eating what you want as long as its under your calories?
mghanie
Posts: 105 Member
Hey, I was wondering does anyone here just eating whatever they want as long as it's under their calorie limit for the day? If so, have you seen good results? I don't mean eating like cheeseburgers and fries everyday, I mean eating healthy stuff for meals and then having some ice cream for snack everyday as long as its under your daily calorie goal?
If your over your protein,fat, or sugar by less than 20 is that ok? Will you still lose weigt?
If your over your protein,fat, or sugar by less than 20 is that ok? Will you still lose weigt?
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I had great success that way. Between January and June last year I lost 38 pounds. As long as I was within my calories, I ate it. I stopped being good about logging my food and doing right for a few months and have just maintained, but now am logging and eating my 1200 calories again to lose my last 30.0
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That's what I do.0
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Your body has a harder time breaking down artificial sugars rather than natural sugars. You'll lose because of the lower calories but you'll lose healthier and faster eating natural, cleaner foods. Ice cream and chocolate have tons of sugar and your body will have a hard time breaking that down, so obviously a piece of fruit is the better choice.
I'm no health freak, and I've lost 84 pounds. But I try to stay away from that kind of stuff. I mean I'll have a piece of chocolate maybe once every two weeks as a treat, or I'll have McDonalds (a lower calorie option) once a month.0 -
yep
i try to hit my protein macro, and let the rest fall into place.0 -
a healthy meal for me is like tuna or a cup of chickpeas. would baked turkey meat and a healthy tortilla wrap be considered a healthy meal? Can someone please look at my diary and see if what I'm eating is considered healthy, and will help me lose those last 6lbs? Ignore the 23rd it was my birthday so I ate lots and the 25th because it was Christmas
thank you.0 -
Your body has a harder time breaking down artificial sugars rather than natural sugars. You'll lose because of the lower calories but you'll lose healthier and faster eating natural, cleaner foods. Ice cream and chocolate have tons of sugar and your body will have a hard time breaking that down, so obviously a piece of fruit is the better choice.
I'm no health freak, and I've lost 84 pounds. But I try to stay away from that kind of stuff. I mean I'll have a piece of chocolate maybe once every two weeks as a treat, or I'll have McDonalds (a lower calorie option) once a month.
It looks like you've had great success. Congrats!
However, what you described is the way you enjoy eating, I'm guessing. There are plenty of people that have ice cream, cake, pop tarts, etc. on a daily basis while still meeting there calorie and macro goals. These folks have also been successful at body recomposition eating this way.
OP, if that is what you enjoy and it's a way that you will stay on track, then make room for those snacks.0 -
I eat what I want while staying under my calorie limit and hitting my protein and fat macros. Read this excellent thread by Sidesteel explaining the IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) school of thought:Hey, I was wondering does anyone here just eating whatever they want as long as it's under their calorie limit for the day? If so, have you seen good results? I don't mean eating like cheeseburgers and fries everyday, I mean eating healthy stuff for meals and then having some ice cream for snack everyday as long as its under your daily calorie goal?
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/817188-iifym0 -
Your body has a harder time breaking down artificial sugars rather than natural sugars. You'll lose because of the lower calories but you'll lose healthier and faster eating natural, cleaner foods. Ice cream and chocolate have tons of sugar and your body will have a hard time breaking that down, so obviously a piece of fruit is the better choice.
I'm no health freak, and I've lost 84 pounds. But I try to stay away from that kind of stuff. I mean I'll have a piece of chocolate maybe once every two weeks as a treat, or I'll have McDonalds (a lower calorie option) once a month.
It looks like you've had great success. Congrats!
However, what you described is the way you enjoy eating, I'm guessing. There are plenty of people that have ice cream, cake, pop tarts, etc. on a daily basis while still meeting there calorie and macro goals. These folks have also been successful at body recomposition eating this way.
OP, if that is what you enjoy and it's a way that you will stay on track, then make room for those snacks.
Agree 100% with this right here. I had a slice of sweet potato pie every day for about a week and still lost weight. Keeping a deficit is still #1 regardless....0 -
I'd probably also want to make sure you are staying under or maintain everything else such as fat and carbs. Other than that, hell yeah, eat what you want!0
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If you're only goal is to lose weight then ya. I have to admit that's the major point for me too. But I also have to really watch my sodium and cholesterol intake for other health reasons.0
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I eat what I want and it's working so far
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I try to eat clean 80% of the time. But I refuse to eat foods I dont like. Within the 20% I will fit in some daily chocolate...and the occassional meal out. I find that works best for me 0
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Although I am taking a few days off from the ice cream, I ate 1/2 a cup worth when I was cutting (Eating 2500-2600).
