A Calorie is NOT just a Calorie

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Replies

  • yolifoli
    yolifoli Posts: 20 Member
    So true. 1500 of junk is gross. I am just learning to eat right. I paying attention yet I occasionally have slip ups but it doesnt deter my motivation.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    Wow, is this like a question of identity or have I misunderstood the thread title?

    A Calorie is NOT just a Calorie, is of the form: An X is not just an X.

    so therefore we have:

    X=/=X

    Which brings us to:

    Mind=blown.

    It's kind of a bit misleading as the report the OP was posting up in front of the open minded people who have joined this thread is calories in - don't necessarily - equal calories out.

    That bit of the OP report has been lost in translation,
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    So true. 1500 of junk is gross. I am just learning to eat right. I paying attention yet I occasionally have slip ups but it doesnt deter my motivation.

    We all have slip ups. That's why we need support when were going through such lifestyle changes.

    Keep with!! :smile: :smile:
  • A pound is a pound. true! what I have learned from my journey to healthy me is to take control, be smart and be creative. you can eat whatever you want and some way still lose as long as you don't go over your daily color intake. Then again it comes down to your goal and the time period. I don't deprive myself . if I want something I just have it but I don't seat 1500 calorie of ice cream just because I want it . . We still need to use portion control. Eating 1500 calories of ice cream is just plain wrong in my opinion! once we understand food and there purpose in our body it make it so much easier to make healthy food choices.
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    So true. 1500 of junk is gross. I am just learning to eat right. I paying attention yet I occasionally have slip ups but it doesnt deter my motivation.
    Nor, if you're reasonably healthy, will it actually affect your health either.
    In fact, the worst part of it is probably beating yourself up about it if you do, rather than seeing it as a good experience!
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    So true. 1500 of junk is gross. I am just learning to eat right. I paying attention yet I occasionally have slip ups but it doesnt deter my motivation.
    Nor, if you're reasonably healthy, will it actually affect your health either.
    In fact, the worst part of it is probably beating yourself up about it if you do, rather than seeing it as a good experience!

    Agreed a little of what we like once in while will do no harm, Even a lot will probably only put you back a day or 2 until your body (hormones) re-balances.
  • TX_Rhon
    TX_Rhon Posts: 1,549 Member
    TL:DR

    I'm just amused that this thread is going and going and going...........
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    "I guess 42lbs and 8% BF loss is not sucess...how much do I have to lose to be considered a success?"

    Actually my first GW was 165..hit it..
    I am a success because I am here doing what I need to do to hit my goals...I could give a flying fart about my weight...it's about measurments from a tape and BF...I calculate I will be at maintenance for now as of June 15th (Yah just in time for pool side beer) and my bikini...

    And I am not dieting...that implies I will stop doing what I am doing now when I hit maintenance...I will be here to count calories even at maintenance, I will hit my macros while in maintenance and still lift 3x a week...

    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    ETA: this got bumped in my list...blame the guy above me...

    First you say that your 42 lbs and 8% body fat lost is success. Now you say your success is something else. And that you are not dieting. Fine. You can define success any way you want.

    But if you are not dieting, then it makes me wonder what you have been successful at? And if you are deliberately eating at a caloric deficit, which is here the definition of dieting, and the only way that one can diet, then I'm at a loss for what you mean when you say you are not dieting. When you are on maintenance you will stop what you are doing now. Now, you are eating at a deficit. On maintenance you will presumably be eating at equilibrium.

    Basically I feel about this the same way I do about smoking. I know lots of people who have quit smoking, again and again and again. They get upset with me when I tell them that it's ok to say that they are quitting smoking, but not to say that they have quit smoking. When they have gone four or five years without a smoke, then they can say that they have quit. Yo-yo dieting is probably even more common. Everyone wants to think they have succeeded at their diet just because they've lost some weight or body fat or whatever. But we say that all the fad diets are failures because people just gain the weight right back and more. Thus, a diet hasn't really worked until a person has gotten to a healthy weight and demonstrated that they can and will maintain that weight indefinitely. Short of that, claiming success may be a nice stroke for the ego, and might even be helpful in achieving success, but I think it's inaccurate.

