Stay under calories vs. Clean Eating

blesdchile
blesdchile Posts: 62
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
One day last week, I completed my diary for the day. I was well under my calories but my sodium intake was 2,000+ calories. I couldn't enjoy the calorie victory because of the sodium debt. On the flip side I had a day that took me over by 25 calories but that day was spent focusing on clean eating. To be honest I felt better about the day I went over 25 calories vs. the day, I went over my sodium intake.

What is your focus?

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Replies

  • debbiestine
    debbiestine Posts: 265 Member
    You can't hit 100% on everything everyday -it's impossible. As long as you don't consistently go over on one thing, don't worry about it. But if you do see a pattern that you always go over, on sodium for example, then look at what you are eating and change it.
    I try to never go over on sugar and carbs but with everything else- protein, fiber, fat, iron, calcium and calories (and I don't track sodium b/c that's never been a problem for me) one of them will most likely be a little over. I don't stress, but then again i'm at my goal and feel comfortable with it. good luck to you
  • kristi5224
    kristi5224 Posts: 98 Member
    If your blood pressure is normal sdioum is not a big issue on its own but can indicate that you are eating alot of proccessed foods.
    My focus is both but "clean eating is more shades of grey than balck and white.
    Clean eating requires a little more time and effort. On days that I work I will eat corn flakes and yoplait lite for breakfast and a Healthy Choice or Kashi frozen entree for lunch. Both are processed with lots of ingredients...esp the corn flakes. These are better than hot dogs or a Mcmeal of some sort but If I had the time I would cook from fresh like I do at home.
    I think spending more time cooking is a satifying experience and I eat less because the food is better.
  • BackTatJIM
    BackTatJIM Posts: 1,140 Member
    I always feel better eating more calories in chicken and fruit than i do eating less calories but pizza and chips
  • xtrordinari
    xtrordinari Posts: 64
    My main focus is making sure that I am eating like I will when I reach my goal weight. I am not trying to be perfect with eating but I do desire to get better nutrition. I have to eat what I like because I can't feel like I am on a diet and the way I make sure that I don't feel that way is to not deprive myself of anything. I also make sure to never go over my calorie limit. And I do track the nutrients because I want to see how well or badly I am eating within that calorie limit. The ideal would be to stay under the calorie limit and eat as clean as possible.
  • SashThompson
    SashThompson Posts: 130 Member
    Bump because I was actually wondering this the other day, I almost don't want to have a protein shake/bar after a workout because they're fairly high in calories and I don't want to go over... I think I'm doing it wrong! Lol!
  • _AllieCat_
    _AllieCat_ Posts: 515 Member
    I focus on both. I try to eat as cleanly as I can within reason because this is something I will continue for the rest of my life. I want to feel this good from eating healthy foods for the rest of my life. I also focus on my calories because I want to keep losing a pound a week until I hit my goals. I'm the same as you, I am happier on days I go over a little but eat well than days I don't yet eat junk.
  • bonia624
    bonia624 Posts: 26
    I try to eat clean and drink plenty of water to flush the sodium
  • kristi5224
    kristi5224 Posts: 98 Member
    Bump because I was actually wondering this the other day, I almost don't want to have a protein shake/bar after a workout because they're fairly high in calories and I don't want to go over... I think I'm doing it wrong! Lol!
    I used to have shakes and bars then i read " In Defense of Food" by Micheal Pollan. i try to eat food, mostly plants. You are right they are packed with calories,
  • BackTatJIM
    BackTatJIM Posts: 1,140 Member
    Bump because I was actually wondering this the other day, I almost don't want to have a protein shake/bar after a workout because they're fairly high in calories and I don't want to go over... I think I'm doing it wrong! Lol!

    my protein powder is only 210 calories for a scoop and a half, I mix it with water for the most part, maybe just look around for a leaner protein drink
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