Gaining... Is there any such thing as 'bad' calories?
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CherylT0405 wrote: »In my opinion, there are "empty" calories, such as with cake and cookies, and there are calories that you get from healthy foods. The ones you get from healthy foods are the ones that actually serve a nutritional purpose for your body. I don't think the healthy way to gain weight is to eat a bunch of unhealthy foods. I like to know that what goes in my body is helping me in many ways. So, I would suggest to double up on the more nutrient dense foods such as avacado, cheese, whole milk, nuts, and hummus.
There are no bad foods, just bad diets. Once youve reached your protein, fat, carb and vitamin and mineral requirements, like ndj1979 says, you don't get extra credit.
I'm more concerned that the OP isn't getting some kind of assistance with their illness, be it and ED or a physical one.
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CherylT0405 wrote: »In my opinion, there are "empty" calories, such as with cake and cookies, and there are calories that you get from healthy foods. The ones you get from healthy foods are the ones that actually serve a nutritional purpose for your body. I don't think the healthy way to gain weight is to eat a bunch of unhealthy foods. I like to know that what goes in my body is helping me in many ways. So, I would suggest to double up on the more nutrient dense foods such as avacado, cheese, whole milk, nuts, and hummus.
1 - the foods you labeled as empty have prtein, fats, and carbs in them so not sure how they are empty.
2 - no one is suggesting getting 100% of your diet from cake, cookies, ice cream, etc
3 - good luc, bulking on avocados, cheese, nuts, etc..
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For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
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Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
there are no bad foods...and believing so is going to put you on the path to an unhealthy relationship with food...0 -
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Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
I remember back when I was going through chemo and my appetite was all sorts of screwed up, the doctors had no issue with jellybeans being a notable (but far from solitary or dominating) part of my diet. Sometimes, when there's a medical issue, the priority is simply getting down whatever calories you can.
As long as a food doesn't exacerbate whatever problems you have, you are likely clear to eat whatever you feel like.
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Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
If OP had something, like Crohn's disease, that could account for the loss. When my BF had active Crohn's there was a lot of food that he couldn't eat because of it and he ended up losing a lot of weight.
There are several medical conditions that can unfortunately do that to a body. Not that I'm trying to diagnose it's just a thought.
Good luck OP and I hope that you are able to gain weight!
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I think one thing we forget about is the toxins in the food/calories. It would seem to me if you eat foods with higher toxins then your body will have a harder time dealing with them and in turn harder time loosing fat. I also think that these select toxins will congregate to select areas of the body. I like the term "clean food."0
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AgentRoger wrote: »I think one thing we forget about is the toxins in the food/calories. It would seem to me if you eat foods with higher toxins then your body will have a harder time dealing with them and in turn harder time loosing fat. I also think that these select toxins will congregate to select areas of the body. I like the term "clean food."
Most people should avoid eating heavy metals. So, don't drink your dandruff shampoo or eat rat poison...0 -
AgentRoger wrote: »I think one thing we forget about is the toxins in the food/calories. It would seem to me if you eat foods with higher toxins then your body will have a harder time dealing with them and in turn harder time loosing fat. I also think that these select toxins will congregate to select areas of the body. I like the term "clean food."
Please name said toxins.
Also, this is the GAINING WEIGHT forum.
The OP is severely underweight and is not concerned about loosing fat.0 -
AgentRoger wrote: »I think one thing we forget about is the toxins in the food/calories. It would seem to me if you eat foods with higher toxins then your body will have a harder time dealing with them and in turn harder time loosing fat. I also think that these select toxins will congregate to select areas of the body. I like the term "clean food."
do you even know that you are in the gaining forum? Op wants to GAIN not lose...
