Potentially stupid question.

ElaElaElano

Hi everyone,

I don't know too much about fitness/working out- I eat three meals a day, play football a couple of nights a week and walk wherever I need to go, and my weight is fine (67kg/5ft9), and to be honest I've no burning desire to start weightlifting or anything, but I have a question that I've always been curious about, and thought this would be a good place to find the answer.

When people talk about the golden rule, ie more calories out than in, is that absolutely literal? For example, if I eat 2000 calories that's composed of, just for example, a crossaint, cup of tea, couple of white bread sandwiches, a roast dinner and a fruit salad, but then burn off 2500 through whatever it is I get up to, walking etc., is that still, technically healthy?

I only ask because from skimming through threads, there seems to be an emphasis on steering clear of certain foods at all costs. Personally I eat all that kind of stuff, bread, potatoes, but am considered a healthy weight (BMI is 22) and am happy and comfortable with my body (that wasn't always the case though).

What I'm wondering is, are there long term repercussions, in terms of weight, to eating a supposedly unhealthy diet, or is that 'golden rule' true to its word, insofar as no matter what you eat, you won't gain weight if you're burning more than you consume?

Sorry if this comes across as really stupid, I was toying with asking for a while and just thought, go for it.


Ela

TommyKnocker

Hi Ela

Firstly, the only stupid question is the one left unasked

No expert here, but basing you health on just weight is too simplistic a view IMHO. For optimum health, I believe that it is important to have a good ratio of lean muscle to body fat.

There are recommendations for what a healthy body fat range is for males and females at different ages. It is totally possible to have to fat to lean tissue ratio be skewed, where you are carrying more body fat then the recommended healthy level for you sex/age (considered a skinny fat person ). This can lead to the medical conditions associated with being over weight.

When people talk about the isssues of being over weight, it not the actual weight of the person that is the problem IMHO, but the ratio of fat tissue to lean tissue and where that fat is stored on the body. BMI is only one indicator of health and not the best by a long shot when it comes to active folks.

So while you can maintain a healthy weight by eating processed foods, this might not lead to optimal health, which would be more likely gained by eating what are considered healthy foods and a diet highish in protein, moderate in healthy fats and lowish in low GI carb sources. Being in optimal health is a much bigger picture than just the number on the bathroom scales

Just my 2 cents worth.


Best Regards,

M

Khannie

ElaElaElano wrote: »

When people talk about the golden rule, ie more calories out than in, is that absolutely literal? For example, if I eat 2000 calories that's composed of, just for example, a crossaint, cup of tea, couple of white bread sandwiches, a roast dinner and a fruit salad, but then burn off 2500 through whatever it is I get up to, walking etc., is that still, technically healthy?

Well....yes and no. I mean, a bit of white bread here and there....no problem of course. Big bread fan here (though I just prefer brown, except with an oul' crisp sambo of course. Brown just doesn't cut it there. ). The basic rules still apply though; it's good to eat plenty of fruit and veg, get enough fibre, etc. etc.

ElaElaElano wrote: »

I only ask because from skimming through threads, there seems to be an emphasis on steering clear of certain foods at all costs. Personally I eat all that kind of stuff, bread, potatoes, but am considered a healthy weight (BMI is 22) and am happy and comfortable with my body (that wasn't always the case though).

If you feel good and you're eating spuds then I wouldn't worry in the slightest. There aren't any rules. Only guidelines.

ElaElaElano wrote: »

What I'm wondering is, are there long term repercussions, in terms of weight, to eating a supposedly unhealthy diet, or is that 'golden rule' true to its word, insofar as no matter what you eat, you won't gain weight if you're burning more than you consume?

For weight, calories in is the big one. You can eat crap and be skinny once you don't eat too much (if that's what you're asking). In theory you could eat ONLY crap and still be slim, once you kept the calorie intake low. As B-Builder pointed out though, you'd probably feel (and possibly look) pretty awful.

ElaElaElano wrote: »

Sorry if this comes across as really stupid, I was toying with asking for a while and just thought, go for it.

I'm glad you did.

ElaElaElano

Thanks a million for both of your replies, really helpful. Glad I asked now!