What's nutritional values are most important to you?

Healthyby30
Healthyby30 Posts: 1,349 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Just curious what everyone else does when they consider what food(s) to eat. I always look at calories, then carbs - specifically sugar, then fat and sodium. I notice though, when I stay in line eating low cal and low sugar foods everything else seems to fall into place (except sodium of course - but I'm not too bad on that usually). I'd rather choose low sugar than lower fat. Especially since most of the fats I eat now are "healthier" ie.. Olive oil, avocado, nuts, etc. I also try and choose higher fiber foods whenever possible. Lately I've been trying to cut out more carbs and add more veggies. I've been wanting to make some spaghetti with spaghetti squash instead of pasta but haven't yet..maybe today!

So, just wondering, what is everyone else's take on that? I know some people just look at calories and stay in their limit.. I don't really like that one too much though, because the quality of food probably isn't at great..

Thanks a bunch!

Replies

  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    I watch calories (of course) - then fat, saturated fat, protein, fiber & carbs....

    I don't much worry about salt because I don't have health problems related to it, and I know I can wash away it's effect by drinking lots of water. I also don't watch my sugar because I eat A LOT of fruit, and it's just a pain in the butt to try to separate the natural from the refined sugars on my food diary- and again, no health problems related to it.
  • Healthyby30
    Healthyby30 Posts: 1,349 Member
    I watch calories (of course) - then fat, saturated fat, protein, fiber & carbs....

    I don't much worry about salt because I don't have health problems related to it, and I know I can wash away it's effect by drinking lots of water. I also don't watch my sugar because I eat A LOT of fruit, and it's just a pain in the butt to try to separate the natural from the refined sugars on my food diary- and again, no health problems related to it.

    I don't worry about sugar in fruits either. Just when I'm looking at the nutritional value of food..if it has a lot of sugar, I tend to steer clear. Especially if it doesn't have any other nutritional benefits. I forgot about sat fat..def. stay away from that too!
  • Allieballie
    Allieballie Posts: 102
    I tend to look at the sugar and fiber. I'm trying to not care so much about calories, as long as what I'm eating is nutritionally sound. For example, I'll eat a handful of raw almonds without worrying too much about the fat, since they are good fats and I'm eating fiber. I'm trying really hard to keep my sugar under 20 for the day, my fiber around 40, and my fat content limited to only good fats. :)

    1292634.png
  • Ready2lose4ever
    Ready2lose4ever Posts: 523
    !. Calories
    2. fat
    3. saturated fat
    4. sodium (I always watch this one b/c I tend to go over on sodium at times)
  • just4peachy
    just4peachy Posts: 594 Member
    Protein and sodium. The protein because when I started this I realized that I waseating mostly fatty meats & paying attention to my protein helps encourage me to eat leaner meats (and in turn helps keep my fats in check). Sodium because I'm very sensitive to it- holding water, my digits swell & I get headaches.
  • azlady7
    azlady7 Posts: 471 Member
    First calories, then sugar, then bad fats, then carbs. I tried with sodium but wanted to beat my laptop everyday when it went in the red. So I gave up and started chugging water lol.
  • AmandaR910
    AmandaR910 Posts: 991
    First calories, then sodium, and after that I don't worry too much, besides making sure my calcium, iron, and fiber are all over.
  • Panda86
    Panda86 Posts: 873
    I watch calories, of course. Then fats, sugars, and carbs. Like a lot of people, I don't get too worried about the carbs and sugars in fruit. But I also keep a close eye on iron and vitamin C because I have a tendency to be anemic. I do try to keep my sodium low, too. But I find that now things just fall into place if I keep a close eye on calories and fat.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    I focus on fat because I have to keep it low due to cancer risk. If I go over on fat, then I try to make sure it is mostly monounsaturated fat as that is the best one for you. I also have to watch my protein and keep it low because I'm doing a kidney donation. Basically, that leaves me with eating mostly carbs (70% of my intake is suppose to come from carbs), so I ignore the carbs and sugar. I also have to track my sodium, not because I have blood pressure issues, but because DH does. I went so low in sodium to help lower his blood pressure through our daily eating that I ended up being too low in blood pressure. So I have to track it to make sure I get enough to keep me upright. LOL
  • virginiagomes
    virginiagomes Posts: 110 Member
    1-Calories
    2-Sugar
    3-Fat
    4-Sodium
    5-Carbs
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    1. Calories
    2. Carbs
    3. Fiber
    4. Protein
    5. Sodium

    I try to get in a couple of dairy servings a day for calcium too.
  • belfastbiker
    belfastbiker Posts: 44 Member
    0. water.
    1. kcalories.
    2. protein.
    3. fibre.
    4. sodium.
    5. nutrient density - phytochemicals, antioxidants, amino acids, vits/mins....
    6. glycemic load.
    7. fat type/quality.

    Sugar itself strictly speaking isn't a factor for me, but it's kinda tied into item 5.

    This is an ideal scenario. Sometimes... too often recently, I ust want the damned burger. And it's friend. Who we shall call "cheeseburger". and their rotund mate, "fries".
This discussion has been closed.

Categories