Does it matter

Clean is subjective. Honestly, your health is determined by your overall diet. So, judge what you pick based on your dietary needs. Say, you need more protein and fat, red meat is pretty handy, nuts are decent (higher in fat than protein but still an option). As you said, it comes down to calories in vs out for weight loss. Health is getting your nutrients in. Once those needs are met, it's kind of up to you how you fill in the calorie goal gap. I have eaten ice cream almost every day throughout weight loss and beyond because well, it's tasty and I make it fit ;P Here's another read to help you out! Good luck, you can do it!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

I am going with it doesn't matter. I like to change up my breakfasts - in the winter, I did lots of oatmeal, now I am on a toast kick and I try to get some eggs from time to time.
For the fast lunches, have you thought about getting one of those compartmentalized lunch containers? One time when my niece was visiting, I made her a lunch every day and I tell you, they were tempting. A sandwich, some fruit, some veggies and a treat. I always found them tempting. She is coming to visit again next week - I foresee sandwiches in my future Maybe it is just the cutesy containers but for some reason, I find them super appealing. The frozen dinners work but like you said, they aren't the best. Good luck to you - keep up the good work.

Both breakfast sound great I was doing the same in the start for lunches however I found it healthier for me and it made me feel better when I prepared my own lunches. What I have been doing for the last 2 years is on weekends making my lunches for the week (usually a big stirfry or pot of soup etc) and I freeze it in my own containers and grab and go I know what is going in and I can control it

For most people what/how they eat directly impacts how they feel through the day. Sure, you could lose weight eating white bread, doughnuts and onion rings if your portions were small enough to keep you at a calorie deficit. However, most people won't be able to keep eating that way long term because it would keep you hungry.

A balanced diet where your meals contain fiber, protein/healthy fats will make you feel satiated and is good for your overall health. More likely to create habits that stick.

Cerakoala,
I am certainly in agreement with you on ditching the processed meals for stuff you make at home. Yes, easier to control what's in it, and should be cheaper. I know people who make meals ahead of time, like you, for the week. In fact, my personal trainer pre-makes all her breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on Sunday, so all she has to do is pull something from the fridge and eat!

I also want to commend you on your weight loss! The picture is amazing; congratulations on reaching 200 lbs lost!

In my opinion, it does matter what you put into your body. Yes, you will still lose weight eating very small amounts of all-sugary food (you'll also probably deal with mood swings and severe energy jumps). You can also gain weight eating nothing but salads and chicken (hint: watch the dressing, this slips up many people). If all you want to do is lose weight, then go for a calorie deficit. But if you want to get healthy, feel better, and lose weight, I'd suggest eating a diet of 90-95% whole food. I use "whole food" to mean stuff that you could pull from the ground, pick off a tree/vine, or take from an animal and eat. All your fruits/veggies are whole, all you meats like beef & chicken & eggs & turkey & fish (including canned tuna) are whole, and all your rice, lentils, quinoa are whole grains. The cereal is processed. The frozen meals are probably processed. However, I eat a small amount of greek (think protein) yogurt everyday. That's certainly processed and has unnecessary added sugars in it. However, it's something convenient I can keep at work for a little extra protein boost in the morning. You kind of have to pick your battles in terms of convenience.

The basic theory I'm suggesting is the less stuff that comes in a box/packaging, and the more groceries that come in whole form will give you the best bang for your buck in terms of health for you body.

Good luck!

Cerakoala,
I am certainly in agreement with you on ditching the processed meals for stuff you make at home. Yes, easier to control what's in it, and should be cheaper. I know people who make meals ahead of time, like you, for the week. In fact, my personal trainer pre-makes all her breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on Sunday, so all she has to do is pull something from the fridge and eat!

I also want to commend you on your weight loss! The picture is amazing; congratulations on reaching 200 lbs lost!

In my opinion, it does matter what you put into your body. Yes, you will still lose weight eating very small amounts of all-sugary food (you'll also probably deal with mood swings and severe energy jumps). You can also gain weight eating nothing but salads and chicken (hint: watch the dressing, this slips up many people). If all you want to do is lose weight, then go for a calorie deficit. But if you want to get healthy, feel better, and lose weight, I'd suggest eating a diet of 90-95% whole food. I use "whole food" to mean stuff that you could pull from the ground, pick off a tree/vine, or take from an animal and eat. All your fruits/veggies are whole, all you meats like beef & chicken & eggs & turkey & fish (including canned tuna) are whole, and all your rice, lentils, quinoa are whole grains. The cereal is processed. The frozen meals are probably processed. However, I eat a small amount of greek (think protein) yogurt everyday. That's certainly processed and has unnecessary added sugars in it. However, it's something convenient I can keep at work for a little extra protein boost in the morning. You kind of have to pick your battles in terms of convenience.

The basic theory I'm suggesting is the less stuff that comes in a box/packaging, and the more groceries that come in whole form will give you the best bang for your buck in terms of health for you body.

Good luck!

Thank you Yes you said it perfectly about the boxed stuff/packaged stuff. I think we live in a world it is easy to grab and go with that stuff and sometimes is okay. Everything in moderation lol even the boxed.packaged stuff

I'm 48, 49 next week. I'm in the it doesn't matter category.

I have what I want but fit it within my calories... that's not saying I eat crap all the time but if I want a beer I fit it in. I had a slice of pizza for dinner last Friday... it fit in my calories for the day.

For me, this is sustainable - omitting or eating a regime diet just to lose weight is a waste of time. I work out, count calories and the weight is coming off at an appropriate rate.

I am signed up to do a clean eating challenge 8/4 - 9/4 because it ends the day of my daughter's wedding so it's my final hoorah before all the pictures etc.

I generally have a protein shake in the morning (almond milk, a little yogurt, whey protein powder, frozen fruit).

I don't eat a regular lunch b/c I prefer to have several small snacks through out the day - greek yogurt being the biggest snack and having 13 grams of protein stays with me. I'm talking a baby bell cheese, half banana w/a little peanut butter, boiled egg. You get the picture.

I try to keep dinner healthy but normal... I just eat less of it now. No one needs to eat 3 hotdogs but... I used to.

Both breakfasts are fine.
Salt is really only important to the people who are sensitive to it. You might not need to worry about it at all.

Regarding the calorie deficit vs calorie deficit and eating "clean."
Some people are more satisfied / feel better when they are eating whole foods and therefore can stick to their calorie deficit easier than they would otherwise.

Both breakfasts sound good to me. I think you should just eat what makes you feel best.

As for food in general, yes, a calorie deficit is all you need to lose weight. For overall health and well-being, I think it's best to aim for a nutritionally balanced diet. It's less important to worry about arbitrary terms like "clean" and much more important to give your body what it needs through the food you eat, which is exactly why there are threads like "30 Day Ice Cream Cleanse". If you're meeting your body's nutritional requirements, you can totally eat ice cream every day. It's all about balance and moderation.

Signed,
An every-day-dessert-eater and hardcore pizza-lover