The term "clean" is taken too literally here. One's main objective is to satisfy the amount of energy needed to: maintain body weight + fat loss goal (when accounting for physical activity). After that, it's your macros: proteins, fats and carbs. If I am good on the basic micronutrients and pretty much hit my protein goals, then I will fill the remaining energy needs with ice cream, not a stalk of celery.0 -
That's what I'm doing now, and I mind my carb macro. I've lost about 25 pounds that way. I'm just trying to make mindful eating a habit. I am pretty sure that as my weight goes down, so will my calorie goal, and I'm going to have to make consistently better choices to continue hitting that goal or staying under. But I am determined not to feel hungry or deprived. So far, so good.0
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I haven't cut anything out and I eat sweets everyday (horrible sweet tooth!) and met and surpassed my goal!0
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That is what I have been primarily doing for the 8 months I have been using MFP and have lost overall 52 lbs (~1.5 lbs per week). To ensure I stay under my calorie target and to be healthier I do work out 5-6 days a week.0
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Your body has a harder time breaking down artificial sugars rather than natural sugars. You'll lose because of the lower calories but you'll lose healthier and faster eating natural, cleaner foods. Ice cream and chocolate have tons of sugar and your body will have a hard time breaking that down, so obviously a piece of fruit is the better choice.
I'm no health freak, and I've lost 84 pounds. But I try to stay away from that kind of stuff. I mean I'll have a piece of chocolate maybe once every two weeks as a treat, or I'll have McDonalds (a lower calorie option) once a month.
It looks like you've had great success. Congrats!
However, what you described is the way you enjoy eating, I'm guessing. There are plenty of people that have ice cream, cake, pop tarts, etc. on a daily basis while still meeting there calorie and macro goals. These folks have also been successful at body recomposition eating this way.
OP, if that is what you enjoy and it's a way that you will stay on track, then make room for those snacks.
Ice-cream every day works for me. My body does not break the sugar in ice-cream any different than it does the sugar in apples.
OP: I hit my protein and fat targets, make sure I have a sensible balanced diet which also includes ice-cream, cheesecake and pop tarts0 -
Hmmm I'm mixed about it...
Yes, you will get results that way (I've always had results doing that). But because you're not changing your eating habits overall, it doesn't work in the long run.
More than that... and I'm going to harp a little here and possibly step on some toes, but I'm just saying... Dairy, is REALLY bad for you. Dairy is extremely high in fats and sugars, AND the "calcium" and "vitamin D" that are found in dairy are ADDED in there. Dairy is not a natural source of Vitamin D or Calcium.
If you want to see really awesome improvements, drop the dairy. Your weight will decrease, and your digestion and immune system will improve.
I recommend giving it a try.
If you have to have ice cream or milk shakes or smoothies, try homemaking it and substituting milk for almond milk. much healthier and homemade tastes soooo much better!!!0 -
That's what I do! I do eat between 1250-1350 cals most day, so there isn't alot of room for alot of junk - I have to eat filling things with fruits and veggies, but if I want something I have it.
ETA: It has to be a lifestyle change you can stick to for the rest of your life. If you take out EVERYTHING you LOVE, you will never stick to it. Keep that in mind.0 -
I'd starve if I ate 3 - 400 calorie meals. I mean, one cup of Velveeta shells and cheese, vs 6 cups of romaine lettuce, 4-8 oz of grilled chicken, a ton of veggies, nuts, croutons and light dressing.... There is no comparison in how I'd feel as far as being satisfied and not hungry again in 10 minutes. Another example, one slice of pizza or grilled salmon and 2 cups of veggies and a sweet potato.
I feel like I eat all day long and I rarely get hungry. If I had the mac n cheese and pizza, Id be starving.
Every person is different so you'll have to figure out what works best for you. IMO, the best thing to do is to eat some of the stuff you crave every so often so you don't go crazy and binge once you do have it. Also eat within your means. Exercise more and you can eat more and still have a calorie deficit and lose weight!0 -
Yes, everything in moderation. I try my darnest To eat a veggie with every meal and a serving or few of fruit daily. But I still eat yummy treats, etc in between.. 0
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Hmmm I'm mixed about it...
