Does it matter what i eat as long as i burn it off

Dragonflybjm63

a treat is a treat, it's something you wouldnot get to have very often. i think its great that you dont go overboard, however wouldnt it be of a greater benefit to your body if what you ate contained nutrient, vitamins,minerals and kept you feeling satisfied. would we put cordial in the petrol tank instead of fuel and expect it to perform well. I have wine on most w/ends and yes i get active but the sulphur in it interfers with my ability to loose weight, and the calories are in my range but i know i took 2 steps forward and 1 step back. So to me I think it matters

davert123

for me its a matter of science :-) You need to eat enough nutrients for your body e.g. (protein, vitamins, minerals). To do this we consume food that has carbs and fat in. After that if we have any additional calories left they can be eaten any way you like. But it would also be worth considering that eating too much fat is bad for you and for some people eating sugar is bad as well. Its up to us all to find out what works. If you are not eating too much fat already then pizza is fine, if you are eating quite a bit of fat then statistically eating pizza can be detrimental even when we don’t want it to be ;-). I think as people have said moderation is the key. Please don’t think I’m on my high horse – I’m bad at watching my overall mix of food as well as well but I’m determined to move myself to a more healthy diet. Good luck whatever you do.

davert123

Im only going to say this once....SUGAR IS THE DEVIL!!!!!!!
Anytime a person eats over 30g of sugar in a meal (this applies to male and female) the body will begin to produce insulin which SLOWS DOWN the fat burning process you worked so hard for to a complete crawl. Ever eat ahigh sugar meal and get that 2:30 feeling and feel bloated??? Guess why!?! Your body is freaking out!! All that bloating is not water weight its caused by your body stopping the fat burn in its tracks!!!! What was fat about to be burned is now stored IMMEDIATELY due to high insulin levels!

Also sugar can be very adictive so when we have a little bit we can get a craving for more - I leave it alone whenever I can which is the vast amount of the time :-)

dougt333

It's impossible to be perfect, so just do the best you can. I would say follow two main rules. If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it.
And avoid food, if you don't know where it came from whenever you can. If you really want to study how differnt foods effect the body then read the book "The Complete book of food and nutrition." Also, sugar and processed flours are not meant to be consumed by people. Avoid them like their poisen (because they are)

bsharrah

I hear the phrase "its ok in moderation" thrown out a lot. I agree with the statement but the problem I see is what people consider "in moderation" will differ depending on their perspective. For me, pizza in moderation means 1-2 slices (depending on the pizza and what is on it) about once in a month while others may think 3-4 slices once a week is ok. Pizza, cake, and chips have a huge number of calories so do not assume you can just "burn them off". A "very good" cardio workout may burn off a couple slices, but closer to just one. It is these kinds of foods that really take their toll. Even if you don't see weight gain you can certainly hinder your progress depending on your definition of "moderation".

One thing I learned, which I wish I knew so much earlier in life, is that diet is everything. You can exercise everyday to burn x number of calories, but if you aren't eating a healthy diet consistently, you are just peeing in the wind.

Kara_xxx

I predict the following if this thread gets going:
_________________
Yes it totally matters.
No it doesn't matter at all.
Yes it matters a little bit.
No
Yes
No
Absolutely because Taubes said so
Taubes is an idiot, Calories in < Calories out = weight loss
nuh uh!
Yeah huh!
etc. ad nauseum
__________________

:laugh:

Kara_xxx

I hear the phrase "its ok in moderation" thrown out a lot. I agree with the statement but the problem I see is what people consider "in moderation" will differ depending on their perspective. For me, pizza in moderation means 1-2 slices (depending on the pizza and what is on it) about once in a month while others may think 3-4 slices once a week is ok. Pizza, cake, and chips have a huge number of calories so do not assume you can just "burn them off". A "very good" cardio workout may burn off a couple slices, but closer to just one. It is these kinds of foods that really take their toll. Even if you don't see weight gain you can certainly hinder your progress depending on your definition of "moderation".