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Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
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Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
here is the cliff notes
figure out .5 pound per week gain and eat to that number
set macros to 40% carbs/35% protein/30% fats
get on some kind of structured lifting program so you can add muscle and minimize fat gain
realize that no foods are bad and you can eat what you like in the context of hitting your daily calorie/macro/micro goals...
repeat until you are happy with results
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i had a good friend in high school and college (and was actually friends with her up until a few years ago) who was underweight and would drink things like ensure and similar meal replacement shakes to help gain weight.
as an adult (after a baby) i think she was in the normal weight (i would guess) range.
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Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
Unwell as in intestinal or stomach issues? Care to share what that was? Is there any food you aren't allowed to eat?
I had a bug which attacked my lungs and respiratory system. I thought it was just a bad cold which would go away by itself and put off going to see my GP. By the time I did, it was starting to attack my stomach and kidneys and just made me really unwell with next to not appetite and able to keep very little down. There's no food that I'm not allowed to eat per se, I'm just keen to make sure I'm eating wholesome foods and to achieve some balance.0 -
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Food doesn't just have value based on the nutrients it gives you. Your body actually needs calories as well. If your insistence on eating only "good" foods is giving you a diet that doesn't meet your caloric needs, it's not good for you.0
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Food doesn't just have value based on the nutrients it gives you. Your body actually needs calories as well. If your insistence on eating only "good" foods is giving you a diet that doesn't meet your caloric needs, it's not good for you.
This. Definitely eat whole, nutrient dense foods, but don't exclude other foods that you think might be bad. A good rule of thumb that many people use is 80% nutrient dense and 20% calorie dense. It's not a hard and fast rule. Find what works for you and gets you to your goal.
ETA: there are plenty of nutrient dense food also high in calories such as full fat dairy, nut butyers, and fats. By calorie dense I meant foods that many people on the forums refer to as "junk" like chocolate, ice cream, chips, etc.0 -
I disagree. This eggplant had been very bad and had to be punished. That naughty little nightshade fruit.
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AgentRoger wrote: »I think one thing we forget about is the toxins in the food/calories. It would seem to me if you eat foods with higher toxins then your body will have a harder time dealing with them and in turn harder time loosing fat. I also think that these select toxins will congregate to select areas of the body. I like the term "clean food."
do you even know that you are in the gaining forum? Op wants to GAIN not lose...
That's just the first thing wrong with the post and the most easily correct problem as well. Pseudo-science should have a warning label.0 -
Regaining_life wrote: »Hi guys, I'm no newcomer to this site, but I am new to the forums. I am just looking for some advice really so please don't be rude. I am currently 24 years old, 5 feet tall and weigh 69 pounds. Obviously I am trying to gain a little bit of weight but I am really struggling with the concept of 'bad food' and I don't really know what I should and shouldn't be eating. Should most of my calories be coming from protein and veggies? Is there such a thing as eating too much chocolate or sweets in order to reach my calorie goal? At the moment I'm eating a chocolate bar every single day in order to reach my goal and to me it seems wrong. Shouldn't I really be eating healthy things (I am eating veggies and fruit etc for meals too btw) or does it not matter? Any constructive advice would be much appreciated.
Ok so you want to gain weight and you have calorie goal. Both good things because you have a specific place and plan to get you to there. But I do have a few questions for you.
What do you consider to be bad foods?
What is your calorie goal each day?
Other than the chocolate bar everyday what else exactly are you eating? For example what does one day of meals look like?
The thing is everyone is different and unique so what works for @Wheelhouse15 or @TrailBlazerMN may not work for you @Regaining_life. So I think with this additional information we can give you some advice that is specific to you.
