Is there such thing as good and bad calories?

In general, it's the amount of calories that are important unless you are trying to be competitively athletic or have medical conditions.

However, I seriously doubt you'd last long and stay satisfied on 1200 calories of only chocolate in a day. You might be surprised at the real nutritional content of some of the foods many people consider junk. Most people would do better, I think, if they worked towards a balanced approach instead of vilifying things as off limits while you're trying to lose weight.

It's important how much calories you take daily. When speaking in terms of weight loss, having 1200 from chocolate will do the same "damage" as 1200 calories of some healthy foods. But, there is also some difference. Your body will be able to digest healthier food better than junk food. That means that although you may not lose any weight if you eat 1200 calories through healthier foods, there will be no damage to your overall health. In comparison, eating too much junk food and sugar will start all kinds of different processes in your body that will, in long term, lead to various diseases and weight gain.

There's such a thing as good or bad chocolate (to my taste buds anyway) but not good or bad food. Context as regards your overall diet, any health issues and lifestyle is important.

Please don't assign a false moral compass to food items or units of energy.

Regardless of source digestion breaks down all food into the same elements fir each macro type e.g sucrose from chocolate and fructrose from fruit all end up as glucose. All fats end up as fatty acids and glycrerol etc. The only difference is the additional micro nutrients amd compounds e.g vitamins, minerals, caffine etc.

hawaiifittness wrote: »

I wonder though if eating less healthy foods regularly would help or hender over indulging this is something I have a real problem doing often

If I understand you, then this is what I've found for me. But it's not a universal thing that's true in all cases.

Some people need to abstain fully from trigger foods. I find small, regular amounts to help me with some foods, like chocolate and sweets.

I look at calories differently. Empty cal. And nutritional cal. Lets say I avoid food calories with no calcium which our body may not produce. My body will take it from another reserve sources like our bones and possibly teeth.
We need nutritional calories. So why not make better choices for food and use empty calories as meerly a reward? I can see eating junk food on a regular basis if a person is lazy or can't afford decent nutritional food, but there's so much affordable good food that anyone could do it.

There definitely is difference! Calories are source of energy and where you get them from will determine how quickly you will get to that energy (depending on what food you intake) and where it's been used after it's processed in your body - either it will fuel you fat cells or will be used to grow your muscles. You can loose weight if there is enough caloric deficit whatever you eat but whether you'll be skinny- fat or healthy fit, that'll depend on your nutrition.

hawaiifittness wrote: »

I know if you ate nothing but 1200 calories of chocolate a day you would get pretty darn sick but what is a good balance? Just a serving of say chips or chocolate a day or just here and there?

That depends on the individual. A lot of people strive for an 80/20 split. Some people like to tow the line all week an have a cheat meal all at once. Others (like me) prefer to work in the treats every day.

Here is my approach:

Set MFP up with accurate information and a reasonable goal (1 lb/week if less than 50 lbs to lose)

Eat a variety of nutrient dense foods that I enjoy to fill my day. I don't get hung up on processed vs clean or things like that, I don't restrict any foods or food groups. I eat things like yogurt, salads, sandwiches, fast food, pizza, frozen meals, lean protein, pasta, rice, vegetables. Just... Food.

When I have planned a good balance of food for my day, if there are calories left (and there almost always are), then I have a glass of wine, some chocolate, or a serving of gelato.

I exercise and eat back my calories.

I lost 30 lbs doing this and am currently maintaining fairly simply.


Some people have issues with trigger foods and prefer to eliminate certain things. That's never been a problem for me so I still eat all the same foods I used to eat, in moderation.

hawaiifittness wrote: »

OK so while a calorie is a calorie some are just more better in the long run

A calorie is a calorie from an energy standpoint but different FOOD will provide different nutritional benefits. Sometimes those benefits may just be helping someone keep their sanity by eating a piece of chocolate every day... You can't look at any one food in a vacuum. It's all about how it fits into the context of your overall diet.

I've read that you don't want to do anything to lose weight that you wouldn't want to continue for life. The balanced approach of good nutrition seems best. I like chocolate - if I deny myself any chocolate - then I feel deprived and set myself up for trouble in the future. If I plan on a small portion as part of my daily intake - I'm good. Another thing is creatively satisfying the flavor craving. One thing I do is chocolate malto meal for a meal or snack - I get the flavor and some nutrition.

Mukuma_1 wrote: »

Oh definitely Camilla. There are bad calories and good ones. Sugary and fatty snacks have a long term effect on our bodies including type 2 diabetes. I watched a documentary called " That sugar film " and it makes you think on what type of calories you consume. Nothing wrong with the odd treats but swapping roast chicken for pie and only counting the calories is not healthy. Good luck x

You are completely ignoring the amounts that are being eaten. People can eat sweet or fatty snacks daily and avoid illness. The rest of the diet is important context.

It won't matter to pure weight loss but it would matter for nutrition. But if eating 1200 calories of chocolate works for you short term, go for it! You could probably write a book and make millions. Dr. Oz might even have you on his show, proclaim you miracle worker and you'll get even richer as a result. Good luck on finding your road on this complicated journey!

At least now I have my Sunday dinner planned... Roast chicken and apple pie! Might throw in some root veggies with the chicken, maybe some crusty bread, a light Pinot Noir...

If all you are concerned about is fat loss then calories source makes little difference.

But that is not the same as saying there are not bad and good calorie sources.