Calorie deficit question

quintalnick · June 2017

So I get that the whole point of this app (for weight loss purposes) is to be in a calorie deficit. Which from my understand is simply consuming less calories than you burn which would equal weight loss. If this is the case, can you technically eat anything you want but as long as you are in a deficit you'll lose weight? Why worry about fats and carbs etc if it's as simple as staying in a deficit? Shed some light for me please!

JeromeBarry1 · June 2017

You can technically, literally, implicitly, and even metaphorically eat anything you want as long as you stay in a calorie deficit for a longish time. The fact of weight loss from a sustained calorie deficit might wait around a few weeks before appearing on your scale, but it will appear.

Some people find that choosing to include more of or exclude some of the various macros helps their individual effort to remain comfortable in a calorie deficit. Some like more protein. Some like more carbs. Some like more fat. I think I'm one of those. I tend to not get particularly happy with this weight loss thing on high carb days, but on high fat and protein days, it's something that feels pretty good to me. Everybody is a little bit different in that respect.

malibu927 · June 2017

Yes, you can technically eat anything you want within your deficit. But nutrition is still important to your body.

A lot of people, when we say that first sentence, assume we're endorsing eating nothing but pizza, cookies, ice cream, and soda all day every day. That's not the case. Focus on getting nutrient-dense foods in, especially ones that help you hit your fat/protein/fiber goals, but don't deprive yourself of a treat if you can work it in.

Christine_72 · June 2017

Calories are all that matter for weight loss. Howeeeever, good nutrition is important too for health reasons. Adequate amounts of protein/fat and fibre are important for me to keep me happy and satisfied. I also make sure i watch my micros, vit A/C, iron etc.

When i first started here i only paid attention to calories eating whatever i wanted. Once i got the hang of that i started paying attention and tweaking my macros/micros to suit.

So, my long winded answer is yes, to lose weight you can eat whatever you want as long as you stay in your calorie limit.

edlanglais · June 2017

The short answer is yes. However, to me at least, its retraining the body. If it's family pizza night, I won't deprive myself. But to remain in a deficit, I'll eat 3 slices rather than go all out like I did before. On "normal days," I eat small meals and light snacks throughout the day that are low calorie yet high in protein and or fiber. That satiates me better. I would have a very difficult time with portion sizes of pizza and cheeseburgers within my deficit that would satiate me.

Sheisinlove109 · June 2017

Deficit will lose the weight, however, I find it impossible to keep in my calorie count and be not extremely hungry without the good stuff. They fuel my workouts, keep my skin happy and my tummy happy.

Seffell · June 2017

quintalnick wrote: »

So I get that the whole point of this app (for weight loss purposes) is to be in a calorie deficit. Which from my understand is simply consuming less calories than you burn which would equal weight loss. If this is the case, can you technically eat anything you want but as long as you are in a deficit you'll lose weight? Why worry about fats and carbs etc if it's as simple as staying in a deficit? Shed some light for me please!

You shouldn't worry if you think you have a somewhat ballanced diet. The main point is to monitor them and assure that you get sufficient fats and proteins for your organism to function properly.

udebear · June 2017

The drama with eating crappy food is that its high in calories but low in substance, so if you eat 4 cookies for breakfast and hit your calorie limit then you will be very hungry for the rest of the day and lacking in vitamins and minerals.

Calorie deficit question

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