Should I eat clean or count calories?

miller0438

I read the eat clean diet book and I REALLY love the whole idea of eating healthier and getting the sugar out of your system. Ive done great so far but sometimes I just want something that isnt "clean". I love not having the sugar cravings that clean eating has done for me but I dont wanna freak out if its not clean? Which is the better approach here? I have over 100lbs to lose.....

miller0438

big ol bump

_AllieCat_

Both.

Anthonydaman

Do both, and have a little un-clean food on ocassion

darrensurrey

You don't have to eat clean but it's better for you generally. First look at counting calories, then when you get into the swing of things, eat clean. A pizza or pint of beer won't ruin things.

PapaverSomniferum

Should I eat clean or count calories?

yes.

christy_frank

Clean.

I have been making some really good 'clean' desserts. Banana bread, pumpkin muffins. Yum

hottamolly00

Bump.

Chief_Rocka

Your body turns all digestible carbs into glucose, whether they come from table sugar or a 12 grain flax wrap

DrBroPHD

Count calories

Most people here eat clean so they can feel some kind of moral superiority

gmallan

A lot of people advocate the 80:20 rule. 80% of the time you eat clean and the other 20% is not so clean. It's a good balanced approach that leaves room to have a social life and some treats occasionaly. Following a strict eating clean approach and being too hard on yourself could lead to slip ups and binges. Eat unhealthy foods that you crave in moderation and you'll be fine.

Also count calories even if you are eating clean. Clean foods are not always low cal. You need to watch calorie dense foods like nuts, seeds, oils and avocados. Great for you but eat too many and you'll blow your calorie count through the roof

GoTeamMeaghan

i eat clean and count calories. if there's something that you want thats maybe not the best thing for you, go ahead and have some but don't go nuts with it...like if you want some candy, have a couple of pieces, but not like a 2 lb bag. depriving yourself of things you want will just cause failure in the long run.

kdiamond

I do both, but not 100% of the time. A little unclean food isn't gonna hurt as long as you stay within your calories.

twinketta

IMHO just carry on with what is working for you?

lizziebeth1028

I read the eat clean diet book and I REALLY love the whole idea of eating healthier and getting the sugar out of your system. Ive done great so far but sometimes I just want something that isnt "clean". I love not having the sugar cravings that clean eating has done for me but I dont wanna freak out if its not clean? Which is the better approach here? I have over 100lbs to lose.....

A balance between the two!!

bearwith

I am eating clean calories and drinking lots of water. The processed foods just make you crave more rubbish food because you digest them too quickly, it is like eating lots of pure sugar.

stumblinthrulife

Eat clean... but not obsessively.

Count calories... but not obsessively.

Erin_goBrahScience

I think you should do what you can stick with. There is nothing wrong with counting calories, in fact for me its a good way to keep myself in check.

But I think eating clean is more of a way of approaching food. Its not really a diet.

If you like to cook, clean eating is super easy and it's a bit more satisfying knowing that everything you prepared is whole.

pastryari

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/822501-halp-my-sandwich-isn-t-clean

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/817188-iifym

Italiano7

both

lovelylittlegiggles

What worked for me in the past was to eat good, log it (just so I could see the calorie intake) and then have a free day where I ate what I wanted, in the amounts I wanted. I lost about 30lbs doing that. Of course, I had activity in my life. For the most part, some folks say that when you are eating clean there is no reason to count your calories. I say do what you feel works for you.

Sarauk2sf

Count calories, track macros, eat mainly nutritious foods (irrespective of whether they fall into a yet agreed upon definition) and have some treats that can be downright filthy.

sa11yjane

You are obviously in this for the long haul so I would think that ideally eating clean would be best BUT if it may trigger binges of 'banned food' then maybe you should allow yourself some treats now and then. Good luck x

roro73

Eat clean... but not obsessively.

Count calories... but not obsessively.

^^^^^ This

aross001

You'll feel better if you do both.

Also you can earn elite points that can be spent on smug looks and snarky comments when you see someone eating McDonalds.

EvanKeel

If you like clean eating and it's working for you then great. Keep up the sustainable behavior. But there's nothing magical about it that prevents you from consuming more calories than you burn; so tracking calories at the same time may be a good idea.

GetHotIn2014

I agree with most. Eating clean gets you the very best results, health wise, but I don't always eat "clean" ("clean" is also is defined differently by different people/groups). Stay under your cals and within your macros (fat, carbs, protein, etc) and you will do fine. Staying under calories, no matter what you eat, will get the same weight loss result, but you won't feel as good as you could eating "cleaner." More water, veggies, and fruits first and foremost. That way you can feel a lot more full and get a lot more nutrients on a LOT less calories.

rebeccap13

Count calories, track macros, eat mainly nutritious foods (irrespective of whether they fall into a yet agreed upon definition) and have some treats that can be downright filthy.

YES! Like ice cream!

travlinjess

I think you should choose a healthy eating lifestyle that you can maintain long-term.

That being said, I made the change to eat CLEAN about 3 months ago, and I don't plan on ever looking back. Fortunately, I'm in a position where I can easily buy healthy, fresh and tasty produce, lean meats, and organic products. I've also learned how to cook all my own meals, completely cutting out processed and refined foods. It's wonderful knowing exactly what I'm putting in my body!

SO...what happens when LIFE happens, such as an invite to a friend's place or restaurant for dinner? I go and enjoy myself, but I eat small quantities of what's offered to me. I don't freak out...I adapt and try to keep the 'outings' to a minimum.

I also enjoy not feeling sugar cravings...in fact, I don't crave anything because I'm eating delicious homemade food, drinking 64oz of H2O, and making sure I never go hungry. Been working like a charm, and I feel great...inside and out.

That's my 2¢. I'm not a nutritionist, just speaking from my experience.

Good luck! Feel free to add me...I keep an open diary to my friends

LBNOakland

bump

carl4387

you really need to do both until you've attained a respectable goal, then if your consistently meeting you goals treat yourself.