One thing I learned, which I wish I knew so much earlier in life, is that diet is everything. You can exercise everyday to burn x number of calories, but if you aren't eating a healthy diet consistently, you are just peeing in the wind.

That's a very good point.

Some people who used to eat a bag of doughnuts a day, might think it's "moderation" just to have 2 a day... but in my eyes it would be far from "moderate" to have this rubbish on a daily basis at all.... they're still sugarly crap of zero nutritional value, but I guess in their eyes it's progress not to eat the whole bag anymore.

I guess people are different. Some people prefer to completely cut something out (e.g. "no more coke for me") and some people prefer to slowly reduce something until they reach a level that they think is ok for them.

beachlover317

YES, as a matter of fact, it DOES matter.

faramouse

I tend to eat a lot of take away and junk food, but I'm keeping track of just how much I'm actually consuming per meal (no upsizing etc) However I also walk at least 45 mins a day to commute to work, PLUS around an hour of dedicated exercise when I get home. I think it's more important to actually enjoy life than deprive yourself of simple pleasures just to be thin. Just be sensible about it

holpan11

I find that in order to lose weight exercise AND eating well (healthy food) with the occasional treat granted, is so much better than just exercise alone.

nmullins81

moderation is always key. When you do have Pizza have only the serving recommended not 3-4 slices or whatever. I think of course it is blowing the workout it for the day if someone tons eats junk. But I also think a person doesn't need to be completely restricted all the time, other wise it because a battle of will.

^^^This!!^^^

suziecue66

If that's ALL you're eating, then it will matter. But if you're filling your nutritional needs with fruits, veggies, healthy fats, lean proteins, etc.... then a little indulgence here and there isn't going to hurt you.

THIS! Even the Twinkie guy ate some healthy foods alongside.
Also easy to underestimate calories with lots of junky food.

NurseJodies

Have you tried substituting better choices? For example: a lean cuisine pizza, a weight watcher ice cream, or ezekial bread? I started with these changes and now I'm eating fruit for desert and skipping the pizza all together.... I'm still new to this, but every week is a little easier than the last.

The little research I've done shows that eating the way you describe really sabatoges weight loss. It causes fluctuations in sugar, insulin excretion and subsequent drops in blood sugar. The resulting drops in sugar cause you to be more hungry. Knowing this makes it a little easier for me to avoid the pitfalls of dessert.

Nutrition by Natalie- says that cravings result from nutrients we are missing. I'm still sorting this out, but I'm hoping that improving my nutrition will help minimize those unhealthy cravings.

bsharrah

No one is suggesting that people should deny themselves of the pleasures in life. I loved weekly pizza, burgers & fries, and my daily mountain dew. They were my pleasures in life. One day I just made the commitment to go 6 weeks without these things, count calories, watch closely what I ate, exercise daily, and see what happened. It wasn't as difficult knowing in my mind it was only for a set period of time. At the end of those 6 weeks, I lost 15 pounds and my clothes fit much better. I quickly learned how I felt, and how I looked, was another "pleasure in life" for me. I still have the occasional slice and burger once in a while (but the mt. dew is out) but no where near as often as before and I have zero regrets.

SocWkrBee

of course it matters. Weight isn't the only measure of health. There's cholesterol, blood pressure, fat percentage, etc.. Eating those foods in moderation is fine, but I wouldn't make it a daily thing. I will never completely give up my favorites "bad" foods, but I eat much less of them now.

what she said!

Matt_Wild

To the every day person? Not a huge amount. For someone who trains/competes or wants the best fat burning effects - yes it does.

Bakkasan

You can drink pure sugar water for the calories to exist but you will not thrive.

