eat. When restriction happens (especially with foods you like) and cravings hit and people cave, then that's when lots of people give up because they don't think they can handle the rest of their life restricting.


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The setup for failure is a crucial point that often gets overlooked in these discussions. Yes, eating only pure, healthy food at every meal may have some health benefits. But that is not the only way to eat healthy. And it isn't a plan for success for many individuals.

I do think some people actually find it easier to take the hard line approach. For some, NO SUGAR or NOTHING PROCESSED or ONLY CLEAN provides some benefit beyond the (claimed) dietary advantages. For some, I think the rigid stance is actually an easier path to walk. And in extreme cases, some people feel a sense of triumph/accomplishment, and even a sense of competition or "better than you" by being so rigid. There is a book about this phenomenon, but I cannot remember the title. Essentially, there is some psychological pay-off to the deprivation. It is similar psychology to cults and extremists.

I'm not saying the no sugar/clean eating/etc. crowd are cultish extremists who nurture a sense of elitism to feel better than the rest of us. I'm only hinting at that. :flowerforyou:

billsica

a unit of heat, equal to 4.1868 joules

nerdyandilikeit

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

Echo this and just to add that many people FAIL at weight loss because of restriction and abstaining from foods they like to eat. When restriction happens (especially with foods you like) and cravings hit and people cave, then that's when lots of people give up because they don't think they can handle the rest of their life restricting.


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The setup for failure is a crucial point that often gets overlooked in these discussions. Yes, eating only pure, healthy food at every meal may have some health benefits. But that is not the only way to eat healthy. And it isn't a plan for success for many individuals.

I do think some people actually find it easier to take the hard line approach. For some, NO SUGAR or NOTHING PROCESSED or ONLY CLEAN provides some benefit beyond the (claimed) dietary advantages. For some, I think the rigid stance is actually an easier path to walk. And in extreme cases, some people feel a sense of triumph/accomplishment, and even a sense of competition or "better than you" by being so rigid. There is a book about this phenomenon, but I cannot remember the title. Essentially, there is some psychological pay-off to the deprivation. It is similar psychology to cults and extremists.

I'm not saying the no sugar/clean eating/etc. crowd are cultish extremists who nurture a sense of elitism to feel better than the rest of us. I'm only hinting at that. :flowerforyou:

*wink*

Jorra

I'm having a bacon cheeseburger for dinner and chocolate later on, but I'd still consider my overall day "healthy." I have all the micronutrients (vitamins) I need, a reasonable macronutrient ratio, and a reasonable calorie deficit.

kennethmgreen

I'm having a bacon cheeseburger for dinner and chocolate later on, but I'd still consider my overall day "healthy." I have all the micronutrients (vitamins) I need, a reasonable macronutrient ratio, and a reasonable calorie deficit.

Not everyone thinks this way. It's doesn't mean you are wrong. Or they are wrong. It simply means you get to enjoy bacon cheeseburgers.

Jorra

I'm having a bacon cheeseburger for dinner and chocolate later on, but I'd still consider my overall day "healthy." I have all the micronutrients (vitamins) I need, a reasonable macronutrient ratio, and a reasonable calorie deficit.

Not everyone thinks this way. It's doesn't mean you are wrong. Or they are wrong. It simply means you get to enjoy bacon cheeseburgers.

You are correct, sir.

MrDude_1

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

Echo this and just to add that many people FAIL at weight loss because of restriction and abstaining from foods they like to eat. When restriction happens (especially with foods you like) and cravings hit and people cave, then that's when lots of people give up because they don't think they can handle the rest of their life restricting.


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The setup for failure is a crucial point that often gets overlooked in these discussions. Yes, eating only pure, healthy food at every meal may have some health benefits. But that is not the only way to eat healthy. And it isn't a plan for success for many individuals.

I do think some people actually find it easier to take the hard line approach. For some, NO SUGAR or NOTHING PROCESSED or ONLY CLEAN provides some benefit beyond the (claimed) dietary advantages. For some, I think the rigid stance is actually an easier path to walk. And in extreme cases, some people feel a sense of triumph/accomplishment, and even a sense of competition or "better than you" by being so rigid. There is a book about this phenomenon, but I cannot remember the title. Essentially, there is some psychological pay-off to the deprivation. It is similar psychology to cults and extremists.

I'm not saying the no sugar/clean eating/etc. crowd are cultish extremists who nurture a sense of elitism to feel better than the rest of us. I'm only hinting at that. :flowerforyou:

*wink*

I want to quote all this too because I also agree with it.

jennifershoo

Regarding your title, we'll probably run into some semantics, but:

Calories ----> weight change
Macronutrients ---> Body Composition
Micronutrients ---> Health

Additionally, the individual should recognize his or her own intolerances or medical needs as they pertain to food choices. Ex: a diabetic would likely want to eat a low carb diet whereas a non diabetic might not necessarily have the same need.

Meal timing is personal preference and you can eat one meal per day and physiologically be completely fine doing so provided you don't have medically related blood-sugar issues and provided you can behave well on that sort of program. The act of eating more frequently, by itself, doesn't increase your metabolic rate assuming we are keeping your intake values constant (in kcals and macros) by end of day.

agree^^

but I also agree that people should eat healthier and stop thinking that they are ''depriving'' themselves if they don't get their daily junk fix.

tanigrrrrr

Ok Ok Wow...

