dougtokyo wrote:In the article
https://www.drmcdougall.com/newsletters ... -calories/ it lists multiple reasons why counting calories is not helpful.
But then it goes on to say that using calorie density is helpful.
However calorie density is calculated in calories per pound. So how can it be helpful if calories themselves are not?
Thanks,
doug
Greetings!
Congratulations on your success!
You linked to an article I wrote on calories and have raised some important questions.
However, just realize that the article you linked to is just one article out of almost 2000 I have written since 1988 on this and other related topics. I think sharing a few more with you will help put this in perspective.
A simple google search will show you there are many out there who claim calories don't count (for many different reasons). However, I have worked with many health care professionals over the years who also teach this perspective and as far as I know, most all agree, calories count & weight is a factor of energy balance. Here is a thread on the issue
Math, Obesity & You: Is a Calorie Still a Calorie?
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 22&t=47836And here is an article on "The Secret To Successful Weight Loss: Calories, Fat or Calorie Density?"
https://www.jeffnovick.com/post/the-sec ... ie-densityHere is an article on "A Common Sense Approach To Sound Nutrition" that includes the "Six Old School" Food Groups" which uses those groups as a means of calorie control.
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=29457&p=294838&#p294838However, as you know there are important differences between 500 calories of potatoes, 500 calories of broccoli, 500 calories of almonds and 500 calories of almond oil. So, yes, calories do count as does energy balance, but there are other important known factors that impact how much of something we may consume, or over-consume.
Passive Overconsumption: The Unintended Intake of Excess Calories
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 50#p454384Calories alone only account for the calories. However, calorie density is an excellent surrogate marker for both calories and for many of these other known issues that can impact intake and that is why we prefer it.
Here are examples of ”Foods with similar calorie density, but other qualitative differences, and the effect on overconsumption”
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 22&t=62161It sounds like having successfully lost your weight, you are now trying to find what I call your sweet spot. These 2 links may help
Finding The Sweet Spot: Balancing Calorie Density, Nutrient Density & Satiety
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 22&t=22432Question on the 50-50 plate
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 11&t=62238Here is a collated collection of links and articles on the topic of calorie density. Some may be dead as I am in the process of updating and re-organizing them
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=48609While you are at it...
Here is a link to my FAQ
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 22&t=37233here is a link to my forum
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewforum.php?f=22For an overview perspective that may help, here is a link on Calorie Density: The Studies & It's History
https://www.drmcdougallforums.com/viewt ... 22&t=46303I recommend taking some time to review the links and my forum and if you haven't see it yet, the video linked above.
By following some simple principles (without having to count anything) you will find your sweet spot, and discover which foods and amounts provide the calories to manage your energy balance (gain, lose or maintain), while at the same time keep you satiated without having to go hungry and, at the same time, provide the nutrients you to need to maintain excellent health for life.
In Health
Jeff