I just got Oxygen Mags nutrition mag. In it, Tosca has an article telling people that counting cals is a waste. She says that as long as its clean food you can just eat and not worry about cals. I disagree with this. I could easily eat well over my mantainance cals on clean foods. I understand that you can't count every little tiny cal but you can do estimates and i think its an important part of losing weight. What are your thoughts?
Tosca's clean eating comment
- Thread starter kariev
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crazystepr
Cathlete
I completely agree with you. I think that is a silly and rather misleading comment. I'm so tired of people claiming ridiculous things like this! Just because you're eating clean doesn't mean you can stuff your face all day long. I'm a big fan of EVERYTHING in moderation.
Allison
Allison
beeg123
Cathlete
I just read this article today and thought the same thing. I totally agree with Allison about everything in moderation, even "clean" foods!! Of course, I am not the one known for moderation when it comes to sweets!!!('
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swayzepetsitting
Cathlete
I think what she means is that if you eat totally clean, you can eat as much as you want. That would mean ONLY veggies, fruits, legumes, and some whole grains. No condiments, no sugar, etc.! It would be very hard to exceed your calorie limit with these foods. However, eating would be pretty dull, in my opinion. I would much rather add some spice to my food and count calories.
kathryn
Cathlete
I think it depends on the individual somewhat, and if you are one that has a tendency to be obese, or overeat in general, or just can't give up the simple carbs, then counting calories helps. But I think that if one is eating truly clean (as in a plant-based diet focusing on veggies and avoiding grains, like Dr. Fuhrman's diet recommendations), then it's not necessary to count calories.
I can't imagine that anyone counted calories previous to the last 80 years or so. Or that Okinawans or other fit and healthy populations around the world count calories.
Unfortunately, there are so many high-calorie foods, and 'pseudo-clean' foods, available in the Western world today, that it's hard to avoid the temptation. I think calorie counting comes into play especially when seeking to include these types of foods in the diet.
This question was asked on this forum before, and there are quite a few here, including myself, who don't count calories. Personally, if I find myself gaining weight (because I'm indulging in too many 'treats') I can get back on track just from my dietary choices, not by counting how many calories are in them.
I can't imagine that anyone counted calories previous to the last 80 years or so. Or that Okinawans or other fit and healthy populations around the world count calories.
Unfortunately, there are so many high-calorie foods, and 'pseudo-clean' foods, available in the Western world today, that it's hard to avoid the temptation. I think calorie counting comes into play especially when seeking to include these types of foods in the diet.
This question was asked on this forum before, and there are quite a few here, including myself, who don't count calories. Personally, if I find myself gaining weight (because I'm indulging in too many 'treats') I can get back on track just from my dietary choices, not by counting how many calories are in them.
I have to agree with Kathryn. I've never ever counted calories (I'm not organized or disciplined enough to do that). When I was being good and eating SUPER CLEAN, I didn't count calories, ate a TON and lost weight. If you are eating only complex carbs, lots of veggies, fruit, and lean protien as well as drinking a lot of water and eating multiple times a day, I wouldn't think calorie counting would be necessary. At least that's been my experience.
teddy16410
Cathlete
I am in total agreement with Kathryn as well.... If in doubt... Eat 100% clean - not additives/procesed anything in food or drink for 30 days... i think some of the opinions would change.
The point Kathryn makes about "counting calories" not being the norm way back when is valid indeed! I have done my share of time consuming logging & counting and can say that NOTHING ever got me in fighting form faster than just plain clean eating & drinking without counting/logging etc...
Calorie consumption is not just about exceeding or limiting in/out- it is about how the human body processes the food- man made preservatives are not processed in the body like natural foods thus cannot be expected to have the same effect.
It is not as simple as calories in / calories out.
Every body (literal) is different and I think individuals should look only to own their own bodies as to what "works" & what doesnt.
:7 Just my personal experience
The point Kathryn makes about "counting calories" not being the norm way back when is valid indeed! I have done my share of time consuming logging & counting and can say that NOTHING ever got me in fighting form faster than just plain clean eating & drinking without counting/logging etc...
Calorie consumption is not just about exceeding or limiting in/out- it is about how the human body processes the food- man made preservatives are not processed in the body like natural foods thus cannot be expected to have the same effect.
