Repetitive eating or variation better for weight loss?

ovi212
ovi212 Posts: 145 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I was just wondering what your opinion was on eating the same things day in and day out or switching it up and eating different things everyday (well some of the same I'd assume). Are there some foods you should eat everyday vs some you shouldn't? (assuming you stay in your calorie goal).
Also, do you think you should eat the same net calories or even total calories everyday? (probably +/- 100)? or should you vary it up?

Replies

  • madhatter2013
    madhatter2013 Posts: 1,547 Member
    I eat the same groups of foods everyday but switch things up within the group. Like I eat fruit for two meals but one day I'll eat strawberries and the next I'll do pineapple. My calorie intake will always flunctuate each day 100 up or down. I can never keep it exact. I would think eating the same thing day in and day out would get boring.
  • myurav
    myurav Posts: 165 Member
    There is going to be a lot of variation on this response, but stick with what works for you and what helps you stay on track.

    Personally, I have some staples that I enjoy eating on a regular basis (Greek yogurt, raw cacao nibs, oatmeal), but if I don't feel like eating them, I won't. And I find that thinking about calories in terms of a whole week helps mitigate any feelings of guilt if you go over calories (guilt should not be part of a healthy food relationship, IMHO). Plus, gives you some extra flexibility to plan around your life.

    Most important habit is to track your intake and keep it under calories expended!
  • Brooke4206
    Brooke4206 Posts: 140 Member
    In terms of weight loss it does not matter is your vary what you're eating. It's calories in vs. calories out. However, I typically eat the same thing everyday. Oatmeal for breakfast is essential for me. Most days I eat a lot of eggs, turkey, chicken, veggies, and rice cakes. The only day that usually changes is saturday.
  • bzmom
    bzmom Posts: 1,332 Member
    I believe it all depends on what works for you and what you can handle. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to do it a certain way.

    I eat pretty much the same thing M-F for breakfast, snacks and Lunch only switching it up once in a while but I'm ok with that I actually like what I eat. But dinner that switches up all the time and have been eating the same dinner plates I was making even before I started this journey. Weekends I do not log I'm a little conscious of what I eat but I don't obsess over it. I only workout about 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 2 days a week in the morning lifting dumbbells. My intake calories are about 1500 to 1600 a day. That works for me I have successfully lost 12lbs in about 2 months give or take.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    As long as it's within you calorie target and it's providing your micro nutrients - just do what feels right.
  • becs3578
    becs3578 Posts: 836 Member
    For the last 2 months I have really eaten from the same items all week.

    Roasted Chicken in Sams (I go through 2 a week)
    Boiled Shrimp (since lent started)
    Broccoli
    Corn
    Onions
    Garlic
    Bell peppers
    Wheat Pasta (moderation)
    Wheat sandwich rounds (moderation)
    Brussel Sprouts
    Greek Yogurt,
    Kashi Cereal
    Sweet potatos
    Egg Whites
    AND i cook with olive oil

    I try to cook my own breakfast and lunch all 7 days of the week. I cook my own dinner at least 4 to 5 days a week. This has worked for me and I have lost 8.8 in the last 2 months. Only 4 lbs to goal. It also is so easy to chart on MFP. Takes the guess work out and keeps me from cheating!!!

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