    No dieting implies a short term change in eating habits. This is not a short term, this is for life.

    Success for me is understanding and accepting why I got over weight and changing those habits.

    I have done that, part of that success is the weight lost, bf gone, sizes small and me being stronger.

    And as I said before
    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    See the thing is this...you as a faceless stranger on the www are not allowed to tell me if I am a success or not...you can't put your limitations on my life.

    I am my own person and can define my success anyway I want. Funny how that works eh...

    If you "can't" understand why the people here who are meeting their goals, educating themselves, getting better everyday at understanding why they gain weight/lose weight/maintain weight/meet bf% goals etc are successes you have a very narrow and unpleasant way of looking at life and all it has to offer and the happiness that these small things give those of us with a broader view...

    You have my sympathy...


    PS my ego doesn't need stroked trust me...my confidence level hasn't changed with my weight, I have always been confident in myself and my abilities to do whatever I set my mind to...see there is something else that makes me a success...maybe not in your world but it does in mine and at the end of the day that is all that matters to this woman (and by extension my husband, my son and the rest of my friends and family)


    The thing is some of the members (probably only a small amount) in MFP don't get the concept that these forum are for encouraging others and sharing ideas for members to research for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

    I gotta ask where you got that the purpose of these forums is to be supportive? There is a motivation and support section which is absolutely for getting motivation and support, but this is an online community. Communities have different facets, personalities, purposes.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    "I guess 42lbs and 8% BF loss is not sucess...how much do I have to lose to be considered a success?"

    Actually my first GW was 165..hit it..
    I am a success because I am here doing what I need to do to hit my goals...I could give a flying fart about my weight...it's about measurments from a tape and BF...I calculate I will be at maintenance for now as of June 15th (Yah just in time for pool side beer) and my bikini...

    And I am not dieting...that implies I will stop doing what I am doing now when I hit maintenance...I will be here to count calories even at maintenance, I will hit my macros while in maintenance and still lift 3x a week...

    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    ETA: this got bumped in my list...blame the guy above me...

    First you say that your 42 lbs and 8% body fat lost is success. Now you say your success is something else. And that you are not dieting. Fine. You can define success any way you want.

    But if you are not dieting, then it makes me wonder what you have been successful at? And if you are deliberately eating at a caloric deficit, which is here the definition of dieting, and the only way that one can diet, then I'm at a loss for what you mean when you say you are not dieting. When you are on maintenance you will stop what you are doing now. Now, you are eating at a deficit. On maintenance you will presumably be eating at equilibrium.

    Basically I feel about this the same way I do about smoking. I know lots of people who have quit smoking, again and again and again. They get upset with me when I tell them that it's ok to say that they are quitting smoking, but not to say that they have quit smoking. When they have gone four or five years without a smoke, then they can say that they have quit. Yo-yo dieting is probably even more common. Everyone wants to think they have succeeded at their diet just because they've lost some weight or body fat or whatever. But we say that all the fad diets are failures because people just gain the weight right back and more. Thus, a diet hasn't really worked until a person has gotten to a healthy weight and demonstrated that they can and will maintain that weight indefinitely. Short of that, claiming success may be a nice stroke for the ego, and might even be helpful in achieving success, but I think it's inaccurate.

    No dieting implies a short term change in eating habits. This is not a short term, this is for life.

    Success for me is understanding and accepting why I got over weight and changing those habits.

    I have done that, part of that success is the weight lost, bf gone, sizes small and me being stronger.

    And as I said before
    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    See the thing is this...you as a faceless stranger on the www are not allowed to tell me if I am a success or not...you can't put your limitations on my life.

    I am my own person and can define my success anyway I want. Funny how that works eh...