It is not as simple as calories in / calories out.
Every body (literal) is different and I think individuals should look only to own their own bodies as to what "works" & what doesnt.
:7 Just my personal experience
lorrayne
Cathlete
Hmmm. I guess it depends on what one is eating. For example, I eat clean and don't count calories (and yes I lose weight). However, my meals are mostly veggies (as much as I can eat drizzled with some flax seed oil) and only 4 ounces or so of a lean protein. I also eat 2 low glycemic fruits per day. I eat 5-6 small meals per day. This works well for me.
Lorrayne
Lorrayne
maddiesmum
Cathlete
Yeah. So, did Tosca actually say it was "OK to stuff your face"?
No. What she's assuming is that as you are eating these clean foods, you are also paying attention to your own body's signals telling you that:
a) you are getting full
b) time to think about stopping eating
c) stop eating, point of fullness reached.
Seriously folks, we all have these internal signals, it's about time more people paid attention to them. Within these parameters, yes it's OK to eat what you want within categories of "clean foods" because if you are chowing down on the number of servings of fruits and veggies that you are supposed to eat, you will get full quite quickly. So, no, Tosca isn't saying "stuff your face," just that you can eat the amount of these clean foods that you want because that feeling of uncomfortable fullness will hit you and stop you eating more. That is, as log as you are listening.
Counting calories is a waste because it is possible to count calories and eat nutritionally useless foods which will not build health and will not fuel your body to workout. Counting calories also sets up resentment and the desire to eat forbidden foods and more foods when you still feel empty and unsatisfied even after eating your calorie allowance for the day when those foods are fat and bad-carbs laden.
People really have to use their common sense.
Clare
No. What she's assuming is that as you are eating these clean foods, you are also paying attention to your own body's signals telling you that:
a) you are getting full
b) time to think about stopping eating
c) stop eating, point of fullness reached.
Seriously folks, we all have these internal signals, it's about time more people paid attention to them. Within these parameters, yes it's OK to eat what you want within categories of "clean foods" because if you are chowing down on the number of servings of fruits and veggies that you are supposed to eat, you will get full quite quickly. So, no, Tosca isn't saying "stuff your face," just that you can eat the amount of these clean foods that you want because that feeling of uncomfortable fullness will hit you and stop you eating more. That is, as log as you are listening.
Counting calories is a waste because it is possible to count calories and eat nutritionally useless foods which will not build health and will not fuel your body to workout. Counting calories also sets up resentment and the desire to eat forbidden foods and more foods when you still feel empty and unsatisfied even after eating your calorie allowance for the day when those foods are fat and bad-carbs laden.
People really have to use their common sense.
Clare
nancy324
Cathlete
I wish! Man, I could sit down every night with a big bag of peanuts in the shell or pistachio nuts and just consume thousands of calories. Or eat half a jar of natural, organic peanut butter. Add some whole grain bread and I'd be a mobile home. Or at least that's what I assume. I've never actually tried it because I'm too scared of the calories.
tneah
Cathlete
Not true. Its basic math really, more calories in than you burn, you gain weight. It is just harder to overeat when eating lots of veggies, fruits and lean proteins I guess.
I don't know, Tosca kinda lost me when she stated a nonfat latte (plain, no sugary stuff added) was considered a "cheat" food. Give me a break. I agree with alot of her stuff, but that made me go "hum". Not that I drink nonfat lattes all day, I don't, but what is wrong with a cup of nonfat milk once in awhile? Unless of course you are lactose intolerant or whatever.
I don't know, Tosca kinda lost me when she stated a nonfat latte (plain, no sugary stuff added) was considered a "cheat" food. Give me a break. I agree with alot of her stuff, but that made me go "hum". Not that I drink nonfat lattes all day, I don't, but what is wrong with a cup of nonfat milk once in awhile? Unless of course you are lactose intolerant or whatever.
gettingstrong
Cathlete
>>>Yeah. So, did Tosca actually say it was "OK to stuff your face"?
No. What she's assuming is that as you are eating these clean foods, you are also paying attention to your own body's signals telling you that:
a) you are getting full
b) time to think about stopping eating
c) stop eating, point of fullness reached.
