Is a calorie a calorie?

plattlaura
plattlaura Posts: 3 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi all,

I've heard alot of people saying a calorie is a calorie so it doesn't matter what food sorce it comes from, I just wanted to know peoples opinions? Do you eat what you want (staying under your calorie goal) or do you make sure your meals are healthy and balance (staying under your calorie goal)? and who loses more weight?

I know a healthy lifestyle is obviously better in the long run but I'm thinking solely from a weight loss perspective,

any opinions would be appreciated!

Laura :)

Replies

  • epiphany29
    epiphany29 Posts: 122 Member
    A calorie is a calorie. I can't remember the source but I read a project a professor did once where he ate nothing but twinkies and other junk food (except at dinner in front of his kids) and lost weight over a 3 month period.

    Eating healthier and maintaining protein at an appropriate amount is likely a better plan in the long run.

    I have days I eat my calories in junk, but that's because I am weak and enjoy sweets and carbs too much.

    pip
  • tinkermommc
    tinkermommc Posts: 558 Member
    A calorie is a calorie but a salad is going to fill you up longer than a twinkie. That's said, I eat dessert everyday!
  • Nan_
    Nan_ Posts: 83 Member
    I believe that it DOES matter what you eat. I have gained and lost the same weight a couple of times (due to my dad's death and then a back injury). I ate the same calorie amount both times and did the same exercise. The only difference was that the first time I ate pretty healthy with very little snacking. The second time I ate lots of candy, ice cream, donuts, etc., but stayed within my calorie limit by sacrificing better food choices.

    The difference was in my clothes. The first time I was more fit and toned and had more muscle. The second time I was softer and had more fat. The second time (the one with all the donuts) I was unable to fit into most of my previous clothes, even though I was six pounds lighter!!!

    I was just "soft" and even though I weighed six pounds less, I couldn't button or zip up the pants, and the tops were tighter too. It was frustrating!
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    ...I know a healthy lifestyle is obviously better in the long run but I'm thinking solely from a weight loss perspective,

    any opinions would be appreciated!
    In the above context, a calorie is a calorie. When taking satiety, lean body mass retention, proper nutrition, overall health, etc. into the picture, a calorie is definitely not a calorie.

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