Are all calories the same?

ItsAsha
ItsAsha Posts: 78
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Ok, I have a question…

Do you think there is a difference in calories? Are all calories the same?

If I eat a cheeseburger that’s 800 calories or I eat grapes (or anything healthy) that amount to 800 calories, is there any difference? As long as I do not go over my daily amount, does it really matter what I eat?

Replies

  • benitocereno
    benitocereno Posts: 101 Member
    For weight-loss it doesn't really matter (see carb vs no-carb diets- the both work, it's all about net calories), but it does matter for body composition and satiety (how hungry you feel). It will also affect things like your cholesterol and general well-being.

    Eating that cheeseburger for 800 calories is going to leave you feeling a lot more full than 800 calories worth of grapes because of the protein, carbs, and fat content. Honestly, the best policy is to eat a balanced diet and to not go extreme in any direction. Try to eat slightly more lean protein than MFP recommends on a daily basis, don't go too carb heavy, and you'll be fine.

    In a way, fat is the easiest to control because it's so calorie dense. There's really no way to go "overboard" on fat if you're watching your caloric intake. Eat too much and you'll be hungry from wasting all those calories :P
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