    If you "can't" understand why the people here who are meeting their goals, educating themselves, getting better everyday at understanding why they gain weight/lose weight/maintain weight/meet bf% goals etc are successes you have a very narrow and unpleasant way of looking at life and all it has to offer and the happiness that these small things give those of us with a broader view...

    You have my sympathy...


    PS my ego doesn't need stroked trust me...my confidence level hasn't changed with my weight, I have always been confident in myself and my abilities to do whatever I set my mind to...see there is something else that makes me a success...maybe not in your world but it does in mine and at the end of the day that is all that matters to this woman (and by extension my husband, my son and the rest of my friends and family)


    The thing is some of the members (probably only a small amount) in MFP don't get the concept that these forum are for encouraging others and sharing ideas for members to research for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

    I gotta ask where you got that the purpose of these forums is to be supportive? There is a motivation and support section which is absolutely for getting motivation and support, but this is an online community. Communities have different facets, personalities, purposes.

    Hey Rogers,

    Good to see you back again.

    Maybe I'm too quick to judge people. I personally would use it to be supportive, I thought maybe others going through a journey of weight loss and improved health and fitness would likewise,

    I know you don't subscribe to such humanistic weakness!!! (that a tounge in cheek remark by the way) I'm sure you're a very caring kind of guy.
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    Not that I can even begin to be bothered to read most of the replies on here, but this topic is so redundant it's practically completely impotent.

    A calorie IS just a calorie. A calorie is a UNIT OF ENERGY. It is the approximate amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. It is not one calorie of fat, nor one calorie of protein, nor a calorie of carbs. It can only be what it is. ENERGY.

    Where the misunderstanding lies is the NUTRITIONAL VALUE in the foods that provide those calories.

    YES, if you stuff your face with burgers at the appropriate deficit, you WILL lose weight. It's that simple.

    If you stuff your face with healthy foods, you will get the NUTRITIONAL benefits that come along with it, but a 1,000 calories of broccoli still has the same amount of ENERGY as in 1,000 calories worth of junk. The composition of these foods are different, therefore have different effects on the body.

    So - Calories = A unit of energy
    Nutrition = The composition of the foods you eat

    A CALORIE IS JUST A CALORIE.



    Oh, and whilst we're at it... Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat either. 1lbs of muscle weighs the same as 1lbs of fat. The fat just takes up more room.


    Edit for spellinz from angry typing.

    ^^^^ all of this

    calorie = unit of energy. khalas*


    *that's Arabic for enough!/finished!/done!/shut up!/go away and leave me alone!/at least stop arguing now and leave me in peace! kind of sentiments

    Sorry do all of these posts go into your personal inbox?

    Didn't realise, maybe we should keep the noise down!

    I thought only people who were up for the discussion logged in to have their 2 penneth worth!

    where did I say people weren't allowed to debate or discuss?

    my comment "calorie = a unit of energy, khalas" was me saying that this is all there is to the meaning of the word "calorie" - An American might have written "calorie = a unit of energy, period" but I'm not American, I live in an Arabic speaking country where people throw Arabic words into conversations in English. The Arabic word IMO fitted the situation well. The humorous translation was just that.... humorous. I had no intention to imply that people weren't allowed to debate.... look at my post count. I get involved in a lot of debates around here.

    As to why people want to debate that any given unit is not the same as the same unit measuring something else... well that's up to them, but the whole debate is silly and anyone who tries to argue against that point doesn't understand units. The issue as to how much *other* nutrition (i.e. besides energy) you get from any particular food is a separate issue, some foods are more nutritious than others, i.e. you can get more protein, vitamins, minerals etc for the same amount of calories from some foods than others, but that does not and never will negate the fact that a calorie is a calorie, because all a calorie is is a unit of energy. Khalas. Just like an inch is a unit of length. Khalas. (or Period if you prefer... but period sounds weird if you're British, we call them full stops).
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    "I guess 42lbs and 8% BF loss is not sucess...how much do I have to lose to be considered a success?"

