Dirty calories vs clean calories
firetoostrong
Posts: 6
A lot of people say " count your calories, because calories are calories." and that brings me to to my discussion. What is a the difference between a person eating 2000 calories worth of clean food like oatmeal, chicken breasts, egg whites, veggies and fruits compared to a person who eats 2000 calories worth of Oreos, french fries, ice cream, & potato chips.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
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Replies
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It will be hard hitting your macros and micros eating junk food all day. How can you get your protein in if all you eat is oreos, french fries, icecream and chips?0
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For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.0 -
None for weight loss only.0
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First, you're excluding the middle. MOST people eat a combination of the two, not strictly one or the other.
That aside, in your hypothetical scenario weight loss would be the same but the person eating only oreos, chips, etc would like be hungry and would not be getting their micronutrient needs met.
My personal preference is IIFYM. I eat mostly whole foods, hit my protein and fats, get a few servings of veggies, and still have room for ice cream or cookies.0 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceFyF9px20Y
take 180 minutes of your day and listen to what this guy has to say about calorie being a calorie....
the truth will blow you away0 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceFyF9px20Y
take 180 minutes of your day and listen to what this guy has to say about calorie being a calorie....
the truth will blow you away
That's not "the truth"
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2010/01/29/the-bitter-truth-about-fructose-alarmism/
I've done just fine for myself without eliminating sugar. I only limit it in the sense that I only eat as much as fits my calorie and macro targets.0 -
First, you're excluding the middle. MOST people eat a combination of the two, not strictly one or the other.
That aside, in your hypothetical scenario weight loss would be the same but the person eating only oreos, chips, etc would like be hungry and would not be getting their micronutrient needs met.
My personal preference is IIFYM. I eat mostly whole foods, hit my protein and fats, get a few servings of veggies, and still have room for ice cream or cookies.
This.
It does not have to be either / or.0 -
Counting calories, no contest.
Just hit your macros, eat some fruits and veg, and eat whatever else you want and you'll be successful long term. It will teach you through the process how to make choices so that you incorporate what you like and also get what you need. You'll get to maintenance and have a smooth transition.0 -
It depends a little on the person. For an average healthy person calories in is all that matters, it's a unit of energy burn. However, if you have some health problems it may not be true for you. For example if you are lactose intolerant your body might pass those calories out through your butt and they will not attach to your fat. Some people digest food better than others (colon length) and they get more of a calorie intake than those who don't digest food as well in general.
It all depends on you personally. For most, though, if there is a difference it is pretty small in terms of weight loss. Of course in terms of long term health the difference will be pretty vast, especially if you are prone to diabetes and fun stuff like that.0 -
I am not a "clean" eater and just count calories. I have been very successful in weight loss. Obviously, cleaner eating has more health benefits, but I've lost weight just logging calories and not eating clean.0
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For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.
Thank you for your reply, i also have a second question and anyone can answer this.
For example, lets say i'm eating 100% clean at a 1600 cap ( 2300 being my maintenance level ) Meaning i'm cutting 700 a day, if i decide to go an extra 200 or 300 a day at like 1800-1900 , but eveyrthing is 100% clean. Will this hinder my fat loss?0 -
For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.
Thank you for your reply, i also have a second question and anyone can answer this.
For example, lets say i'm eating 100% clean at a 1600 cap ( 2300 being my maintenance level ) Meaning i'm cutting 700 a day, if i decide to go an extra 200 or 300 a day at like 1800-1900 , but eveyrthing is 100% clean. Will this hinder my fat loss?
Clean calories are calories like any other. If you add 300 calories your deficit will be 400 calories, which is a little under 1lb/wk.0 -
For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.
Thank you for your reply, i also have a second question and anyone can answer this.
For example, lets say i'm eating 100% clean at a 1600 cap ( 2300 being my maintenance level ) Meaning i'm cutting 700 a day, if i decide to go an extra 200 or 300 a day at like 1800-1900 , but eveyrthing is 100% clean. Will this hinder my fat loss?
If you are losing about 1.5 lbs a week at your current deficit, and decrease the deficit to 500 calories/day, you can expect that your weight loss will slow to about 1 lb a week, no matter what the composition of your diet. So it could be said to hinder your fat loss, since it would slow down due to the smaller deficit.0 -
For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.
Thank you for your reply, i also have a second question and anyone can answer this.
For example, lets say i'm eating 100% clean at a 1600 cap ( 2300 being my maintenance level ) Meaning i'm cutting 700 a day, if i decide to go an extra 200 or 300 a day at like 1800-1900 , but eveyrthing is 100% clean. Will this hinder my fat loss?
Clean calories are calories like any other. If you add 300 calories your deficit will be 400 calories, which is a little under 1lb/wk.
Yup.
And to the same token, if you go over your maintenance calories you'll still gain weight even if the calories are "clean"0 -
'Clean' eating is a totally meaningless label and no one can agree on what it even means. Weight loss is about a calorie deficit. Period.