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There is nothing wrong with eating a chocolate bar every day.0
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Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
here is the cliff notes
figure out .5 pound per week gain and eat to that number
set macros to 40% carbs/35% protein/30% fats
get on some kind of structured lifting program so you can add muscle and minimize fat gain
realize that no foods are bad and you can eat what you like in the context of hitting your daily calorie/macro/micro goals...
repeat until you are happy with results
^Nice, informative, and based on her original question, great response.0 -
The only thing I would classify as bad food is trans-fat (partially hydrogenated oils) so avoid them, but everything else is fair game.0
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LITtlerMeCO wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
here is the cliff notes
figure out .5 pound per week gain and eat to that number
set macros to 40% carbs/35% protein/30% fats
get on some kind of structured lifting program so you can add muscle and minimize fat gain
realize that no foods are bad and you can eat what you like in the context of hitting your daily calorie/macro/micro goals...
repeat until you are happy with results
^Nice, informative, and based on her original question, great response.
I have my moments….0 -
ProfessorAbsolut wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »Hi guys, I'm no newcomer to this site, but I am new to the forums. I am just looking for some advice really so please don't be rude. I am currently 24 years old, 5 feet tall and weigh 69 pounds. Obviously I am trying to gain a little bit of weight but I am really struggling with the concept of 'bad food' and I don't really know what I should and shouldn't be eating. Should most of my calories be coming from protein and veggies? Is there such a thing as eating too much chocolate or sweets in order to reach my calorie goal? At the moment I'm eating a chocolate bar every single day in order to reach my goal and to me it seems wrong. Shouldn't I really be eating healthy things (I am eating veggies and fruit etc for meals too btw) or does it not matter? Any constructive advice would be much appreciated.
Ok so you want to gain weight and you have calorie goal. Both good things because you have a specific place and plan to get you to there. But I do have a few questions for you.
What do you consider to be bad foods?
What is your calorie goal each day?
Other than the chocolate bar everyday what else exactly are you eating? For example what does one day of meals look like?
The thing is everyone is different and unique so what works for @Wheelhouse15 or @TrailBlazerMN may not work for you @Regaining_life. So I think with this additional information we can give you some advice that is specific to you.
what is wrong with the chocolate bar everyday if it fits into calorie/micro/macro goal???
I eat a serving of ice cream pretty much every day, I just make sure it fits into my goals...0 -
Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
Unwell as in intestinal or stomach issues? Care to share what that was? Is there any food you aren't allowed to eat?
I had a bug which attacked my lungs and respiratory system. I thought it was just a bad cold which would go away by itself and put off going to see my GP. By the time I did, it was starting to attack my stomach and kidneys and just made me really unwell with next to not appetite and able to keep very little down. There's no food that I'm not allowed to eat per se, I'm just keen to make sure I'm eating wholesome foods and to achieve some balance.
A bug?
Yes. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare if you want the specifics
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Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »
For possible ED issues.Regaining_life wrote: »Regaining_life wrote: »At 69lbs, you're very light even given that you are relatively short. Did you get light by just overall not being hungry, or do you tic ally fear "bad" foods? How do you feel about your relationship with food in general. It may be beneficial to speak to a therapist if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food. .
I was very unwell for a while last year and lost a lot of weight through just not really eating much at all because everything I ate, even if it was just soup, caused digestive distress and stomach ache. The problem is sorted now but I'm still very reluctant to eat certain foods
Are you currently receiving therapy?
No, therapy for what? I don't think I need it, no offence
I don't think that's necessary. Me not feeling comfortable eating 'so-called' bad foods is no different to vegetarians choosing not to eat meat IMO.
I'm talking about you being 5 feet tall and weighing 69 lbs. That, you need help for.
I lost the weight through being physically unwell and not being able to keep food down rather than deliberately starving myself and depriving myself of food. I don't consider that an eating disorder. Now I am well I have no problem with eating or gaining weight, I just want to know the best way to do it.
here is the cliff notes
figure out .5 pound per week gain and eat to that number
set macros to 40% carbs/35% protein/30% fats
get on some kind of structured lifting program so you can add muscle and minimize fat gain
realize that no foods are bad and you can eat what you like in the context of hitting your daily calorie/macro/micro goals...
repeat until you are happy with results
Thanks
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This discussion has been closed.
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