Question... Salt and sugar vs calories.

aezaidan
aezaidan Posts: 31 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Ok, I know that to be healthy you have to eat healthy.... that means the right amount of calories, fat, fiber, sodium etc. I get that. But for now, I'd like to just loose some weight so I can finish a zumba class or walk up a few flights of stairs without feeling like I'm gonna die. So my question is if I'm over on my salt, sugar, protein limits but I'm still under my calorie limits, will I still loose weight? I seem to always be over on my salt, sugar, and protein limits and I'm trying really hard to eat better -- more veggies and subbing in whole grains for processed white flour, etc as well as just eating A LOT less (I'm over 300lbs and you don't get there eating regular portioned meals....)

I've been hitting my calorie goals (or under) for the most part, but I can't seem to get grip on my sugar and salt especially. Is it ok if I just do what I can now and work my way down on the salt and sugar content, or am I just setting myself up for failure if I don't jump in both feet right away???

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    In regards to weight loss, calories are all that matters.

    Unless you have a medical reason to monitor and/or limit your sugar and salt intakes, don't even worry about it.

    The protein limit here is extremely low so going over on that is actually a good thing.
  • Factory_Reset
    Factory_Reset Posts: 1,651 Member
    In regards to weight loss, calories are all that matters.

    Unless you have a medical reason to monitor and/or limit your sugar and salt intakes, don't even worry about it.

    The protein limit here is extremely low so going over on that is actually a good thing.

    QFT

    she's not only kind and beautiful

    she is smart
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    In regards to weight loss, calories are all that matters.

    Unless you have a medical reason to monitor and/or limit your sugar and salt intakes, don't even worry about it.

    The protein limit here is extremely low so going over on that is actually a good thing.

    QFT!!! I have lost a few pounds and have never tracked a gram of sugar or sodium throughout my weight loss and don't plan to start any time soon...
  • JewelsinBigD
    JewelsinBigD Posts: 661 Member
    In regards to weight loss, calories are all that matters.

    Unless you have a medical reason to monitor and/or limit your sugar and salt intakes, don't even worry about it.

    The protein limit here is extremely low so going over on that is actually a good thing.
    This PLUS --
    Keep in mind if you have been overweight like that the calorie counter is not perfect. There is a variance of 15-20% for those who have been morbidly obese even after they lose the weight for anywhere from 6 months to 7 years I have read. I find this to be true for me. Calories in and calories out may be true - but if you have been morbidly obese your body has adapted and become more efficient - meaning you probably burn less calories than the calculators say you do in a day. Great for survival - terrible for weight loss. So if MFP says you need to eat 2000 calories per day to lose 1 pound per week, you probably need to eat about 1600-1700 to really lose that pound after the first month or so. Usually the first month you knock out weight pretty quickly, then it gets harder. Just telling you this so you don't get discouraged. The good news is that after you have lost your weight and maintained for a good amount of time your body will starting burning closer to what it would have been burning if you were thin your whole life. There is a light at the end of the tunnel - its just a long tunnel.
  • aezaidan
    aezaidan Posts: 31 Member
    Thanks guys!!!!

    That is a HUGE weight off my shoulders!! I've really been trying to kick *kitten* at staying at or below my calorie goal, but the other nutrition goals seem so unattainable and were really stressing me out. But now I know not to worry! Thanks again!!!!!

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