Hey all!

I've done a bit of both. I am a firm believer in needing to splurge every now and then, but small splashes not huge waves (if you know what I mean). Small changes in your routine can do wonders. Starting small makes the changes easier too, you are less likely to stop, and if you do, you only have to start one thing back up. I'm not sure what your routine is but I like to start by drinking the right amount of water for my weight. Once I can be some what consistant on that I'll add exercise, sometimes just walking can make a huge difference. To answer your question more directly, a calorie isn't just a calorie. There can be a lot of fat and sugar behind them. But, if you stay within your calories given on MFP you will see changes, and you may be able to have a piece of candy or two. To make a bigger change and perhaps see change happen quicker, you will need to make good choices with what you eat. It helps in the long term goals to start weening off of the sweet/salty stuff.

Hey! I started my weight loss journey on WeightWatchers... it's a good plan. ---it allows you to still eat the things you want and helps you realize how bad the things you want are sometimes. I no longer follow WW but I'm still a firm believer the program works.