By all means enjoy those foods but throw in some food that is good for you.

mmapags

Im only going to say this once....SUGAR IS THE DEVIL!!!!!!!
Anytime a person eats over 30g of sugar in a meal (this applies to male and female) the body will begin to produce insulin which SLOWS DOWN the fat burning process you worked so hard for to a complete crawl. Ever eat ahigh sugar meal and get that 2:30 feeling and feel bloated??? Guess why!?! Your body is freaking out!! All that bloating is not water weight its caused by your body stopping the fat burn in its tracks!!!! What was fat about to be burned is now stored IMMEDIATELY due to high insulin levels!

Well then I guess protein is the devil because it spikes insulin just as much as sugar!
http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=319

If only things were as simple as some people make them seem.........

Matt_Wild

Im only going to say this once....SUGAR IS THE DEVIL!!!!!!!
Anytime a person eats over 30g of sugar in a meal (this applies to male and female) the body will begin to produce insulin which SLOWS DOWN the fat burning process you worked so hard for to a complete crawl. Ever eat ahigh sugar meal and get that 2:30 feeling and feel bloated??? Guess why!?! Your body is freaking out!! All that bloating is not water weight its caused by your body stopping the fat burn in its tracks!!!! What was fat about to be burned is now stored IMMEDIATELY due to high insulin levels!

Well then I guess protein is the devil because it spikes insulin just as much as sugar!
http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=319

If only things were as simple as some people make them seem.........

When is the last time you went on a protein binge? Yeah thought not.

I know protein releases insulin. People however do not eat protein in the same way they eat carbohydrate rich food.

mulcahya

To lose weight, it's as simple as calories in vs. calories out. So yes, you can lose weight eating rubbish as long as you exercise it off.

However if you are eating high fat, high sugary foods, you'll stay flabby.

You also will increase your risk (dramatically) of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, etc.

And it's so much easier to eat 500Cal too much of rubbish!

I think it's right what everyone else has basically been saying - it's about lifestyle change, not just calorie input vs output. Overall you want to be eating healthier and exercising more, but you can still indulge from time to time. I have a few recipes for low cal baked goods (cookies etc.) for a sugary treat when I want to, and still keeps within my caloric limits. I also have a tradition with my boyfriend to have a specific burger place for tea on a Friday night, so I exercise more on that day than on others. But on the whole, I try to eat healthier.

I think if you try to cut everything out altogether, your rate of giving in is higher, but by trying to make your overall lifestyle healthier, whilst still having junk food from time to time, you'll do a lot better in the long run!

mmapags

Im only going to say this once....SUGAR IS THE DEVIL!!!!!!!
Anytime a person eats over 30g of sugar in a meal (this applies to male and female) the body will begin to produce insulin which SLOWS DOWN the fat burning process you worked so hard for to a complete crawl. Ever eat ahigh sugar meal and get that 2:30 feeling and feel bloated??? Guess why!?! Your body is freaking out!! All that bloating is not water weight its caused by your body stopping the fat burn in its tracks!!!! What was fat about to be burned is now stored IMMEDIATELY due to high insulin levels!

Well then I guess protein is the devil because it spikes insulin just as much as sugar!
http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=319

If only things were as simple as some people make them seem.........

When is the last time you went on a protein binge? Yeah thought not.

I know protein releases insulin. People however do not eat protein in the same way they eat carbohydrate rich food.

I agree with that Matt, but is the problem sugar or is the problem having common sense and self control? Does sugar control the person or does the person control thier sugar intake?
Also, if someone is consuming some sugar but is in calorie deficit, does the sugar store as fat? The whole argumment of the post is a demonization of sugar and insulin. FTR, I am a firm believer in limiting sugar in the diet. It's the oversimplification and demonizing that I don't agree with. The Devil indeed!

Matt_Wild

Arguably as has been shown in studies, the hit people get off sugar is rather like drugs and endorphin release - arguably the brain craving the release is what controls some people.

