Is a calorie a calorie?

Spankymonkey79 · July 2012

Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find it.

With fats you have good and bad; those you should avoid and those you should eat.

Is this the same with calories?

The reason I ask is because on occasion I've eaten or drank some stuff that isn't particularly healthy yet despite it being higher than my normal foods when I've imputed it into MFP I've still come under my daily calorie goal. The fat content of it wasn't great either but again still under my daily goal (just). Yet it doesn't seem to have affected my weight loss which, in all honestly, has slowed a bit but I expected that.

I want to lose weight an 95% of the time I stick to my daily calorie limits but on the flip side I'm not a monk and I do want to enjoy life.

Essentially if I occasionally stray into eating "naughty" foods but ensure that even then I don't go over my daily calories limits will weight loss still occur?

tigersword · July 2012

Calories are just calories.

MinnieInMaine · July 2012

Absolutely. I don't eat clean by any stretch of the imagination but I do make mostly health choices and still have pizza, wings or chinese take out about once a week. And I will eat chocolate if the craving strikes, I just don't gorge myself on it like I used to. As you can see by my ticker, I'm still losing. Maybe more slowly than some but I've never felt deprived and the weight continues to come off and I'm way more fit than I've been in years, which is what really matters IMHO.

The other point I'd like to make is sometimes there is a difference between quantity and quality when it comes to filling that calorie goal. I personally don't do well without a good balance of carbs and protein. Too many carbs and not enough protein and I'll get woozy and really hungry. Some folks need to watch their sodium intake because they're more susceptable to water retention if they have too much. Some folks need to watch their fat levels because of health risks. These are little tweaks you'll figure out for yourself as you go along.

rose313 · July 2012

Edit: Answered my own question

CaraColleen · July 2012

The value of a calorie is different for me between healthy foods and "bad" foods. I can eat a ton of fruit and be totally full for the same amount of calories it would have been to eat a slice of pizza (which doesn't leave me feeling full).

Hendrix7 · July 2012

The reason I ask is because on occasion I've eaten or drank some stuff that isn't particularly healthy yet despite it being higher than my normal foods when I've imputed it into MFP I've still come under my daily calorie goal. The fat content of it wasn't great either but again still under my daily goal (just). Yet it doesn't seem to have affected my weight loss which, in all honestly, has slowed a bit but I expected that.

I want to lose weight an 95% of the time I stick to my daily calorie limits but on the flip side I'm not a monk and I do want to enjoy life.

Essentially if I occasionally stray into eating "naughty" foods but ensure that even then I don't go over my daily calories limits will weight loss still occur?

You're approach is spot in.

Eat sensibly the vast majority of the time, and then the odd treat within your macros is fine. Plus it helps keep you sane.

Rae6503 · July 2012

A calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. 1 calorie = 4.18400 Joules

So yes, a calorie IS a calorie.

Wonderob · July 2012

I struggle with understanding this as well. I used to eat 1500 calories of ice cream, Mcdonalds, and gas station food. I logged everything, worked out, and lost no weight. 1500 is under my TDEE and therefore I should have been losing. Now, when I eat 1500 calories of fruit, veggies, and healthy food, I lose the half a pound a week I'm supposed to. Sure, a calorie is a calorie, but foods full of bad fats, sugars, and processed crap did not work for me regardless of how little calories I eat of it.

they are
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

Eat better for nutricional reasons though - not just weight loss

dr3wman · July 2012

A calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. 1 calorie = 4.18400 Joules

So yes, a calorie IS a calorie.

^^This. The reason people see drastic results between "healthy" and "unhealthy" foods is simply their nutritional value. For example Drinking 2000 calories of beer and eating 2000 of quality whole foods has a completley different effect on your body. Your body has certain foods it will process more effeciently then others. Other than that, most people tend to just use calories as a base for setting their macros. Once you have an idea about what your macros should be, you dont even need to worry about calories, and your body will get the nutrition it needs. Having two servings of fruits and vegtables should cover your micronutrient needs

MoreBean13 · July 2012

A calorie is just a calorie, but some calories come packaged with free benefits, like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber etc. (Fiber isn't really a freebie as it has ~2cals/gm of its own, but you get my point.) There's also nutritional benefits from some choices - like choosing Omega 3s or MCFAs instead of artificial trans fats.

