Does anyone eat whatever they want just within calories?

Sabine_Stroehm · June 2012

Don't know if I'd say yesterday was "good foods" but this is what I ate. I always eat about like this, and have been at a 21-22% BMI for the last 12 years:

breakfast
nonfat plain greek yogurt
chia seeds
almond butter

snacks:
string cheese
watermelon

Lunch:
shirataki noodles
kimchi
onions
bell peppers
2ish ounces of organic turkey sausage

snack:
watermelon
pistachios

Dinner:
3 large home made meatballs
a huge chop salad
wine

100 ounces of water

Madelinew22 · June 2012

Well for one because it's my opinion and I'm entitled to have one. But also just it's my lifestyle change. Eat crap food isn't healthy if that's all u eat. I choose to not eat fast food or drink pop. If I want a burger I make my own, same with pizza. I still eat chocolate and sometimes a cookie or chips but by crap food I mean overly greasy, fatty, no nutritional value foods. Plus I'm setting an example for my kids I don't want them growning up addicted to junk foods

myfitnessnmhoy · June 2012

I've spent some effort in balancing my fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It's helped me become more satisfied with less food and I have a lot more energy, and I'm feeling like I can build more stamina through my exercise.

You CAN lose weight by simply eating less of whatever you are currently eating, but losing weight is not the be-all and end-all of health. Building cardiovascular stamina and lowering body fat percentage seem to be the keys to feeling better about my overall physical condition.

But losing weight healthy > losing weight at all > doing nothing and not losing weight. So pretty much no matter what you are doing, if you're losing weight and not starving yourself, you are doing your body good.

Maybe not the most possible good you COULD be doing, but hell - something is better than nothing, and compare yourself to the vast majority of overweight people either ignoring the problem or going out on magic pills or cleanses or unicorn powder, and you're treating your body with a whole lot of respect even if you ARE only reducing the portions of bad foods you eat.

HMonsterX · June 2012

The most important part of this is sustainability. No good eating uber clean and healthy to lose weight, then go back to your old ways and gain it back again. Find whatever works for you so that you can maintain it long term. If that means eating salads and chicken, go for it! If it means eating what you always did, just in smaller amounts, go for it!

I wish i was one of the lucky ones who can eat salads and "healthy" food forever, but since i cant stand it, there's no way im living the next 40-50 years eating foods i dont like every day. Sod that.

Not trying to be healthy, just healthier.

HMonsterX · June 2012

You assume all of us are trying to get "healthy". That's your mistake.

turningstar · June 2012

Yes....and no. I am trying to build muscle, so im not in a calorie deficit. That being said, I have to eat a LOT of protein. So basically, I eat what figs into my macronutrient list. Some days are much better than others. Eating under your calories will make you lose weight, even if its junk. You will FEEL better and be healthier with nutritious foods. I find limiting my "fun" foods causes me to obsess over them and then binge, so I don't cut them out.

tthroenle · June 2012

Actually I keep track of my carb load because everyone's body chemistry has a different isulin resistance. Meaning that if you eat too many carbs, even within your calorie goal, your body isn't capable of burning the carbs and getting to the fat. My goal is 35% carbs/40% protien/25% fat.

volume77 · June 2012

Hormones play most of the role in weight loss... I'm sure you've heard of insulin and how put body cannot burn fat when there is an abundance of glucose in our blood... For me ... I tried just watching calories and my weight loss really picked up when I cut carbs... Unfortunately the theory of a calorie is a calorie is complete bs in my book... But to each they're own...

volume77 · June 2012

Exactly!!

michelleepotter · June 2012

I *sort of* eat whatever I want. I have not made any decisions to "never eat X" again, and I only pay a little attention to my macros. I still go to my favorite restaurants, and I still eat my favorite foods. I still have dessert now and then, and even occasionally have candy. And, actually, I eat chocolate every day in my anti-oxidant trail mix.

