Worried about WHAT im eating

Fran_10_8_2014
Fran_10_8_2014 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
Ok guys i need an answer on this question which for some reason is starting to bug me!! We are all set with a certain amount of caloties that we are allowed to eat for the day. If we choose or want to eat more then we have to earn it by exercising to burn off calories. Ok im fine with this! But what is starting to get to me is WHAT types of foods are we ok to eat? I like to eat alot of the Alpen bars which contain chocolate but are on 70 calories a bar. I also like the muller desserts which are about 210. Some of these also contain chocolate. I also enjoy toast on occasions and maybe a packet of crisps now and again i fee at lunchtime! Now then even though i have the calories there to eat these foods i feel so guilty! I genuinly do not like much fruit apart from watermelon so its a no go go for me to eat any fruit! Should i be feeling so guilty eating these foods on a day to day basis even though i have the calories? Or should i be thinking that its ok providing i dont go over my goal? I know it sounds daft but id like to know what some people think on this. Thank you :-)

Replies

  • EvanKeel
    EvanKeel Posts: 1,903 Member
    I try not to associate guilt with food choice, ever. It's just a matter of what the consequence is going to be and if I'm fine with that consequence.

    In your case, it doesn't sound as if there's going to be much of a impact on your weight loss. Calories are what they are. If, on the other hand, you're concerned about your overall health, then pay more attention to the nutrients (macro and micro) that you're taking in.

    I haven't looked at your diary, so I can't speak to that, but people will generally recommend an 80/20 rule where 80% of your calories come from whole, nutrient-dense, sources with 20% being left for "treats."
  • wkwebby
    wkwebby Posts: 807 Member
    Living off of energy or meal replacement bars are probably not the most healthy thing to do. I'd suggest that you experiment with veggies if fruit isn't your thing. Watermelon is a great fruit, so have that if you like it!

    Also, what is your whole goal with this journey? Ultimately, the end result is up to you. The vitamins you are lacking will eventually affect you, but not for a while. However, your energy levels may suffer and other things may start to change without the appropriate nutrients in a fairly short amount of time (i.e. brittle nails, dull hair, etc.). It is still objective...if you want to lose weight first and foremost with foods you like to eat, who is to say you are wrong?

    Please think of the whole picture though. I love my carbs, but started getting that protein goal in line while meeting my calories (which turned out easier without as much carbs in diet) helped me to lose a little quickly. I'm good with that, but it was healthier for me anyway. Good luck!
  • michikade
    michikade Posts: 313 Member
    You can think of it like this:

    "When I reach my goal, do I want to be able to have (*chips, candies, cakes, whatever*) every so often guilt free?"

    If not, then don't worry about it. If so, then I am of the opinion that you should be able to eat whatever that "guilty" food is even during your journey every so often (if calories allow and you've reached your other nutritional goals) so you can learn moderation correctly. I mean, if you want to get to X weight and then be able to eat those foods only after then, then what you're on is a "diet" and not a lifestyle change, and being able to maintain a certain weight after a "diet" is statistically much harder to do because you haven't learned how to manage moderate portions of this or that. I'm sure most people here don't want to be on a "diet" for the rest of their lives.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Never feel guilty about food. As long as you are hitting your macros and micros, eat what you like.
  • sydsquidlee
    sydsquidlee Posts: 51 Member
    I try not to associate guilt with food choice, ever. It's just a matter of what the consequence is going to be and if I'm fine with that consequence.

    In your case, it doesn't sound as if there's going to be much of a impact on your weight loss. Calories are what they are. If, on the other hand, you're concerned about your overall health, then pay more attention to the nutrients (macro and micro) that you're taking in.

    I haven't looked at your diary, so I can't speak to that, but people will generally recommend an 80/20 rule where 80% of your calories come from whole, nutrient-dense, sources with 20% being left for "treats."

    Thats some awesome advice. I live by a 90/10 diet, and a 80/20 diet for my kids. Its ok to have those foods. I like MFP because it also track proteins, sugars, and sodium. If you aren't eating a ton of sugar that you are doing just fine.

    Now this is my advice, try new foods aka fruits and see what you like. There is no harm in trying new things, if you don't like them than better luck next time. I found with my husband that he didn't like somethings because the first time he tried them. I new preparation or even just giving something a second chance can work.

    Dont get to down about what you are eating, you are at trying and thats really what counts.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    There isn't any need to feel guilty for eating food. The goal is to eat to lose weight while meeting your macros, properly fueling your workouts and leaving some calories for snacks and booze. Try logging your foods for a few days or a week ahead of time. This will allow you time to play around with hitting your macros and allocating calories for the snacks you enjoy. Work it in and screw the guilt!

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