calories in calories out true or not

according to science, it is actually just calories in/calories out.

obviously, if you want nutrition and health as part of the equation, you have to look at every aspect of what you are eating.

It IS calories in calories out, but if you put the RIGHT calories in, then you will be able to keep that weight off. If you just lose the weight because of the deficit and don't really change WHAT you are eating, then as soon as you go off the diet, you will pile the weight right back on. So the calorie deficit is important, but make sure that you are eating the right foods and getting proper nutrients. If you do, you will be so much more fit and healthy and thin than the person on the twinkie diet. And so much happier, too.

...have been avoiding protein cause i want my carbs instead...

Granted, I love my carbs too, but I sure as hell wouldn't skip out on steak, chicken, pork, turkey, fish or any meat to have a piece of bread instead. That's just me though.

I think the important thing to keep in mind is that weight loss doesn't always equal health. Yes, if you eat 1200 calories worth of twinkies a day and that's it, you would probably have a deficit large enough to loose weight, but you wouldn't be getting enough protein to build muscle, you probably wouldn't be getting any vitamins at all, and the sugar spike you get at every meal would probably give you diabetes regardless of what the scale says is healthy. The exact same thing would happen if all you ate was celery all day - no sugar spike, but no protein, not enough carbs to sustain energy for any long period of time. Once again, you'd loose weight, but your body would be deteriorating.

So yes, if all you care about is weight loss, the twinkie diet would probably do it, but if you actually care about your body and your health, getting a balanced diet is the way to go. I've never even had a twinkie but I can imagine eating nothing but snack cakes would make you feel sluggish (and probably really constipated).

[Your body will start reacting terribly as well, because of the lack of nutrients. Your hair is going to lose it's shine, your skin is going to look horrible, your breath will eventually start to reek no matter how much you brush your teeth.....]

I will admit to having some very poor dietary habits, I did a banasa split diet when I was about 16 (eatting disorder as well). But in order for me to get said banana split it was a 4 mile round trip run, both directions. Then I did the grapefruit diet, (did I say I at 5'3" weight 85 lbs soaking wet?( I got a nice ulcer from that one. Now I am 48, I have been avg. 600 to 800 calories a day, Until MFP.
If you look up annorexia, it tells you someone with this ailment tends to eat right between, those numbers.

However; I dont lose weight if I stay in those numbers, I actually gain. All the nah sayers about starvation mode, can leave now. It is because of starvation mode I gained so much weight. I try to keep them now between 1200 min. and 1400 flexbile. If I can continue to reat the correct calories, then I loose the weight. You should also know I eat lots for fruits and veggies. Can not wait for the farmers market to come.

So yes it is calories in calories out, IF YOU ARE EATTING ENOUGH TO START. I had recently doubled my protien, thinking this will help my knee heal.

Good luck, and weigh to go.

then why doesn't it work for some people...

Because they are dishonest or not accurately measuring calorie intake or expenditure.

There was actually a very good post by a person on the forums a few days ago regarding the difference of how protein calories and carb calories are utilized in the body and thus result in a net difference in over all energy intake. He had a great article he posted that I wish I could link to, but I can not seem to find it. I guess I am getting old and can not remember things very well anymore. However, Lyle McDonald's article is good and explains it well so I will post that instead:

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/is-a-calorie-a-calorie.html

The question basically boils down to this: Is eating 400 calories of protein the same as eating 400 calories of carbs? The simple answer is NO because it takes the body more energy to break down protein (and fat) than it does carbs.

SO while they may have the same amount of energy "coming into the body" they are not metabolized the same way once in the digestive system and so their ending net energy is over all different after digestion.

Fat storage from protein intake is much more difficult than carb intake because of the amount of energy required to digest protein. It puts the whole discussion in perspective when you ask, do I want to consume 400 calories of Twinkies, Ding-Dongs or what ever sugar laced carb or do I want to consume 400 calories of a steak.? Yes the choice is yours and you should be in an energy deficit but in the end eating carbs is going to cause more fat storage issues than protein ever will.

Also protein with adequate fat and fiber satisfies hunger and controls blood sugar spikes (the reason most people have cravings and hunger cue issues) For many people choosing a diet high in protein and fiber gives them more control over their eating. Very important to STAYING IN a calorie deficit

YES losing weight is done by an energy deficit. But you do choose how to make that energy deficit, and there are tricks to making it easier to maintain. For me I like to exercise so I can enjoy the foods I like, many of which are carb based. But as a rule I eat 3:2 protein to carbs because I know that it take more energy to digest protein and it satisfies me more than just eating a lot carbs alone...helping to ensure I don't eat more later.

then why doesn't it work for some people...

Some have hormonal issues, some are carb sensitive, sodium sensitive. If we're just speaking of general population without any health or hormone issues, then it's calorie in/calories out as the norm.

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