Can i eat anything as long as I stay under calorie goal?!?!

So I'm wondering how generous I should be towards my cravings and appetites when it comes to foods that I clearly shouldn't be eating. A Big Mac is supposedly 550 calories and I love me some Micky D's. My calorie goal is around 2,000 so can I eat a Bic Mac or 2 on any given day or should I stay away? Can I eat 5 white choclate macadamian nut cookies once per day like I want to? :laugh: Tryin to get back to bein sexy for the summer! Need motivaton and advice!
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Replies

  • angelams1019
    angelams1019 Posts: 1,102 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    i wouldn't be doing it every day... look at it more as a reason not to feel completely crap about eating something you love occasionally rather than an excuse to pig out on something with poor nutritional value.

    and don't eat the fries :laugh:
  • SmangeDiggs
    SmangeDiggs Posts: 238 Member
    You can eat what ever you like if it fits within your calorie goal and macros. After awhile you will probably find that McD's etc isn't worth the amount of calories. I still have chocolate everyday just much smaller amounts than i used to.
    Whatever works for you its not up to others to tell you what you should and shouldn't be eating. Good luck!
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    You can if you want. Its the calories that'll determine your weight loss. But making better choices of your food will give your body the nutrition it needs.

    But there's nothing wrong with a Big Mac once a week, say.
  • CharNordie
    CharNordie Posts: 96 Member
    I only ever left myself 100-150 calories for a "splurge" the rest of my day is very nutritional ...a Big Mac may have calories that will fit into your day but won't have any nutritional value.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    Technically you can eat whatever you want. However, foods high in protein, fiber, and nutrients will keep you feeling fuller and more energetic.

    My dinner was 370 calories today. That's about what a McDouble has. Instead of one puny burger I got a huge plate of spaghetti, chicken, and carrots. What's gonna make me feel better?
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    And to those that say a Big Mac has no nutritional value......wrong. It's not the best nutritional value, but it still has value.

    Carbs 46
    Fiber 3
    Protein 25
    Fat 29

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    You may find that after eating healthily for a while your tastes will change and you won't want crap as it will,taste too greasy and you'll feel so horrible afterwards. The thought of food like that now, just doesn't do anything for me.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • I'm working off this philosophy... 'Choose foods that feed your body, instead of foods that feed your flesh.'
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    and i believe too that encouraging people to eat mcdonalds regularly under the mistaken belief it's okay could be very much a slippery slope for some. I don't think a burger or bit of pizza or whatever now and then is the end of the world, but taking it off the menu while kickstarting a healthy eating plan is my preference
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    You may find that after eating healthily for a while your tastes will change and you won't want crap as it will,taste too greasy and you'll feel so horrible afterwards. The thought of food like that now, just doesn't do anything for me.
    That's subjective though. I eat "healthy" 80% of the time. "Crappy" the other 20%. Never feel horrible after downing a McD's cheeseburger.
    So for you, it's crap. To me it's a treat.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • angelams1019
    angelams1019 Posts: 1,102 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    McDonalds goes straight to my boobs. And I don't need anymore of those! :drinker:
  • Arexxx
    Arexxx Posts: 486 Member
    Yeah you could. Although wasting your calories on junk will probably leave you hungry. Generally healthy food is a lot more filling. But once every now and then I dont see the harm :wink:

    I'm saving up tomorrows calories for a massive dinner at the pub.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Can i eat anything as long as I stay under calorie goal?!?!

    YES
    /thread
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    McDonalds goes straight to my boobs. And I don't need anymore of those! :drinker:

    I'd gladly trade.
  • Troublemonster
    Troublemonster Posts: 223 Member
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I can testify to this as well. As a cop I still run through the occasional drive-trough and eat as I please. It has not really hurt me much at all as long as I make the rest of my day work around that particular meal. It's really not that big of a deal if you do it right.
  • HotMummyMission
    HotMummyMission Posts: 1,723 Member
    I take vitamins eat anything I want along as my macros and cals are in there goal range I've lost 35lbs since September an thats cheating every single weekend why deprive yourself of food you like to lose weight x
  • smartin0181
    smartin0181 Posts: 45 Member
    I say in order to lose weight you need to fuel your body with nutrients to best help that effort. MFP is to help you create a lifestyle change. I'd say try and treat yourself to something other than food. Maybe awesome sports seats or something. Pick one or two things a week to satisfy your cravings and use the rest to fuel your body and fill it with premium instead of unleaded! : )
  • samhigh
    samhigh Posts: 86 Member
    It just comes down to "health" versus "weight loss"

    There are a million ways to lose weight, but they all come down to running a caloric deficit.

    There is arguably only one way to eat healthy, please feel free to debate:

    -Eat the highest quality, most humanely raised, local foods you can afford.
    -Limit processed foods and all the other obvious **** you shouldn't eat.
    -Eat nutrient dense whole foods, emphasis on vegetables and lean protein sources.
    -Vary your food sources, eat seasonal, and think about environmental impact.
  • angelams1019
    angelams1019 Posts: 1,102 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    And you can get as technical as you want. His question was can he eat anything he wants as long as its under his calorie goal...And then proceeded to list mcdonalds and cookies. If all he eats his *kitten*, his insides are going to go *kitten* as well, and he won't be very healthy.

