good at counting the calories...bad at healthy eating

Roseisadreamer

So the title says it all...I am pretty good at sticking to my calorie allowance everyday. Ok so I slip up by a hundred or so every now and then but I don't see that a huge problem. What I do see as an issue is that all my calories are made up of unhealthy foods, I mean, ok so I will stick to 1300 a day, but when around 700 of that goes on lunch or crisps or something i just feel like I'm doing it all wrong. Its tough to find a balance! part of me doesn't mind because I know i'll lose the weight even if I eat like this, but I know I will do so much better if I eat healthier -and I'll be able toeat more too (always a bonus and i'm constantly hungry).
Any advice? xx

jacksonpt

weight loss = calorie deficit. The type or "quality" of the food doesn't matter.

themedalist

Well, I think you need to examine your goals. Is it just to lose weight? If so, you probably don't need to do anything differently. But, if you want to improve your health, that's another story. There's strong evidence that an unhealthy diet (and inactivity) can result in a slew of illnesses and diseases, from heart disease to strokes, diabetes, and even many types of cancer, so IMHO, a healthy diet is well worth it.

Don't feel you need to ditch all the processed foods at once and only eat kale, brown rice, and seaweed. Not realistic. But I'd suggest trying to get 5 fruits and veggies in your diet everyday. Just 5 (until you want more). Make it a game. Did you get your 5 today...kind of thing.

Taste buds are like puppies. They are very trainable. If you crave junk food now, you can relearn better habits. I used to eat way to much processed food, especially sweets (mostly at night). MFP helped me learn new and healthier habits that are more conducive to living a longer, healthier life.

Best wishes!

JessHealthKick

weight loss = calorie deficit. The type or "quality" of the food doesn't matter.

quality of food = good energy levels, overall health, reduced chances of disease, less pregnancy complications

oh and did I mention HEALTH?

It's hard to change - just make small changes one step at a time this isn't a diet, this is a lifestyle change. If you always snack on chips, get them out of your pantry and make them a weekend treat for example, or change to organic popcorn or something. I still have my daily chocolate, but other than that I try my best to stay fresh (this past week hasn't been great since I am travelling so please don't attack me about my diary!)

edit: in the end your body will crave the good stuff. I travelled in Korea for 3 weeks and couldn't wait just to gauge myself on fresh veggies when I was back home, my body can't go without now!

lauren3101

Take it a little at a time. Don't cut out everything you love at once - it's the route to failure.

What another poster said is right; do you want to do this for weight reasons or health reasons? You can still be healthy and eat the occasional junk.

Try substituting one meal or snack a day for something healthier, then work from there. One day I came in with chicken salad instead of my usual microwave meal for lunch and found I much preferred it - especially when I was still full hours later. Try replacing a bag of crisps with an apple.

Make little changes. You may surprise yourself and find you prefer it.