Firstly i dont pretend that my opinion matters regarding anyone elses dietry plan etc. and i do not advocate not allowing yourself to eat treats etc ever, because I agree it ends in binge.
I think i need to clarify that the diary in particular that concerned me was literrally every day eating McDonalds for lunch then thats it for the day or eating pizza for lunch then a thickshake for dinner. It didnt seem to me that the nutrient levels required for general health were being taken care of let alone promoting weight loss.

I know there are people out there that are perfectly healthy that eat a load of junk food all of the time... lucky as they may be, i find those people that I have envied for their ability to do so in the past also do eat rather healthy meals at other points in the day and just when they are with their friends (like myself) they take it upon themselves to splurge.

I was just curious as whether this was an effective way the loose the weight. It is hard for me to say no to the junk, but if i say yes I binge... having just a small portion of the junk food and not eating for the rest of the day is less likely that it is sustainable than if I eat lots of stuff that is good for me.

MrDude_1

I know there are people out there that are perfectly healthy that eat a load of junk food all of the time... lucky as they may be, i find those people that I have envied for their ability to do so in the past also do eat rather healthy meals at other points in the day and just when they are with their friends (like myself) they take it upon themselves to splurge.

This is pretty much what I do... monday through friday im at work and making my own food choices... its only friday night, saturday and sometimes sunday brunch that im not super healthy... by sunday evening its just myself making food choices again.
not to say im not social during the week, but its rarely a mealtime thing. and even when it is, im still the one deciding what to eat.



really, you've uncovered the "secret" that creates "that *kitten* with the 6pack eating McDonalds infront of me"

abradley114

Woah don't get your panties in a bunch! haha your clearly one of those people. && are you there doctor? cause i can GUARANTEE that i am healthier then someone that eats **** food. Excellent health my *kitten* go eat Mcdonalds then Have a great day

OMG Yes i agree i do not understand why the heck people do this haha. Its called "junk food" for a reason it is bad for you and if you are having only that everyday there is going to come a time when your body stops losing plus your body will be storing fat from all that processed **** they are putting in there bodies. Don't get me wrong once in a while its good your "spike" day or "cheat" day knock yourself out but everyday... c'mon they will prob NEVER get to there ideal body that way! Anyways thats why those people prob won't look as good as you or be as healthy as you haha keep doing what your doing Have a great day

Then it's a good thing that people don't really need some stranger on the internet's approval, isn't it?

And sorry to burst your bubble of infinite wisdom, sweetheart, but I know a lot of people who eat whenever and whatever (in moderation) they want, with great bodies and in excellent health....

astrampe

My dear, my panties are in perfect order, thank you....
My diary is open, so in case it was any of your business, you can check and see if I am "one of those people"
Not sure who "those people" are, but I've lost close to 60lbs pre MFP by eating mostly healthy food, having a burger or pizza when I felt like having it, and running and exercising beause I love it....
And no, I'm not "there" doctor (or "here" doctor for that matter....) I just see it as "their" own business what they choose to eat...:drinker:

ElizabethRoad

Keep in mind, too, that even if someone is eating mainly unhealthy foods, they may be working on changing that, but doing it slowly so that it sticks. It's a bit presumptuous to say that you know the person is going to gain it back.

kennethmgreen

Woah don't get your panties in a bunch! haha your clearly one of those people. && are you there doctor? cause i can GUARANTEE that i am healthier then someone that eats **** food. Excellent health my *kitten* go eat Mcdonalds then Have a great day

I would imagine that bunched up panties would be slightly uncomfortable, perhaps mildly irritating. But I never considered that as a weight loss methodology. Are you saying bunched up panties are effective in curbing McDonald cravings?

DieVixen

Ok, So I make a point of viewing as many peoples diary's as I can. Mainly for meal ideas, ways to mix it up, see what other people are doing etc, I find it interesting also...
But I have noticed a going trend which concerns me slightly. People eating 1 or 2 times a day, and eating pizza for lunch then having something else high calorie for dinner, not eating in between, excersising loads (eating back those calories in the form of something else high fat/ calorie) and moving on from there.
Im not sure if they are loosing weight, but surely if they do loose weight, are the destined to put it all back on again, by not recognising the balance of eating well, and occassionally having foods that you enjoy.
Please dont get me wrong, I think you can be healthy by eating well 95% of the time and eating what you want from time to time.
I just think that just reducing the bad things you eat to be inline with your calorie goal is detremental to your cause.
Does anyone else feel this way - or have you lost heaps of weight just reducing your calories no matter what you eat?

I lost 60 pounds eating fast food severle times a week,I also kept it off just fine for 5 months eating pretty much whatever i wanted.
as for my health i had a compleat physical last month and my cholesterol numbers were great,my blood sugar was great,blood pressure great, 100% perfect health

IronmanPanda

Woah don't get your panties in a bunch! haha your clearly one of those people. && are you there doctor? cause i can GUARANTEE that i am healthier then someone that eats **** food. Excellent health my *kitten* go eat Mcdonalds then Have a great day

While I applaud you for your successful weight loss, saying that you can guarantee that you are healthier is very presumptuous.

MelissaGraham7

Opinions are like *ss holes....everybody has one. Also, each person has to do what works for them. I personally am a bit envious of those who can eat that way but it doesn't make them wrong and me right. It makes me struggling and envious. LOL. But, life is about choices and should be exactly that. More about personal choices, less judging - just sayin'

TDGee

Woah don't get your panties in a bunch! haha your clearly one of those people. && are you there doctor? cause i can GUARANTEE that i am healthier then someone that eats **** food. Excellent health my *kitten* go eat Mcdonalds then Have a great day

While I applaud you for your successful weight loss, saying that you can guarantee that you are healthier is very presumptuous.

QFT