    Actually my first GW was 165..hit it..
    I am a success because I am here doing what I need to do to hit my goals...I could give a flying fart about my weight...it's about measurments from a tape and BF...I calculate I will be at maintenance for now as of June 15th (Yah just in time for pool side beer) and my bikini...

    And I am not dieting...that implies I will stop doing what I am doing now when I hit maintenance...I will be here to count calories even at maintenance, I will hit my macros while in maintenance and still lift 3x a week...

    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    ETA: this got bumped in my list...blame the guy above me...

    First you say that your 42 lbs and 8% body fat lost is success. Now you say your success is something else. And that you are not dieting. Fine. You can define success any way you want.

    But if you are not dieting, then it makes me wonder what you have been successful at? And if you are deliberately eating at a caloric deficit, which is here the definition of dieting, and the only way that one can diet, then I'm at a loss for what you mean when you say you are not dieting. When you are on maintenance you will stop what you are doing now. Now, you are eating at a deficit. On maintenance you will presumably be eating at equilibrium.

    Basically I feel about this the same way I do about smoking. I know lots of people who have quit smoking, again and again and again. They get upset with me when I tell them that it's ok to say that they are quitting smoking, but not to say that they have quit smoking. When they have gone four or five years without a smoke, then they can say that they have quit. Yo-yo dieting is probably even more common. Everyone wants to think they have succeeded at their diet just because they've lost some weight or body fat or whatever. But we say that all the fad diets are failures because people just gain the weight right back and more. Thus, a diet hasn't really worked until a person has gotten to a healthy weight and demonstrated that they can and will maintain that weight indefinitely. Short of that, claiming success may be a nice stroke for the ego, and might even be helpful in achieving success, but I think it's inaccurate.

    No dieting implies a short term change in eating habits. This is not a short term, this is for life.

    Success for me is understanding and accepting why I got over weight and changing those habits.

    I have done that, part of that success is the weight lost, bf gone, sizes small and me being stronger.

    And as I said before
    My success is not way off I am living my success now..in the present because I am here and doing what I need to do to get where I want to be...that is success...as I will never be perfect I will always be a work in progress...and willing to accept that...

    See the thing is this...you as a faceless stranger on the www are not allowed to tell me if I am a success or not...you can't put your limitations on my life.

    I am my own person and can define my success anyway I want. Funny how that works eh...

    If you "can't" understand why the people here who are meeting their goals, educating themselves, getting better everyday at understanding why they gain weight/lose weight/maintain weight/meet bf% goals etc are successes you have a very narrow and unpleasant way of looking at life and all it has to offer and the happiness that these small things give those of us with a broader view...

    You have my sympathy...


    PS my ego doesn't need stroked trust me...my confidence level hasn't changed with my weight, I have always been confident in myself and my abilities to do whatever I set my mind to...see there is something else that makes me a success...maybe not in your world but it does in mine and at the end of the day that is all that matters to this woman (and by extension my husband, my son and the rest of my friends and family)


    The thing is some of the members (probably only a small amount) in MFP don't get the concept that these forum are for encouraging others and sharing ideas for members to research for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

    I gotta ask where you got that the purpose of these forums is to be supportive? There is a motivation and support section which is absolutely for getting motivation and support, but this is an online community. Communities have different facets, personalities, purposes.

    Hey Rogers,

    Good to see you back again.

    Maybe I'm too quick to judge people. I personally would use it to be supportive, I thought maybe others going through a journey of weight loss and improved health and fitness would likewise,

    I know you don't subscribe to such humanistic weakness!!! (that a tounge in cheek remark by the way) I'm sure you're a very caring kind of guy.

    I mostly agree. I just happen to think that most of the board is supportive. Of course, threads like this pop up where it turns into a pissing match, and the support goes out the window, but overall, there is a ton of support. Support just doesn't involve agreeing with or spreading misinformation.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?

    That's the beauty of researching multiple sources and making your own informed conclusion.

    My personal view would be - take everything you hear at face value (I include my own beliefs).

    If you read something that sparks your interest look into get the facts and either use it or chuck it away.

