Counting Calores ~ Are they all equal???? Help!!!

It does a little as "whole" foods are usally easier for your body to digest and though not necessarily shown by the scale, pretty important for your body to get the nutrients it needs to keep running properly.

Don't get too crazy all at once if you do like/crave/depend on processed foods. Just make small changes one at a time. Before you know it, those things that were once a staple will be things you have on occasion (and enjoy so much more for it).

For me personally it really doesn't--to some extent. I usually try to stay under fat and sodium, but as long as I account for it, I eat it. I know some people do not feel the same way, but I lost 40 pounds with still having some things that aren't healthy. I do however try to eat fruits, veggies, protein--basically a well balanced diet with a treat (piece of candy, ice cream, etc) with what's left over. But there are some days when I eat out that I don't always eat the best. Good luck!

A calorie is a calorie, but with that said, you have to understand, that the body handles different foods differently.

If you eat processed foods, the body does not have to work to convert it into fuel as much as natural foods. An example of that is protein powders and drinks. You will hear how you have to have them and they are the best for you. In really, you get all the protein you need from normal eating. Not only that, but your body burns calories by processing the foods that contain protein, where that powder or drink just goes directly in and out.

Same with processed sugars, straight to the blood stream and on to your butt as fat. *wink*

So yes, a calorie is a calorie, but think before you put that calorie in your mouth, just how will my body processe this calorie and is it going to be good for me.

I eat what I want but just eat the serving size and so far it works. That way you can still eat your favorite foods and you dont feel deprived.

I find that for myself, it is way easier to stay full by eating home made, unprocessed foods. It is also easier to keep my sodium levels under control, as I am very prone to water retention if I have too much sodium or forgot to drink enough water in a day. If I have to eat out, I choose smarter options. One thing I do is have the new "chicken snack wraps" that are popping up everywhere, but I have that as my meal, instead of as a snack. Sometimes I will ask for no sauce or half sauce to reduce the calories as well. It is usually enough to satisfy without blowing the calorie budget and is a relatively healthy option.

Let see...this is going to sound funny but if you eat under your maintenance calories and eat nothing but Twinkies you will lose weight but you'll be a Twinkie. Sad but true. Choosing a healthier life style is all about eating right and exercising. 70-80% of your success comes from the food you eat so making better choices you will see better changes.
So, no...not all calories are created equal. 100 Calories of Sweet Potatoe and better then 100 calories in Twinkies. They are both carbs but one is way bad for you and the wrong kind of carb.
Here is another side. You can go to Burger King and get a Whopper with Cheese (760 Calories), Large Fries (540 Calories) and a Chocolate shake (30 oz, 960 Calories). That's 2260 calories in 1 meal. You know how much healthy food that is. That's a whole day for most. I eat under 2000 healthy calories a day and I'm never hungry. I eat 6-8 times a day.
Hope this helps

Yes and no. Technically yes, but eventually your health would catch up with you.

However, if you've been eating good all day, have 200 calories left and want to get some ice cream in, I say definitely. Everything in moderation of course, but yes, a calorie is a calorie.

Thanks EVERYBODY! I wasn't going off the wagon per se but I ate homemade pancakes no meat and stayed under my calorie count for breakfast. I've been staying away from the pancakes but figured I could have a few today if I paid close attention to my portions and calories. THANKS AGAIN!!!!! i LOVE THIS SITE AND THE SUPPORT EVERYONE GIVES :flowerforyou:

Ah, no problem there. Life is too short to turn down homemade pancakes forever. You did exactly right, enjoyed the pancakes, logged them and kept within your limits for the day. Nice work!

I think one issue issue is that if you eat empty, fatty calories, you will be eating a very small volume of food. So you will feel like you are deprived. If you eat healthily, especially a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and some fruit, you can eat a larger *volume* of food. You'll be able to divide that food up as you like, so you won't *run out* of calories halfway thru the day (lol!)

The second issue that many of us would not feel good if we eat empty calories only--too much sugar can make you feel lousy, white bread too. And many of us need lots of fibre to function well, and that implies fresh vegetables and whole grains.

And then there's all the health issues--sodium, saturated fat, sugar. Yuck.