Should i focus on the type of calories?

rileyleigh
rileyleigh Posts: 106 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone!

I have only been doing this for about 2 weeks now. I never considered myself to be overweight at all, but my gut was a little bigger than i wanted it to be. I am 6', 200 pounds, but i would love to be 180.

I have always been a fairly healthy eater and regular exerciser, i just got out of the habit for the past year or so. I am back in the groove now, and have quickly lost about 8 pounds.

I have a question about calories though. I always try to eat under my calorie limit, and even though i am regularly exercising again, i don't allow myself to eat more calories if i burn more. Should i be more focused on the type of calories i am eating, or just on staying under my calorie limit?\

For instance, i do occassionally enjoy a sugary soda beverage, or some other sugary treat. When i do, i limit to portion to stay below my limit. I know ideally i should avoid the sugars, but will it really have a significant impact?

Thanks!

Replies

  • FitnessLover001
    FitnessLover001 Posts: 188 Member
    I would say both, but focus more on the type of calories. I was always told you don't have to eat less, just eat better. And I have stuck to that and eat nothing but healthy foods, however there is nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence. And if your sugary drinks and treats are your indulgences, have at it! And if you are still under your calorie limit while eating your treats, then you should be fine. Weight loss comes from staying in a calorie deficit!
  • Mykaelous
    Mykaelous Posts: 231 Member
    As long as you stay under your limit you will loose weight. I personally stay away from sugary food because I find it unfulfilling and I get hungry quickly after. For example when I used to drink orange juice in the morning I would have 8 oz at 120 calories and have a nice sugar buzz and feel satisfied for only 30 minutes before feeling like I needed to have another drink. I do think it is important to have a diverse range of macro and micro nutrients for general health reasons, but in regards to weight loss it doesn't matter.
  • MississippiMama87
    MississippiMama87 Posts: 204 Member
    For weightloss- just stay under.

    For health-pay attention to what you are putting in your body.

    I eat junk all the time. I just know that I can eat so much MORE FOOD, if I eat healthy and I'm all for MORE FOOD.
  • rileyleigh
    rileyleigh Posts: 106 Member
    So its basically what i thought then. Staying under the calorie limit will result in weightloss, but replacing some sugars with proteins and making healthier choices will result in better overall health.

    Thanks!
  • jmv7117
    jmv7117 Posts: 891 Member
    Hey everyone!

    I have only been doing this for about 2 weeks now. I never considered myself to be overweight at all, but my gut was a little bigger than i wanted it to be. I am 6', 200 pounds, but i would love to be 180.

    I have always been a fairly healthy eater and regular exerciser, i just got out of the habit for the past year or so. I am back in the groove now, and have quickly lost about 8 pounds.

    I have a question about calories though. I always try to eat under my calorie limit, and even though i am regularly exercising again, i don't allow myself to eat more calories if i burn more. Should i be more focused on the type of calories i am eating, or just on staying under my calorie limit?\

    For instance, i do occassionally enjoy a sugary soda beverage, or some other sugary treat. When i do, i limit to portion to stay below my limit. I know ideally i should avoid the sugars, but will it really have a significant impact?

    Thanks!

    There are numerous 'sugar' threads in the forums, none that end well. Searching will give you your answer. In the event this is not a troll, you already eluded to your answer. Whether sugar has a significant impact on your weight loss or your health depends on how your body reacts to sugar.
  • rileyleigh
    rileyleigh Posts: 106 Member
    Not a troll, just have never used the message board before. I thought i knew the answer before i asked the question, but i am no health expert and was curious about what others thought.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    Indulging in something sweet is not going to be detrimental to weight loss if it's within your calorie goal. Do keep in mind, however, that you should stick to a macro balance that is in line with your overall goals. In other words, a cookie is fine, but a diet of nothing but cookies is going to have negative effects.
  • semipossible
    semipossible Posts: 6 Member
    It depends on how they make you feel. A bunch of carbs, particularly "junky" food carbs, will make me feel lethargic but also will make me crave more junk. Even though I can budget Cheetos into my daily calorie goal, I won't feel as good as if I spend those calories on protein.

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