    Knowledge is power dude. - Blind faith (well that another thing).
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?

    That's the beauty of researching multiple sources and making your own informed conclusion.

    My personal view would be - take everything you hear at face value (I include my own beliefs).

    If you read something that sparks your interest look into get the facts and either use it or chuck it away.

    Knowledge is power dude. - Blind faith (well that another thing).
    Yes, but I believe that you said you really like Mark's Daily Apple because he links to scientific articles. Here's another good blog for you to check out, and she also lists the science articles that are her sources:

    https://gokaleo.com/

    Of course, she takes the opposite stance on things, and god forbid, she suggests eating mostly nutrient dense food, but eating calorically dense foods in moderation if they fit into your goals. She actually goes so far to state that labeling foods as bad and refusing to eat them can lead to disordered eating.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?

    That's the beauty of researching multiple sources and making your own informed conclusion.

    My personal view would be - take everything you hear at face value (I include my own beliefs).

    If you read something that sparks your interest look into get the facts and either use it or chuck it away.

    Knowledge is power dude. - Blind faith (well that another thing).
    Yes, but I believe that you said you really like Mark's Daily Apple because he links to scientific articles. Here's another good blog for you to check out, and she also lists the science articles that are her sources:

    https://gokaleo.com/

    Of course, she takes the opposite stance on things, and god forbid, she suggests eating mostly nutrient dense food, but eating calorically dense foods in moderation if they fit into your goals. She actually goes so far to state that labeling foods as bad and refusing to eat them can lead to disordered eating.

    Thanks I'll give it a look.

    I follow the science, you should read marks daily apple, you may find there's common ground.

    I used to be a Christian until I discovered Judaism now I'm a happy Muslim/Buddhist.
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    This has been so much fun, I think I should start another thread... A Calorie IS just a Calorie


    Thoughts?
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    This has been so much fun, I think I should start another thread... A Calorie IS just a Calorie


    Thoughts?

    How about one on the energy balance equation - after all isn't that what the original OP report was getting at (to a degree).
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    This has been so much fun, I think I should start another thread... A Calorie IS just a Calorie


    Thoughts?

    How about one on the energy balance equation - after all isn't that what the original OP report was getting at (to a degree).

    pfft. where's the fun in THAT? lol
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?

    That's the beauty of researching multiple sources and making your own informed conclusion.

    My personal view would be - take everything you hear at face value (I include my own beliefs).

    If you read something that sparks your interest look into get the facts and either use it or chuck it away.

    Knowledge is power dude. - Blind faith (well that another thing).
    Yes, but I believe that you said you really like Mark's Daily Apple because he links to scientific articles. Here's another good blog for you to check out, and she also lists the science articles that are her sources:

    https://gokaleo.com/

    Of course, she takes the opposite stance on things, and god forbid, she suggests eating mostly nutrient dense food, but eating calorically dense foods in moderation if they fit into your goals. She actually goes so far to state that labeling foods as bad and refusing to eat them can lead to disordered eating.

    Thanks I'll give it a look.

    I follow the science, you should read marks daily apple, you may find there's common ground.

    I used to be a Christian until I discovered Judaism now I'm a happy Muslim/Buddhist.
    I'm actually on his digest as I was looking into paleo for a while. He actually doesn't post much right now. Some of his stuff I read. Some I delete immediately. There's a lot of stuff that I like about the concept, but find paleo just too restrictive for reasons I don't understand. And I really like peanut butter. And just because one article or two backs up a theory doesn't mean there aren't 10 others that disagree with it. A lot of the more "extreme" (and weird) exclusions I can't find an overwhelming acceptance for them being bad.

    But, overall, I like the nutrient dense foods and the 80/20 concept.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's definitely a lot of misinformation going on!

    But who has the "real" information?

    That's the beauty of researching multiple sources and making your own informed conclusion.

    My personal view would be - take everything you hear at face value (I include my own beliefs).

    If you read something that sparks your interest look into get the facts and either use it or chuck it away.