However, while I do not actively deny myself any foods, I have made a purposeful effort to add in foods that I like that I know are good for me. For example, I like carrots, so I make sure to eat some every day. I don't think of it as eating carrots instead of cake, because a) I enjoy the carrots (especially with my yummy Greek yogurt ranch dip!); and b) if I have enough calories left, I can eat the cake, too!

GreenEyedLady1 · June 2012

i do.

however, because i made a lifestyle change, there are some things i just don't have. no soda. no juice. no coffee or tea. i drink only water and occasionally a small glass of chocolate milk. i eat a ton of healthier stuff now, way more veggies and lean meats. i eat very little frozen or pre-packaged meals. i very very rarely have anything fast food. and never burgers and fries. taco bell and chinese food very occasionally (total 3 times a month *maybe*) are my 'fast food' indulgences. i also like being able to have cake and ice cream if there is a family get together. i just eat a lot less of it than i used to. it's nice to not be 'on a diet'. im just much more conscious about everything i eat and how much. so, if i want a cookie...i work it in to my day. if im going out somewhere nice for dinner and want dessert, i'll eat lighter breakfast and lunch and just make sure i have the calories. but, i also indulge a lot less, which for me, makes it worth a lot more when i do.

like anything else in life, it's a very delicate balance.
ive lost slowly but consistently. and i very very rarely have cravings for something or feel hungry, because if i want something, i have it as long as i have the calories. and now that i have cut a lot of the bad crap out, i find i want it a lot less anyway.

Feed_the_Bears · June 2012

You will have more success if you make those cals count with whole unprocessed nutritious balanced meals. By more success I mean better weightloss, satiety, energy, disease resistence, muscle tone, skin complexion, mood.... you name it and healthy eating and exercise will make it better.

With your current approach, I'm sorry to say, but you'll probably just gain back anything you lose and more. When you're ready, you can find success by adopting a overall healty lifestyle, not just a calorie cutting bandaid. Best of luck to you.

AndMee · June 2012

Not that everybody's bodies are the same, but when I first started working out, I mean really working out, I kept my diet within the calorie range, however what I found, over time my body didn't want the greasy hamburgers or fries. Slowly my body was telling me I had to make better food choices. Don't get me wrong, there are those days (far and few between now) when I crave a fast food hamburger, but I make sure I burn more than enough calories before I have one.

If you are ok with your eating habit and obtaining a goal, I don't see what the big deal is. You may plateau quicker and when that day comes you will be the one to decide what you want to do next.

Good Luck!

mcarter99 · June 2012

If you think "a calorie is a calorie" is BS you might want to read up on the definition of a calorie, and then the first law of thermodynamics.

KeishaK89 · June 2012

My answer to this queston is yes, I eat whatever I want within my calories. But if you eat a cheeseburger for 650cals and your limit is 1200 a day, i would rather not starve the rest of the day. Eating home cooked and lots and lots of veggies keeps me full all day.

Good Luck Everyone!

tsh0ck · June 2012

not attacking you. just seems a strong, blanket statement to make. everything we eat is used as fuel. so, while of course we need to also eat things that are 'good for us,' like veggies, etc., nothing says we can't also eat stuff we like. moderation is the key. make it fit and enjoy. just seems a much happier lifestyle change to me is all.

how dare you bring science into this!

amymaegan · June 2012

i do eat whatever i want, but the lifestyle change that i'm making is that i'm now eating less than i would have in the past. while i'm still eating rice or mashed potatoes, i'm eating smaller portions and keeping it in my calorie range. there are some things that, while i want them very badly, i know that if i eat even the smallest amount, it would keep me from being in my calorie range for the rest of the day. namely, mac and cheese or french fries.

i will say that even though i can work in fast food and still be under in calories, after i eat it my blood pressure rises and my stomach hurts and i get a headache. this is coming from someone who used to eat fast food literally every day. your body definitely adjusts to being healthier and you don't have to worry about the eating as much.

tsh0ck · June 2012

and, apart from everything else, any weight you lose immediately makes you healthier than you were last week. because you are, presumably, eating less (better on your heart, joints, etc.) and moving more (better on your heart, joints, etc.) so losing weight in and of itself means you are getting healthier.

tsh0ck · June 2012

uh ... ok.

