(cont.) Right now, I'm trying to work my way back into a more healthy lifestyle independent of the BS he spews. I just want to figure it out for myself and find something that works for me. Ironically, mom and I tend to eat considerably better now than we did back then, because we're actually able to cook without being berated or demeaned or have to deal with any sort of a snide comment. But it's slow going and I know my health has deteriorated since I started my little rebellion. My new thing is more veggies, fish/meat/protein, and smaller portions of carbohydrates.
As for the article your mom sent - I think the first thing you need to ask yourself is who wrote the article. Not all science is equal, and some people, especially the kind that tend to get published in popular magazines, can be very wrong. Looking at their credentials is important. Also important is looking at whether or not it makes sense for you. Some people need calorie counting as a way to stay focused and keep track. I know for a fact that for some people it does work and they can attribute keeping track like that to a lot of their weight loss. Calorie counting without taking into account the nutritional value of the foods your eating isn't good either, so I think it can only be used in conjunction with a basic understanding of food groups. For me, calorie counting turns into something more like, "Okay, I didn't have a huge breakfast so I can have chocolate cake for lunch", since I basically end up treating it more like Cap and Trade than a lifestyle.
I call BS on the bit about dieting. Of course, it depends on the diet, But watching what you eat and controlling what you eat is fundamental to being healthy, so I really don't know what point they were trying to make there, and it definitely damages the writer's credibility in my eyes.
My point, I guess, is that weight loss and food are personal things. There's a real science to nutrition, and I think it's important to study it for yourself, take that into account, and come up with the system that works best for you and your situation. If calorie counting works, keep it up. If there's a diet or another way of keeping track of what you eat (that's also healthy), then try that! I really, really know how dismal and frustrating and daunting it can seem.
no subject
As for the article your mom sent - I think the first thing you need to ask yourself is who wrote the article. Not all science is equal, and some people, especially the kind that tend to get published in popular magazines, can be very wrong. Looking at their credentials is important. Also important is looking at whether or not it makes sense for you. Some people need calorie counting as a way to stay focused and keep track. I know for a fact that for some people it does work and they can attribute keeping track like that to a lot of their weight loss. Calorie counting without taking into account the nutritional value of the foods your eating isn't good either, so I think it can only be used in conjunction with a basic understanding of food groups. For me, calorie counting turns into something more like, "Okay, I didn't have a huge breakfast so I can have chocolate cake for lunch", since I basically end up treating it more like Cap and Trade than a lifestyle.
I call BS on the bit about dieting. Of course, it depends on the diet, But watching what you eat and controlling what you eat is fundamental to being healthy, so I really don't know what point they were trying to make there, and it definitely damages the writer's credibility in my eyes.
My point, I guess, is that weight loss and food are personal things. There's a real science to nutrition, and I think it's important to study it for yourself, take that into account, and come up with the system that works best for you and your situation. If calorie counting works, keep it up. If there's a diet or another way of keeping track of what you eat (that's also healthy), then try that! I really, really know how dismal and frustrating and daunting it can seem.