Bad vs good calories

For weight loss, it doesn't matter if you maintain the deficit. You are likely gaining weight from increased water weight due to sodium and/or carbs. Remember you have to eat a surplus of 3,500 calories to gain a pound of fat.

For me I eat healthy meals and indulge a little with my snackage. If I want a freaking doughnut and it fits my cals I have one. But....you do need to watch your sugar, sat fat and sodium levels. I have trouble with these three honestly. Maybe just have one treat a day or every other day. Don't limit yourself to just the weekends or you'll pig out (speaking from experience). Yes you'll lose weight but where will that leave your health at? Health is important. Many people would argue against this and say that it doesnt matter what you eat just watch your calories. All in all its up to you really. Whatever floats your boat and doesn't sink it. So to speak.

Julani34 wrote: »

Interesting. Thanks guys. Would never have considered it like that. I have been thinking how counting calories is almost too easy and that i can eat anything with good portion control. However my conscience was convincing me I'm being punished for eating chocolate on a diet. I've only ever done diets that have been restricting. This is a very new concept and strangely freeing.

I know, right? It's been a crazy experience realizing that weight loss really is much more straightforward than the zillions of books and gurus make it out to be. Your body isn't punishing you for eating chocolate! I have found that I always gain 1-2 pounds after eating pizza, even if I'm within my calories and only have a slice or two. It's just my body retaining water, and it's always gone in a few days, so now I enjoy my pizza without fear!

suzannesimmons3 wrote: »

VintageFeline wrote: »

Sunna_W wrote: »

There's good chocolate and bad chocolate. Try to find chocolate that doesn't have soy in it at all and that is lower in sugar. One of my favorite snacks is a piece of Alter Eco brand Organic Dark Chocolate 90% Cocoa Super Blackout with some no sugar added peanut butter and a cup of hot tea... Very filling and satisfying.

The only bad chocolate is stuff you don't enjoy. Or Hershey's, because gross.

At one time I'd say try Cadbury but since the take over its becoming sadly more "candy" than chocolate. Now I'd say lindt.

I don't care, I'm immature and I still giggle when I have their "popping candy" chocolate. I love it.

Sunna_W wrote: »

There's good chocolate and bad chocolate. Try to find chocolate that doesn't have soy in it at all and that is lower in sugar. One of my favorite snacks is a piece of Alter Eco brand Organic Dark Chocolate 90% Cocoa Super Blackout with some no sugar added peanut butter and a cup of hot tea... Very filling and satisfying.

Nope. Might be your preference but there is no good or bad chocolate. Its all about preference and nutrients.

"Good" foods contain micronutrients whereas most junk foods do not. A weekend off shouldn't kill your diet, but overall keep an eye on them because they are required for proper metabolism and metabolism affects weight gain and loss.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/287094-micronutrient-diets-to-lose-weight/

"The lack of micronutrients — or vital, small portions of vitamins and minerals — in your diet has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, according to the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.” Micronutrients are found in nuts, meats, vegetables, fruits, seafood, beer, wine and numerous other dietary sources. Several popular diet plans include healthy micronutrient foods.

The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is perhaps the healthiest diet for weight loss. According to the American Heart Association, there is no single Mediterranean Diet; the 20-plus Mediterranean countries, along with their regions, have diverse diets. However, the basic components of this nutritious diet include a high constitution of micronutrient-rich foods. This diet contains an abundance of olive oil, pasta, fruits, vegetables, whole-wheat breads, potatoes, beans, nuts, fish and poultry as well as wine.

Zone Diet
The Zone Diet, developed through years of study in bio-nutrition by Barry Sears, Ph.D., is a balance of 40 percent healthy carbohydrates, 30 percent proteins and 30 percent fats, according to Vanderbilt University. This diet recommends eating healthy, micronutrient-containing foods from each group, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, fish, chicken, turkey, low-fat dairy products and olive oil. Its main premise is to maintain a balance between healthy carbohydrates and protein to decrease insulin boosts, which Sears claims are responsible for extra body fat.

DASH Diet
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, Diet is not only nutritious and beneficial for high blood pressure but it can also help you lose weight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A study by James A. Blumenthal and others, regarding the effects of the DASH diet on weight loss, was published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine.” Research participants followed the DASH diet at a lower calorie intake and increased their levels of physical activity. The subjects lost weight, in addition to improving their blood pressure, claim investigators. This low-sodium diet suggests eating micronutrient-rich foods with potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fiber such as fruits, vegetables, fat-free or reduced milk products, whole grains, nuts, fish and poultry."

so agree that no food (or calorie) is good or bad. It is all a choice.