Calorie sources and the bottom line

There have been many threads on MFP about calories in/calories out, what healthy foods are, what chemicals are in food, how to lose weight, and what the secrets are. What's the best advice?

The best advice is always to find the best balance of food that works for you in moderation, for sustainability. Most people aren't going to find success in weight loss by giving up the foods they like and eating only carrots and chicken. They are going to find success by eating a good combination of protein, carbs, fats and vegetables and fruits, with some treat food thrown in for enjoyment, all while working out how to keep a calorie deficit. That's why we advise still eating a Twinkie now and then if you want it, and eating at McD's now and then if you want it. If you don't want it, don't eat it. But don't come on here and tell everyone else who is struggling to lose weight and might be feeling guilty about eating a cheeseburger that they've now destroyed their bodies by eating such "HORRIBLE" food. Food is not 'bad' and won't hurt you, not in moderation. It absolutely destroys the confidence of the noobs who are just getting started when they try to ask questions about calories and fat and carbs and everyone who is doing Paleo and low-carb and vegan jumps down their throats about how they are destroying not only their own bodies, but the very planet itself by eating fast food or something that's not on some dietary list of acceptable food.

Here's a little secret for you: no matter how clean you eat, or how healthy, or how much you weigh, or how pretty you are, you're still going to die someday. It's up to you to choose how happy your life is before that day comes.