    Knowledge is power dude. - Blind faith (well that another thing).
    Yes, but I believe that you said you really like Mark's Daily Apple because he links to scientific articles. Here's another good blog for you to check out, and she also lists the science articles that are her sources:

    https://gokaleo.com/

    Of course, she takes the opposite stance on things, and god forbid, she suggests eating mostly nutrient dense food, but eating calorically dense foods in moderation if they fit into your goals. She actually goes so far to state that labeling foods as bad and refusing to eat them can lead to disordered eating.

    Thanks I'll give it a look.

    I follow the science, you should read marks daily apple, you may find there's common ground.

    I used to be a Christian until I discovered Judaism now I'm a happy Muslim/Buddhist.
    I'm actually on his digest as I was looking into paleo for a while. He actually doesn't post much right now. Some of his stuff I read. Some I delete immediately. There's a lot of stuff that I like about the concept, but find paleo just too restrictive for reasons I don't understand. And I really like peanut butter. And just because one article or two backs up a theory doesn't mean there aren't 10 others that disagree with it. A lot of the more "extreme" (and weird) exclusions I can't find an overwhelming acceptance for them being bad.

    But, overall, I like the nutrient dense foods and the 80/20 concept.

    Hey just read bit about kaleo diet.

    I think the end goal of both Primal and Kaleo is essentially the same thing - look after the bodies lean mass build muscle, keep a good supply of essential fatty acids in the body and eat a healthy nutrient rich diet.

    Eat healthy, loss the right sort of body weight, let the body decide when your there and live long.

    In simple terms (and this is being really simplistic) The kaleo is for the herbivores and primal is for the carnivores.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    This has been so much fun, I think I should start another thread... A Calorie IS just a Calorie


    Thoughts?

    How about one on the energy balance equation - after all isn't that what the original OP report was getting at (to a degree).

    pfft. where's the fun in THAT? lol

    Believe me from what I've seen over the past couple of days, you get this lot going on any topic and it'll be fun!!!
  • mcibty
    mcibty Posts: 1,252 Member
    Wait, what counts as water again?
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    Wait, what counts as water again?

    A steaming hot mug of black coffee!
  • silken555
    silken555 Posts: 478 Member
    I just don't understand why people would rather have 1,500 of junk that in the end will do more harm than good to your health than eating 1,500 of tasty, healthy food that will make you a healthier human being. Why would I like to eat 1,000 at one sitting on McDonalds instead of 1,000 calories of meat, veggies, nuts, and even dessert during the day?

    And forgive my english...

    yea, you just don't get it..no one is saying that…

    what people are trying to say is that you can eat moderately healthy and still have things like pizza, cookies, fast food, etc, and you will lose weight, hit your goals, and be in good health ...

    It would seem that's what some hear when all they read is "a calorie is a calorie" and "you can lose weight eating only at McDonalds". Which is the danger in posting that again and again and again with no further explanation.

    Yeah, what you just said? That's what they're saying *now*. A colossal improvement from "eat whatever you want".

    I did that.

    again, you miss the point. Yes, technically, you can eat whatever you want, be in a deficit, and lose weight. I always advocate the 80/20 approach..80% healthy/20% whatever you want….so I am not sure who the "they" is that you are talking about …

    I believe some people use that as an example to demonstrate it really is calories in vs calories out..but I have not seen anyone provided advice that one follow that approach….

    The point is that "technically" isn't very good advice. And the non stop drone of nonsense could (and obviously DID) create the wrong impression. And it's misleading to have a whole gang of people trained to say it again and again, when they know (again, obviously by posts they've made here) that there's more to it than that.

    Look at what you just said. If a calorie is a calorie, why do you advocate the 80/20 approach? And what's "healthy"? I've been told again and again that "there's no bad food". Then what's the 20? And why, in the name of GOD would you take offense to anyone saying that there's more to know than "a calorie is a calorie" after they acknowledge again and again that "technically" it's accurate?