    Obviously adding those things in every once and a while, or even once a week, are not going to be detrimental to his health. But what if his "anything" means big macs and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies all day every day? You're telling me he will still be healthy as long as he's under his calorie goal? Bullsh*t :smile:
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    I would rather have a tasty burger I made at home than the crap at fast food places. I don't like chewing on "kinda" meat. So you can eat what you want if its under calories....but it doesn't mean you should do it a lot.BUT why not buy a nice, lean quality cut of beef, ground it up, add a dash of this and a dash of that, grill it, slap on some cheese, and eat that instead. Probably much tastier and not so high in calories.

    Now I want a burger.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    and i believe too that encouraging people to eat mcdonalds regularly under the mistaken belief it's okay could be very much a slippery slope for some. I don't think a burger or bit of pizza or whatever now and then is the end of the world, but taking it off the menu while kickstarting a healthy eating plan is my preference
    It can be. Statistically the average person will diet 7 times in their lifetime and fail almost all 7 times. Why? Because most diets rely on restriction or abstinence of foods that they may enjoy. Some can hold off, but eventually cave to missing the food. Disappointment sets in and program is discarded and the weight regain happens due to failure.
    Since I've changed my approach with clients (I used to only preach "clean eating") several years ago, weight regain amongst my clients has been about 1 out of about 20 compared to 9 out 10 from my previous philosophy. It's easier for most to learn how to control rather than to abstain.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    McDonalds goes straight to my boobs. And I don't need anymore of those! :drinker:
    I know females who wish they had those genetics.:laugh: They'd be slamming some McD's.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    Technically yes, you can, but you're not going to be very healthy doing so.
    Not true. I eat McDonald's at least once a week and KNOW I'm healthier than a lot of vegans, paleo, clean eaters etc. who are overweight.
    Health isn't just about food. Health is encompassed by weight, essential nutrition, exercise, rest, genetics, environment, disease resistance and happiness. Delete any one of those and you can compromise your health.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    While I agree with your comment. I believe she is talking about you micro nutrient intake from those types of foods.
    Maybe. But most people on here believe that eating any fast food is nothing but a detriment to weight loss.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    and i believe too that encouraging people to eat mcdonalds regularly under the mistaken belief it's okay could be very much a slippery slope for some. I don't think a burger or bit of pizza or whatever now and then is the end of the world, but taking it off the menu while kickstarting a healthy eating plan is my preference
    It can be. Statistically the average person will diet 7 times in their lifetime and fail almost all 7 times. Why? Because most diets rely on restriction or abstinence of foods that they may enjoy. Some can hold off, but eventually cave to missing the food. Disappointment sets in and program is discarded and the weight regain happens due to failure.
    Since I've changed my approach with clients (I used to only preach "clean eating") several years ago, weight regain amongst my clients has been about 1 out of about 20 compared to 9 out 10 from my previous philosophy. It's easier for most to learn how to control rather than to abstain.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    i also absolutely agree with that, especially that control is easier than abstinence. But control has to be learned and applied, and I wouldn't want the OP to think that McD's all the time was a great alternative - my flatmate eats ten takeaway meals a WEEK and so this is something I've totally seen.

    So saying, deprivation is idiotic and as someone who controls a minor eating disorder (anorexic-style self-starvation as a control technique) I know i can't do it. so I manipulate what i want to fit in my calories, eating a smaller portion of something I want that's high calorie etc.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I say in order to lose weight you need to fuel your body with nutrients to best help that effort. MFP is to help you create a lifestyle change. I'd say try and treat yourself to something other than food. Maybe awesome sports seats or something. Pick one or two things a week to satisfy your cravings and use the rest to fuel your body and fill it with premium instead of unleaded! : )
    Which is why for many the 80/20 approach works. Hit that macro/micro nutrient goal everyday and any leftover calories are free for whatever.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    and i believe too that encouraging people to eat mcdonalds regularly under the mistaken belief it's okay could be very much a slippery slope for some. I don't think a burger or bit of pizza or whatever now and then is the end of the world, but taking it off the menu while kickstarting a healthy eating plan is my preference

    My preference is not having to skip junk food for the rest of my life - I'd be a lot more likely to stop a "diet" that required that.
  • Bsaintelus
    Bsaintelus Posts: 18 Member
    Thanks for the replies guys! I absolutely love fast food so I know how hard it will be to just say no every time i smell McDonalds whenever I drive by. But I have been smarter lately and can attest to the fact that a single packet of cinnamon swirl quaker instant oatmeal in the morning kept me fulll for like 4 hours while a sausage egg and cheese mcmuffin with hash bown lasted aout a half hour lol:laugh: . I'm definitely growing more keen to making better meal choices. Btw I'm a little new even though my account is old so feel free to add me for support! I can definitely use it! Abs by summer '13!!!!