Do you eat whatever you want?

24

Replies

  • DoubleUbea
    DoubleUbea Posts: 1,115 Member
    edited July 2018
    I watch what I eat and carefully select my food. If I ate what I wanted to eat I would eat all my calories for the day at breakfast.

    I enjoy what I eat, but I am more careful about it.
  • fr33sia12
    fr33sia12 Posts: 1,258 Member
    I don't eat whatever I want in the sense that right now I fancy fish n chips but if I have them I'll go over my calories and eating a smaller portion to fit into my calories just wouldn't fill me. But I do enjoy what I eat. Just don't be persuaded into eating what others eat or feel like you can eat certain things because everyone else does.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I eat foods that I like in portion sizes that fit my goals. Sometimes if I'm really craving something that's calorie dense I have to choose between finding a way to make it fit or skipping it in favor of something else. So in that sense I'm not exactly eating everything I want. But I can make quite a lot of the foods I like fit into my calorie and nutrition needs for the day, so it mostly works out.

    I don't focus on carbs at all. I do focus on making sure I hit my protein and fat minimums, which tends to keep my carbs a little lower. I just personally prefer to focus on the good things I want to get into my diet (veggies, fiber, protein, etc) instead of focusing on things I feel I should take out.
  • JetJaguar
    JetJaguar Posts: 801 Member
    I pretty much eat whatever I want as long as it fits in my calories. Like others, the only macro I really pay attention to is protein. Personally I find a higher protein diet to be more satiating, and making sure I hit my target helps keep hunger away. Everyone's different though, so YMMV.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    I don't watch my carbs at all, but I do watch my protein because I would severely undereat it if I didn't. Other than that, pretty much yes, whatever I want. There are times when I need to postpone what I want if I don't have the calories for it, and there are times when I decide to have what I want from a smaller pool of foods if I'm hungry because I know some things are more filling for me than others. There are also times when what I think I want is not worth the calories and I end up wanting something else. So basically, it's more of an informed and aware "what I want", not a purely impulse driven one.
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    prettyhappyrunning wrote: »
    Just getting started and wondered if people eat what they want as long as they stay within calories? Or do you really watch your carbs?

    I stay under a certain amount for calories, sugar and carbs, but meet or go above for protein.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    I focus on calories first, then I make sure I eat enough protein. If I'm in deficit I don't care about anything else, but I generally eat a lot of carbs. If I'm in surplus and muscle building I make sure I get enough carbs to support this.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    edited July 2018
    I do not exclude any foods. But, in order to meet my calorie goal and not be exceedingly hungry, I need to eat primarily nutrient dense, high volume, lower calorie foods. I fit in the “whatever I want” foods when they fit my calories.

    As for carbs, I focus on making sure I get enough. I don’t feel my best, I get hungry and grumpy and my workouts suffer if my carbs are on the low side. That’s what works for me.
  • ceiswyn
    ceiswyn Posts: 2,256 Member
    I make sure I hit the absolute minimum on protein and get at least five-a-day of fruit and veg. And then I fill up the rest with whatever I fancy, which is usually chocolate :)
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    Technically, you can eat anything you like.
    Practically, you should avoid things that you cannot control yourself from overeating.
    Pragmatically, you should be willing to do all that's necessary to remain in a moderate calorie deficit while you are attempting to lose weight.
  • Nursie863
    Nursie863 Posts: 55 Member
    I eat whatever I want right now, as long as I'm within calories, but my goal is to phase in the most nutritionally dense foods that I can. Baby steps!
  • trecey2
    trecey2 Posts: 6 Member
    I'm returning to MFP after some time away and some pounds gained. I'm open to any new accountability partners(friends) along the way. Please feel free to request me as a friend and I will do the same. Good Luck to all and we can do this!
  • born_of_fire74
    born_of_fire74 Posts: 776 Member
    Like most others who have replied, I strive to meet my protein target and then pretty much eat whatever else I have the calories remaining for. It usually takes most all of my calories to get my protein in but, on a good day, I have room for a chocolate bar or cookie or some kind of treat like that.
  • prettyhappyrunning
    prettyhappyrunning Posts: 16 Member
    Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate it so much! 😊
  • lolly2414
    lolly2414 Posts: 186 Member
    I mostly eat what I want within my calorie goal. I have made an effort to eat more fruits, veggies, and lean meats, and cut back on a lot of "junk" food. I still drink a couple sodas per week though and I usually have a piece of dark chocolate with sea salt caramel every night (unless I'm too close to my calorie limit). I still eat fast food or pizza one night per week. I've lost 20 lbs in 2.5 months so far.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    I try to hit my protein and iron and let the rest fall where it falls within my calories.
  • MixedbarbieMOM1991
    MixedbarbieMOM1991 Posts: 43 Member
    Pretty much I just make sure I hit my protein goal I find I stay Fuller when I do.
    But I've cut alot of junk food out.
    I ll give in once a week.
  • googtoyou
    googtoyou Posts: 14 Member
    If it’s within my calorie goal, I eat it. I allow for special occasions where I know I’ll eat beyond my allowance, but they are rarities. I have a sweet tooth, so if I’m going to have dessert I just budget it in.
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    I eat whatever I want, but I aim for a minimum on protein and fats.

    I definitely don't eat whatever I want. I stay within calories, meet a certain amount of protein, and do my best to stay under for carbs and sugar.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    Absolutely! Easiest diet to turn into a lifestyle for long term success. I eat food I live, just in moderation to keep myself in a calorie deficit.
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Pretty much, yes.

    I follow IIFYM so I choose to eat what I fancy eating, and I just adjust as necessary (portion or ingredients) to fit reasonably around my calories and macros. Although tbh most of the macros is just making sure I hit my minimum protein goal.

    Sometimes if my calories are particularly high that day but I want a dinner that's also higher calorie, I'll save it for another day when it fits in better. I don't tell myself I can't have stuff at all that I want though, it's just about fitting it into your goals.
  • William54321
    William54321 Posts: 652 Member
    Always vary and enjoy eating. Cals in and out is what counts
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