Besides calories, what else do I need to worry about?

Sweet_Misery_

Sorry if this is a dumb question I am very new to this, and so used to just stuffing my face with whatever whenever, ugh. So I am trying to stay under a 1800-1900 calories per day. But should i also worry about limiting things like sugar and sodium, and upping protein? Or do you think it's better to maybe focus on one thing at a time for someone like me who is brand new to trying to eat healthy? Like tonight, for example, I did well with breakfast, lunch, and snack. I went to Chili's out to dinner and got a light meal with grilled chicken. Only 580 calories so I'm thinking YAY I did awesome. Then I log it and am still under my calories for the day by 300, yay! BUT then I notice this meal has 2400 mg of sodium and I'm negative for sodium by 1700!! Basically this meal alone did that! Should I start watching out for sodium and other things too or is it not important as calories? If so, what else?

AllonsYtotheTardis

I concentrated strictly on trying to get my calories under control for the first couple of weeks, because it was easier to do one thing at a time. Then I slowly started tweaking the rest.

However, I wouldn't panic too much on the sodium. Get lots of water over the next few days to help flush out the excess. Sodium isn't as important as the calories, unless you have a medical condition that requires keeping it in check. As you start to tweak your eating habits, you'll likely notice that your sodium goes down too, most days.

thomas127

Protein is at a pretty low recommendation on MFP. I would up protein to 70 grams+ for sure.

You should understand that sugar and sodium is bad for you. but as long as you keep under your daily caloric goal you should lose weight. Thats not to say you can eat all you want. There is alot of bad long term health problems that too much sugar or sodium can cause.

enough Fiber and water is essential.

lcfairbairn74

I would just concentrate on your calories to begin with. It's too overwhelming to focus on everything at once!

ColeAXE

Thanks for asking this question. I was also starting to panic about being over on the protein & sugar