Hello My Fellow MFP'ers

dixiemay

I started about 3 weeks ago and have had some success. I have one question, is the idea that you can eat whatever you want as long as you stay within the calorie goal and still lose weight?

mA2rml

Pretty much, although you should have at least 5 servings fruits and vegetables, 2 dairy, protein and SOME fat. Also, eat foods with high fiber content. You will be able to eat a lot more if you chose healthier options.

Bleux

Yes and no. I mean, 1000 calories worth of Oreo's is the same calories as 1000 calories worth of Carrots. However, how your body performs during physical activity and just daily function will benefit from eating healthy. You should be looking at Sodium content (more sodium in a diet means more water retention), Fiber content, vitamens, balancing your fats, carbs, and proteins. MFP breaks that down and tracks it along with your calories which is great.

Holton

While it is true you can lose weight by just lowering your calories, if you want to successfully make it through the day without overeating, you will find the empty calories of sugary and salty foods that we typically crave (known as junk food) just don't keep us feeling food and only make us want more of the same. While if you feed your body those healthy items such as vegetables and fruits, you will maintain a feeling of satisfaction and won't feel the need to keep filling your face. I think to be successful at weight loss you need to focus on eating more healthy, while not telling yourself you canNOT have certain foods within limits. So enjoy your favorite foods, but in a much more limited quantity!!! Good luck to you on your journey.