Kara_xxx

I agree with Matt. Reducing and coming off sugar was a bit like coming off a drug. Very similar to reducing caffeine intake in my experience. You feed fatigued without it, get headaches, feel irritable and grumpy, you think you "need" it. But once you come out the other side, I found I don't miss it.

I came from an endurance sport background where I was indoctrinated into the whole "carbloading" lifestyle. Meals were mainly anything with pasta in vast quantities. Even on long training runs and rides you were encouraged to consume sugar/carbs in the form of jelly babies, carb gels, sports drinks etc. You think it's ok because you're training 3 hours a day, but it's not.

Now my only sugar comes from fruit or the occasional bit of Green & Blacks 85% dark chocolate. And I've reduced bread, pasta and rice quite substantially. Initially it felt hard, like I had zero energy, but now I feel great. I can still breeze through double spin (100 minutes) even on a relatively small amount of carbs and my performance is no worse.

Other than the weight loss and the inch loss, I've also experienced some other NSVs from eating more protein & good fats / less carbs. When I have a cut or a bruise now it seems to heal a lot quicker. My hair is much healthier, and my nails are strong and growing faster.

What irks me a bit is when people (like some posts here) insinuate that I am "depriving" myself from "enjoying" certain foods, and that somehow life without doughnuts and cheap burgers isn't worth living. I don't feel deprived of anything and I've never felt better.

c_wall87

Im only going to say this once....SUGAR IS THE DEVIL!!!!!!!
Anytime a person eats over 30g of sugar in a meal (this applies to male and female) the body will begin to produce insulin which SLOWS DOWN the fat burning process you worked so hard for to a complete crawl. Ever eat ahigh sugar meal and get that 2:30 feeling and feel bloated??? Guess why!?! Your body is freaking out!! All that bloating is not water weight its caused by your body stopping the fat burn in its tracks!!!! What was fat about to be burned is now stored IMMEDIATELY due to high insulin levels!

Well then I guess protein is the devil because it spikes insulin just as much as sugar!
http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=319

If only things were as simple as some people make them seem.........

When is the last time you went on a protein binge? Yeah thought not.

I know protein releases insulin. People however do not eat protein in the same way they eat carbohydrate rich food.

I agree with that Matt, but is the problem sugar or is the problem having common sense and self control? Does sugar control the person or does the person control thier sugar intake?
Also, if someone is consuming some sugar but is in calorie deficit, does the sugar store as fat? The whole argumment of the post is a demonization of sugar and insulin. FTR, I am a firm believer in limiting sugar in the diet. It's the oversimplification and demonizing that I don't agree with. The Devil indeed!

LMAO!! I need to check back here more often! I completely agree with....wait for it........BOTH. Keep in mind that no matter what you eat your body will produce insulin. However protein does not spike insulin as much as sugar. Ask me how I know....from checking my glucose/insulin levels before and after strict meals and before and after workouts. Your body treats every food and compound differently. Sheesh didnt mean to get anyones panties in a twist.

Kara_xxx

"when did you last go on a protein binge" made me laugh though!! :laugh:

Good point well made. :smokin:

gecho

I think all things are ok in moderation...I'm sure you'll see faster/better results if you eat totally clean, but I also think we are human, and life should be enjoyed...as long as it is in moderation and fits you calorie goals, don't feel bad.

^this

runfatmanrun

Eat what you want. I never gave up any of those things just reduced my portions. It's not as clean eating as some choose but it's easier to maintain in my opinion. Calories in calories out.

jimbo_a_logo

See food pyramid.

phinphanbill26

Making poor food choices can still lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, issues with triglycerides...etc. Regardless of what the scale tells you. So being a "lightweight" doesn't ensure you are healthy.

Mischievous_Rascal

of course it matters. Weight isn't the only measure of health. There's cholesterol, blood pressure, fat percentage, etc.. Eating those foods in moderation is fine, but I wouldn't make it a daily thing. I will never completely give up my favorites "bad" foods, but I eat much less of them now.

Exactly.