In terms of weight loss only, a calorie is a calorie. In terms of nutrition, there's a lot more to it.

lizziebeth1028 · July 2012

Technically yes. But what serves your body better - a twinkie or a carton of greek yogurt??

myfitnessnmhoy · July 2012

A calorie is a calorie, but the effect they can have on your body means they are not all equal.

When I started, I stuck firmly to my calorie goal by taking what I thought was a fairly healthy diet and scaling it back. I was hungry a lot - I thought this was normal. My workout quality diminished - I thought this was normal. Then my weight loss slowed down.

Then I started tracking fats, carbs, and proteins as individual goals, which made me realize that my protein intake was very low, and my carbohydrate intake (and especially sugars from all the lovely healthy fruit!) was ridiculously high.

Cut some sugar, add some protein, a little tweak here, bagel out, oatmeal in, a little tweak there.... and suddenly on the same calories I wasn't hungry, my energy levels came back up, and I was losing weight again.

So, energy-wise, a calorie is a calorie. But to the body, you want a good variety of them with a good load of the right sources and the right vitamins and minerals coming along for the ride for optimal weight loss and optimal health.

EDIT TO ADD:

So, at the end of the day, am I saying you have to eat perfectly to lose weight?

I refer you to my diary, which is public. I assure you, you do NOT have to eat perfectly. You just have to do a good job most of the time and when you allow yourself to NOT do a good job just keep yourself accountable and don't go crazy.

LucieAspirot · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

LeenaRuns · July 2012

In terms of weight loss only, a calorie is a calorie. In terms of nutrition, there's a lot more to it.

This exactly. It depends on your goals. For weight loss, a calorie= a calorie. For optimal health and nutrition, not all calories are created equal.

bulbadoof · July 2012

Yes and no. In terms of long-term weight loss, a calorie is a calorie. In terms of how you feel day-to-day, some calories are better than others.

For example, for breakfast I had about 400 calories of carbs with very little protein or fat. I immediately felt a little nauseous, in half an hour I felt tired and groggy, and in two hours I was ravenous.

For lunch about half an hour ago, I had about 300 calories of fat and protein with very little carbs. I immediately felt full and satisfied, right now I feel full of energy and mentally alert, and in two hours I will still be comfortable, but have room for a snack if I want one.

In the end, I've had 700 calories worth of energy and they will be burned as such. But right here, right now, where I got those calories makes a difference in my day.

MoreBean13 · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

ErinBeth7 · July 2012

OY *face palm*

rachellem86 · July 2012

EDIT: answered my own question!

bulbadoof · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but a cucumber is most definitely not 1,400 calories. It's more along the lines of 50-60 calories.

That number is for 31 cucumbers, not just 1.

dvisser1 · July 2012

A Calorie, strictly in terms of a unit of energy for your body, doesn't matter the source. A Calorie is a Calorie. Eat at a moderate caloric deficit and your body will try to lose weight.

In terms of nutrition and how your body feels in response to the quality of foods supplying the calories is a different matter. You really need balanced nutrition to supply the vitamins, minerals, soluble and insoluble fibers and protein your body needs to function at it's best. Despite the low-carb / no-carb fad (that's my opinion of it), complex carbohydrates are good for your body as well. Everything in moderation!

rachellem86 · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but a cucumber is most definitely not 1,400 calories. It's more along the lines of 50-60 calories.

That number is for 31 cucumbers, not just 1.

Yeah I saw that after I posted, and can't manage to edit my post lol

MoreBean13 · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but a cucumber is most definitely not 1,400 calories. It's more along the lines of 50-60 calories.

Its from the database. and it's 31 cucumbers.