    As soon as you segregate calories into "Healthy" and "Whatever you want" you're saying - are you ready for this - A calorie is NOT a calorie! Congratulations.

    Actually no...they're saying there are foods that are more nutritionally dense than others which is important if one's goal is fitness. Has nothing to do with the amount of energy a food generates.
  • Ignaura
    Ignaura Posts: 203 Member

    I think what people are failing to understand is that we're not talking about eating one thing all day. We are not taking about eating 10 cheeseburgers a day we're talking a cheeseburger, salad, some fruit, maybe fish Greek yogurt, ice cream, quinoa. It's about balance and sustainability. We're not saying "eat 100 cookies and lose weight". You could, but you'd feel like junk. Instead, focus on nutrient density of foods proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Get those targets in line and yes, enjoy your big Mac. Eric Helms I Believe said, "You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body requires. " . So, while I understand wanting to healthy, that doesn't mean slapping trivial labels on something simple. Food.

    Thing is, there's people who really see it that way, and actually do it that way... and have junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having the occasional cheeseburger, or the daily Oreo for dessert, along with veggies, meat, nuts, etc its all good... but, when some people say that a calorie is a calorie, they say it as way to mean the d have all the junk all the time.
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member

    I think what people are failing to understand is that we're not talking about eating one thing all day. We are not taking about eating 10 cheeseburgers a day we're talking a cheeseburger, salad, some fruit, maybe fish Greek yogurt, ice cream, quinoa. It's about balance and sustainability. We're not saying "eat 100 cookies and lose weight". You could, but you'd feel like junk. Instead, focus on nutrient density of foods proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Get those targets in line and yes, enjoy your big Mac. Eric Helms I Believe said, "You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body requires. " . So, while I understand wanting to healthy, that doesn't mean slapping trivial labels on something simple. Food.

    Thing is, there's people who really see it that way, and actually do it that way... and have junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having the occasional cheeseburger, or the daily Oreo for dessert, along with veggies, meat, nuts, etc its all good... but, when some people say that a calorie is a calorie, they say it as way to mean the d have all the junk all the time.

    if they do eat junk, and keep within their calorie limit. They will lose weight.

    That's the whole point of a calorie is a calorie.


    It's kind of like a dollar is a dollar (assuming both dollars are the same currency lol)

    I can use a dollar to buy a small chocolate bar. Or I can choose to throw it down a man hole. It doesn't change the fact that it's a dollar. I can walk away with something tangible, or I can throw it away.. but in the end a dollar IS still a dollar.

    I can choose to waste it, I can choose to use it to buy candy, I can choose to use it to buy an apple, I can invest it. There are many different things I can do with that dollar. (especially if I have lots of them to put together), but how I choose to use or waste those dollars does not change the inherent fact that a dollar IS a dollar.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member

    I think what people are failing to understand is that we're not talking about eating one thing all day. We are not taking about eating 10 cheeseburgers a day we're talking a cheeseburger, salad, some fruit, maybe fish Greek yogurt, ice cream, quinoa. It's about balance and sustainability. We're not saying "eat 100 cookies and lose weight". You could, but you'd feel like junk. Instead, focus on nutrient density of foods proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Get those targets in line and yes, enjoy your big Mac. Eric Helms I Believe said, "You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body requires. " . So, while I understand wanting to healthy, that doesn't mean slapping trivial labels on something simple. Food.

    Thing is, there's people who really see it that way, and actually do it that way... and have junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having the occasional cheeseburger, or the daily Oreo for dessert, along with veggies, meat, nuts, etc its all good... but, when some people say that a calorie is a calorie, they say it as way to mean the d have all the junk all the time.

    if they do eat junk, and keep within their calorie limit. They will lose weight.

    That's the whole point of a calorie is a calorie.


    It's kind of like a dollar is a dollar (assuming both dollars are the same currency lol)

    I can use a dollar to buy a small chocolate bar. Or I can choose to throw it down a man hole. It doesn't change the fact that it's a dollar. I can walk away with something tangible, or I can throw it away.. but in the end a dollar IS still a dollar.