Hickyvikki69 · June 2012

i eat whatever long as it is in my calorie range and fat intake range

commanderval · June 2012

Of course you'll still lose the weight if you eat whatever but stay in your calorie range. But if you make healthy choices, you'll get all the benefits like energy and vitamins and you'll probably get to eat bigger portions. If you compare lets say an egg white ham and light cheese omelette to some pepperoni pizza, for the same amount of calories, you're omelette will be huge! I'm all about foods that I can eat in big portions but are low in calories and full of good stuff.

sherryjohnson2012 · June 2012

for the most part I've been eating healthy.. I do induldge once in awhile to satisfy a craving

Zkinkel · June 2012

Limiting calories will always make you lose weight but if you want to get healthy inside and out, healthier foods are the way to go for long term sucess. Honestly, to help your heart organs, waistline, and craving control you should try to eat healthier and more balanced...
I know it sucks, I am getting married soon and am totally focused on my external look BUT I know the best way to reach my goal and keep it is through healthy eating.
If I were you I would at least go 60% 40%... tay under your calories.... eat 60% healthy and 40% "whatever you want"
It is much more achievable... dont forget a multivitamin!

StephGodsPrincess · June 2012

Makes sense to me because this is just what I have started doing about 2 weeks ago and find I am not feeling hungry, just the opposite. I am eating healthier and eating only when hungry. Yes I do once in a while have a treat in moderation but nothing crazy and not a whole day of "cheating", just a meal here and there. I know everyone is for tracking but I was stressing about it and once I stopped and just knew I was eating healthy foods, lean meats, fruits&veggies, and eating only when hungry I was doing fine.

Zkinkel · June 2012

Very good point!

LindsayHowlett · June 2012

^This^

Moderation truly is the key! I don't deprive myself, I generally have a small (snack size) choc bar most days because chocolate is my weakness and if I didn't have it I'd crave it. But I do it in my calorie limit! I *know* they are empty cals and all the rest of it but I enjoy every one of the 101 calories in my chocolate bar so why deprive myself - I won't not eat chocolate for the rest of my life so to deprive myself of it now would not be a true lifestyle change!!!

Madelinew22 · June 2012

Alright Jesus. I guess somehow ur offended by my opinion, but anyways whether or not it's ur motivation losing weight does mean trying to be healthier. Just because one persons motivation might be to look like a sexy beast it's still being healthier. And don't tell me I made a " mistake" cuz pretty sure my opinion is not a mistake

tim_jennings · June 2012

The only things that I don't ever consume anymore are soda, creamer and strait sugar (such as in coffee or tea, or on cereal). These were so easy for me to cut out, and made such a big impact that I just don't want them anymore. I seldome use other sweeteners and when I do I use Stevia.

I try to eat heathier because it tends to be less calorie dense, so you get to eat more for the same calories. But if I want something, I have it. Trying of course to have the healthiest version of it I can and making sure it fits in my calories. I don't generally eat any processed sweets, but rather go for homemade versions (cookies, cakes, pies etc) and have MUCH smaller portions than I used to.

pkfrankel · June 2012

Let me start by saying I really don't have any weight to lose. I joined MFP to "clean up" my diet. I wanted to get rid of the junk food. Theoretically, you can eat what you want if you are below your calories. Here's the tricky part. Eating a lot of foods that are high in simple carbohydrates will digest really fast. So you will be hungry sooner and eat more. Eventually, because you are always hungry you will give up on your goal.

Here's my suggestion. Eat what you want to a degree. Watch the simple carbs like cake, cookies, candies and try to eat more complex carbs like fruit, vegetables and whole grains. You will have much better success.

meggawatt · June 2012

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I follow the rule that if I can't live without it forever I'm not giving it up. That being said, I've found that as time goes by I find myself choosing healthier, more filling options more often but I always save calories for treats. Can't do this without my treats!

Does anyone eat whatever they want just within calories?

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