Yes, you will get results that way (I've always had results doing that). But because you're not changing your eating habits overall, it doesn't work in the long run.
More than that... and I'm going to harp a little here and possibly step on some toes, but I'm just saying... Dairy, is REALLY bad for you. Dairy is extremely high in fats and sugars, AND the "calcium" and "vitamin D" that are found in dairy are ADDED in there. Dairy is not a natural source of Vitamin D or Calcium.
If you want to see really awesome improvements, drop the dairy. Your weight will decrease, and your digestion and immune system will improve.
I recommend giving it a try.
If you have to have ice cream or milk shakes or smoothies, try homemaking it and substituting milk for almond milk. much healthier and homemade tastes soooo much better!!!
lolz. FF milk has no fat and there is nothing wrong with fats in dairy anyway. There is protein and a bunch of nutrients in milk. The carbs are not that high and there is nothing wrong with them as long as they fit into your macros.
Almond milk has no protein so no, it is not better, at least for me.
I have about 4 cups of milk, a serving of ice cream , cheese and/or yogurt ever single day - it has not done me or my weight loss any harm0 -
Honestly Its not just about the calories their are so many things you have to look at while losing weight you might lose at first but you will stall out, And honestly It is harder to break down like bad foods Like eating healthy meats veggies Fruits diary and whole wheat stick to that and you will be fine, Like Honestly, Dont eat like all this bad stuff, because it wont last in the long run and you will feel like crap in the long run!0
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<--- junk food eater! I'm not even lying! As long as i get my protein, i don't care how i get my calories..
25lbs down, just sayin.
P.s.. Try and eat ALL your calories..0 -
Yup...that is what I do...I would never stick to a 'rabbit food' kind of diet. I eat what I want within reason but try to stay at my calorie goal each day...if I go over, I don't sweat it....I just try to get back on track the next day. Add me if you like and you can check out my diary :drinker:0
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Hmmm I'm mixed about it...
Yes, you will get results that way (I've always had results doing that). But because you're not changing your eating habits overall, it doesn't work in the long run.
More than that... and I'm going to harp a little here and possibly step on some toes, but I'm just saying... Dairy, is REALLY bad for you. Dairy is extremely high in fats and sugars, AND the "calcium" and "vitamin D" that are found in dairy are ADDED in there. Dairy is not a natural source of Vitamin D or Calcium.
If you want to see really awesome improvements, drop the dairy. Your weight will decrease, and your digestion and immune system will improve.
I recommend giving it a try.
If you have to have ice cream or milk shakes or smoothies, try homemaking it and substituting milk for almond milk. much healthier and homemade tastes soooo much better!!!
Dairy is really bad for you?! Please explain more! Or, provide some studies that you've read.0 -
Depends on your health goals... but yes it works. A calorie is a calorie to your body...
HOWEVER... if your goal is to lose fat... then eating pop-tarts, doughnut holes, and sticks of butter rolled in sugar on a stick... isn't gonna get the job done. Sorry.
and yes... i'm guilty of a pop-tart... or two... as a treat... but not consistently LOL0 -
I can eat like this, and still lose weight. However, I don't have as much energy, and I have to seriously guzzle water to avoid bloating. Also, if eating whatever you want includes processed food you'll find the portions are often much smaller than something you can make fresh.0
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I work in whatever I desire so long as it fits in my calorie limit and macro balance.
And I try to plan this a day in advance.0 -
Hmmm I'm mixed about it...
Yes, you will get results that way (I've always had results doing that). But because you're not changing your eating habits overall, it doesn't work in the long run.
More than that... and I'm going to harp a little here and possibly step on some toes, but I'm just saying... Dairy, is REALLY bad for you. Dairy is extremely high in fats and sugars, AND the "calcium" and "vitamin D" that are found in dairy are ADDED in there. Dairy is not a natural source of Vitamin D or Calcium.
If you want to see really awesome improvements, drop the dairy. Your weight will decrease, and your digestion and immune system will improve.
I recommend giving it a try.
If you have to have ice cream or milk shakes or smoothies, try homemaking it and substituting milk for almond milk. much healthier and homemade tastes soooo much better!!!
I actually think it makes it easier to maintain long term if you allow yourself to eat "normal" food. Personally I can't do restrictive diets long term.0
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