    I can choose to waste it, I can choose to use it to buy candy, I can choose to use it to buy an apple, I can invest it. There are many different things I can do with that dollar. (especially if I have lots of them to put together), but how I choose to use or waste those dollars does not change the inherent fact that a dollar IS a dollar.

    You're right a dollar is a dollar.

    But surely the important thing is what that dollar buys you!!?
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member

    I think what people are failing to understand is that we're not talking about eating one thing all day. We are not taking about eating 10 cheeseburgers a day we're talking a cheeseburger, salad, some fruit, maybe fish Greek yogurt, ice cream, quinoa. It's about balance and sustainability. We're not saying "eat 100 cookies and lose weight". You could, but you'd feel like junk. Instead, focus on nutrient density of foods proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Get those targets in line and yes, enjoy your big Mac. Eric Helms I Believe said, "You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body requires. " . So, while I understand wanting to healthy, that doesn't mean slapping trivial labels on something simple. Food.

    Thing is, there's people who really see it that way, and actually do it that way... and have junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having the occasional cheeseburger, or the daily Oreo for dessert, along with veggies, meat, nuts, etc its all good... but, when some people say that a calorie is a calorie, they say it as way to mean the d have all the junk all the time.

    if they do eat junk, and keep within their calorie limit. They will lose weight.

    That's the whole point of a calorie is a calorie.


    It's kind of like a dollar is a dollar (assuming both dollars are the same currency lol)

    I can use a dollar to buy a small chocolate bar. Or I can choose to throw it down a man hole. It doesn't change the fact that it's a dollar. I can walk away with something tangible, or I can throw it away.. but in the end a dollar IS still a dollar.

    I can choose to waste it, I can choose to use it to buy candy, I can choose to use it to buy an apple, I can invest it. There are many different things I can do with that dollar. (especially if I have lots of them to put together), but how I choose to use or waste those dollars does not change the inherent fact that a dollar IS a dollar.

    I actually really liked that analogy :)
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member

    I think what people are failing to understand is that we're not talking about eating one thing all day. We are not taking about eating 10 cheeseburgers a day we're talking a cheeseburger, salad, some fruit, maybe fish Greek yogurt, ice cream, quinoa. It's about balance and sustainability. We're not saying "eat 100 cookies and lose weight". You could, but you'd feel like junk. Instead, focus on nutrient density of foods proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Get those targets in line and yes, enjoy your big Mac. Eric Helms I Believe said, "You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body requires. " . So, while I understand wanting to healthy, that doesn't mean slapping trivial labels on something simple. Food.

    Thing is, there's people who really see it that way, and actually do it that way... and have junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having the occasional cheeseburger, or the daily Oreo for dessert, along with veggies, meat, nuts, etc its all good... but, when some people say that a calorie is a calorie, they say it as way to mean the d have all the junk all the time.

    if they do eat junk, and keep within their calorie limit. They will lose weight.

    That's the whole point of a calorie is a calorie.


    It's kind of like a dollar is a dollar (assuming both dollars are the same currency lol)

    I can use a dollar to buy a small chocolate bar. Or I can choose to throw it down a man hole. It doesn't change the fact that it's a dollar. I can walk away with something tangible, or I can throw it away.. but in the end a dollar IS still a dollar.

    I can choose to waste it, I can choose to use it to buy candy, I can choose to use it to buy an apple, I can invest it. There are many different things I can do with that dollar. (especially if I have lots of them to put together), but how I choose to use or waste those dollars does not change the inherent fact that a dollar IS a dollar.

    I actually really liked that analogy :)
    I do too. And while dollar is a dollar, if you take your paycheck and buy 100 new xbox games, you may not be able to feed your kids. But, if you create a budget, set aside the money for the things you need and be smart about where you go shopping and how to maximize those dollars, you will likely still have plenty of money for 1 or two xbox games. Treats in reasonable amounts.

    I really like that analogy actually.