FTR, 31 cucumbers are equal to a little over 9 "original" rice krispie treats.

KaidaKantri · July 2012

The reason I ask is because on occasion I've eaten or drank some stuff that isn't particularly healthy yet despite it being higher than my normal foods when I've imputed it into MFP I've still come under my daily calorie goal. The fat content of it wasn't great either but again still under my daily goal (just). Yet it doesn't seem to have affected my weight loss which, in all honestly, has slowed a bit but I expected that.

I want to lose weight an 95% of the time I stick to my daily calorie limits but on the flip side I'm not a monk and I do want to enjoy life.

Essentially if I occasionally stray into eating "naughty" foods but ensure that even then I don't go over my daily calories limits will weight loss still occur?

You're approach is spot in.

Eat sensibly the vast majority of the time, and then the odd treat within your macros is fine. Plus it helps keep you sane.

The sane part is totally agreeable. When I tried the 1200 cal diet for me, I couldn't stick to it because I kept craving chocolates, and soda, and ice cream. When I upped my calorie limit to 1400 and allowed myself the occasional ice cream (low cal) But was still within my limit, Ive been able to stick with it, and find myself for the most part if I'm not exercising staying closer to 1200 on most days.

rachellem86 · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but a cucumber is most definitely not 1,400 calories. It's more along the lines of 50-60 calories.

Its from the database. and it's 31 cucumbers.

FTR, 31 cucumbers are equal to a little over 9 "original" rice krispie treats.

No need to be rude about it! I saw my error and fixed it accordingly.

babycook · July 2012

There was an article I read yesterday where they did research on that exact question. In the end it urged what we are told, whole grain, fruit and veggies, lean protein is the best. But I don't remember a link and it didn't say how big the study was or how long they followed the people for. So for me the study may as well be useless.

I think you need to eat good calories the majority and have a treat once in a while. This is a lifestyle. Don't deprive yourself. Learn moderation.

sigma54 · July 2012

A calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. 1 calorie = 4.18400 Joules

So yes, a calorie IS a calorie.

True. But in case anyone is converting from calories to joules or vice-versa, it is important to note that the calories we talk about in food and fitness are actually kilocalories. That is to say that 1 food calorie = 1000 'real' calories. I suppose that somewhere along the line the 'kilo' bit got dropped out so now people refer to food and exercise calories that way. You don't need to worry it, though, unless you are doing conversions to different units or trying to do some other calculation that requires the actual energy value.

MoreBean13 · July 2012

Here is an example my nutritionist, Alexe, told about quantity vs quality :
1 rice krispies square = 31 whole cucumbers.
do we agree that after 1 cucumber you would feel as full as the rice krispies without the fat and sugar.

I think that in a longer term it will affect your weight since your body will probably want to keep some of that fat or sugar aside since it's been deprived of it.

Hmmmm, I would check the numbers on that.

Cucumber - With peel, raw, 31 cucumber (8-1/4") 1,400 cal

That's a pretty big rice crispie treat. I think your nutritionist may have been exaggerating, or doesn't actually know their stuff!

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but a cucumber is most definitely not 1,400 calories. It's more along the lines of 50-60 calories.

Its from the database. and it's 31 cucumbers.

FTR, 31 cucumbers are equal to a little over 9 "original" rice krispie treats.

No need to be rude about it! I saw my error and fixed it accordingly.

:noway:

Redheadllena · July 2012

I agree with the replies

Good stuff you guys

jasonheyd · July 2012

This question (much like the "are all sugars the same" question) seems to bring out the religion in people on these forums. ;-)

In any case, there's quite a bit of talk & research out there about whether "a calorie is a calorie is a calorie" when it comes to the way your body handles the calories in question.

Here's some recent stuff...

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/opinion/sunday/what-really-makes-us-fat.html

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/03/156207145/by-any-other-name-is-a-calorie-just-a-calorie

http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/07/05/new-research-on-carbs

Is a calorie a calorie?

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