Seriously folks, we all have these internal signals, it's about time more people paid attention to them. Within these parameters, yes it's OK to eat what you want within categories of "clean foods" because if you are chowing down on the number of servings of fruits and veggies that you are supposed to eat, you will get full quite quickly. So, no, Tosca isn't saying "stuff your face," just that you can eat the amount of these clean foods that you want because that feeling of uncomfortable fullness will hit you and stop you eating more. That is, as log as you are listening<<<
So standing in front of the fridge and eating out of the containers because dh p*ssed you off or because you can't believe you are 41 and 42 is coming around the bend is not part of the plan. Hmm.
No. What she's assuming is that as you are eating these clean foods, you are also paying attention to your own body's signals telling you that:
a) you are getting full
b) time to think about stopping eating
c) stop eating, point of fullness reached.
Seriously folks, we all have these internal signals, it's about time more people paid attention to them. Within these parameters, yes it's OK to eat what you want within categories of "clean foods" because if you are chowing down on the number of servings of fruits and veggies that you are supposed to eat, you will get full quite quickly. So, no, Tosca isn't saying "stuff your face," just that you can eat the amount of these clean foods that you want because that feeling of uncomfortable fullness will hit you and stop you eating more. That is, as log as you are listening<<<
So standing in front of the fridge and eating out of the containers because dh p*ssed you off or because you can't believe you are 41 and 42 is coming around the bend is not part of the plan. Hmm.
I think too that when you truly eat "clean" you'll get fuller faster too - all the bulk that's involved in fruits and veggies will fill you up super fast, which allows you to get fuller faster, and therefore you really won't exceed your caloric limits. (I think that's what the theory is anyway) but I think some of the greatest theories are very simple, but extraordinarily hard to implement.
For example, when my moon is full, I could mug someone for a piece of chocolate....entire fudge cake, etc...you know what I mean. (sigh)
For example, when my moon is full, I could mug someone for a piece of chocolate....entire fudge cake, etc...you know what I mean. (sigh)
I am reading The Skinny by Melissa Clark a food writer and critic. She writes about how she manages to stay a size 2 will eating out constantly for her job and her suggestions are good. She also mentions about forgetting about calories. You can never really calculate how many calories you have consumed unless you travel with a food scale wherever you go. Portion size is her thing. Eating half of what is on your plate etc. and just tossing what you don't want without guilt. She also has some really good recipes--simple but interesting. For example a great tuna salad receipe without mayo. I got this book from the library but I am considering purchasing it for encouragement when I need help in staying the course. I feel that she offers lots of good suggestions for keeping your eating habits healthy and under control.
Hi all,
I think that when people make gross general statements like you don't have to count calories they should be very careful about the audience that they are speaking too. I'm sure there are a wide variety of people who read Tosca from people who have been in control of their food intake for years, to those who want to loose a few pounds and those who are trying desperately to loose a lot of weight.
For those who are savvy about nutrients and committed to clean and healthy eating, then they probably don't need to count calories. To those who have struggled with weight issues I think it could be beneficial for them to count calories, at least for a while, to begin to understand portion size, caloric density, nutritional value etc. Plus, I think you could eat clean and go over your caloric needs for the day; especially if you are trying to loose weight. I also think that it is probably unreasonable to think that many people who have had poor eating habits for years are going to magically be able to eat clean. Without the check of calorie counting it could be prescription for disaster; especially if results and weight loss are the goal.
Tracy
I think that when people make gross general statements like you don't have to count calories they should be very careful about the audience that they are speaking too. I'm sure there are a wide variety of people who read Tosca from people who have been in control of their food intake for years, to those who want to loose a few pounds and those who are trying desperately to loose a lot of weight.
For those who are savvy about nutrients and committed to clean and healthy eating, then they probably don't need to count calories. To those who have struggled with weight issues I think it could be beneficial for them to count calories, at least for a while, to begin to understand portion size, caloric density, nutritional value etc. Plus, I think you could eat clean and go over your caloric needs for the day; especially if you are trying to loose weight. I also think that it is probably unreasonable to think that many people who have had poor eating habits for years are going to magically be able to eat clean. Without the check of calorie counting it could be prescription for disaster; especially if results and weight loss are the goal.
Tracy