I've lost almost 60lbs and I'm now maintaining that loss all while eating fast food several times a week, 'processed' foods etc. I'm healthy, happy and eating in a way that's sustainable for me, for the rest of my life. That's what real success is-doing this whole thing in a way that makes you part of the 5%, that figure out how to make it work long term, versus the 95% that don't.0 -
A lot of people say " count your calories, because calories are calories." and that brings me to to my discussion. What is a the difference between a person eating 2000 calories worth of clean food like oatmeal, chicken breasts, egg whites, veggies and fruits compared to a person who eats 2000 calories worth of Oreos, french fries, ice cream, & potato chips.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
wot? well for one, one is a balance of carbs fats and protein, the other is all fat and carbs. so no, those 2 diets are not equal0 -
First, you're excluding the middle. MOST people eat a combination of the two, not strictly one or the other.
That aside, in your hypothetical scenario weight loss would be the same but the person eating only oreos, chips, etc would like be hungry and would not be getting their micronutrient needs met.
My personal preference is IIFYM. I eat mostly whole foods, hit my protein and fats, get a few servings of veggies, and still have room for ice cream or cookies.
This.
It does not have to be either / or.
Agree!0 -
For weight loss, it doesn't matter.
Except that it is usually easier to feel satisfied with lots of protein and fiber, and therefore easier to stay within your calorie goals.
And, since you mention fat specifically, most junk food doesn't have enough protein to support strong muscles, so your body fat percentage will be high, even if you lose weight.
And eating ONLY crap will eventually affect your energy levels, which will slow you down and mean that you need even fewer calories.
And eating ONLY crap will not be ideal for your long term health.
Thank you for your reply, i also have a second question and anyone can answer this.
For example, lets say i'm eating 100% clean at a 1600 cap ( 2300 being my maintenance level ) Meaning i'm cutting 700 a day, if i decide to go an extra 200 or 300 a day at like 1800-1900 , but eveyrthing is 100% clean. Will this hinder my fat loss?
Clean calories are calories like any other. If you add 300 calories your deficit will be 400 calories, which is a little under 1lb/wk.
700 calories is pretty big deficit for a 21 year old male. You're risking muscle loss, low energy, and have less likelihood of long term adherence The 400 calorie deficit sounds like a better idea. But no, it doesn't have to be 100% "clean". Again, it's hard to stick with something that restrictive.0 -
It's mostly about nutrient density vs calories. If a diet meets those nutrient requirements, then it doesn't matter what you eat. As far as your scenario goes, well that's pitting one extreme against another......fat loss isn't the same as weight loss, different ballgame.0
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For weight loss...doesn't matter at all. Eat junk. Doesn't matter.
For optimal health and to look and feel better....yes. it matters. But there's still a place for an occasional treat even if you're eating clean and consciously.0 -
Unfortunately not blown away because it's not the truth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceFyF9px20Y
take 180 minutes of your day and listen to what this guy has to say about calorie being a calorie....
the truth will blow you away
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
A lot of people say " count your calories, because calories are calories." and that brings me to to my discussion. What is a the difference between a person eating 2000 calories worth of clean food like oatmeal, chicken breasts, egg whites, veggies and fruits compared to a person who eats 2000 calories worth of Oreos, french fries, ice cream, & potato chips.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
The difference is better health.0 -
The thing is that there are no dirty or clean calories.A lot of people say " count your calories, because calories are calories." and that brings me to to my discussion. What is a the difference between a person eating 2000 calories worth of clean food like oatmeal, chicken breasts, egg whites, veggies and fruits compared to a person who eats 2000 calories worth of Oreos, french fries, ice cream, & potato chips.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
Calorie counting is the most important thing for weight loss. Eating very clean means I wash all my fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating, thus avoiding germs of all the dirty hands that have felt them up at the market.
As for my preference, I'd love to spend all my calories on Oreos and Mesquite Barbeque potato chips, but I instead choose to eat them in moderation and only sometimes. Otherwise I wouldn't feel too good.0 -
A lot of people say " count your calories, because calories are calories." and that brings me to to my discussion. What is a the difference between a person eating 2000 calories worth of clean food like oatmeal, chicken breasts, egg whites, veggies and fruits compared to a person who eats 2000 calories worth of Oreos, french fries, ice cream, & potato chips.
And what is more important in fat and weight loss: Counting calories or eating very clean? I guess the questions go hand in hand.
The difference is better health.
I eat all of the above and I have good health. I'm maintaining well, my blood work is great, I no longer have a glucose number in the pre-diabetic range, I have lots of energy, sleep well, have no health issues etc etc. I focus on staying within my calorie allotments, keep an eye on my macros (especially protein), and I eat ALL the foods I like. That includes veggies and whole grains, and it includes fast food 3-4 times a week and daily Oreos. Like others have said-it doesn't have to be one way or the other. You can combine the two and have a much greater chance of sticking with this whole thing long term, and have good health as well
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Both are important, although yes calories are calories, BUT what you eat affects how much you're able to eat. Eating healthier allows you to eat MORE food throughout the day. I've gotta have my carbs and sweet snacks, but I'm just careful about how I satisfy my cravings. Additionally you're not going to feel as energetic if you're not eating healthy. Good Luck! :-)0
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At the beginning of the year, I cut out all processed foods, switched to tea from coffee and stopped drinking diet pop. I hate to say it, but I don't have to eat as much to feel full, I don't get that 3:00 sleeping feeling and I've lost 8 pounds this month. I'm beginning to believe that if you don't really know what's in your food - it's not a good idea to eat it. However, I did have a Frownie Sundae at Kings last weekend with my granddaughter to celebrate getting the bead she stuck in her ear removed! Good luck to ya in finding out what works for you!0
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