How much difference does WHAT you eat vs how many calories you eat make?

[abbaroony]

I have just done my first week of 800 calories per day, and whilst I have stuck to the calorie count, what I’ve eaten has NOT followed the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

I know that it would be much healthier to eat this way, but I’m wondering how much difference it makes to weight loss?

If anyone has any insight, I’d really appreciate it!

Calories are the main thing

But at least for some people keeping sugar and refined carbs down and protein up makes a difference.

Thank you.

I’m trying not to weigh myself too frequently, as that can be a bit of a slippery slope for me, so hard to know if it’s working or not!

Will aim to try and eat more healthily during the week at least I think.

Yes, calories are the main thing here, but it also depends on what results do you want to achieve. If you are also doing weight lifting and aim at getting bigger muscles and more toned body, then the amount of protein intake is important, too.

I think calories are the key driver, but a lower carb diet can help me stick to it, as carbs (for me) just seem to drive a desire for more carbs.

I haven’t been no carb, but have mostly cut out refined carbs (apart from a small home made pizza once a week). Previously I was eating loads of crisps, chocolate etc and was always “hungry”. Now my appetite is under better control as I’m not lurching from one piece of junk to the next.

Why are you doing a starvation diet? 800 calories is far too low.

An increase intake of fibre does make a difference, not only to healthy digestion but also heart health/ reduces risks of diabetes and also helps with weight loss.

So a low calorie diet which doesn't have enough fibre can be counter productive and unhealthy.

I don't personally think it makes any difference to the weight loss - a calorie is a calorie is a calorie - it's about the psychological effects and helping you stick with it. A big huge colourful plate loaded with salad and veg is probably going to make you feel psychologically sated. The same calorie amount of crisps scarfed when no-one is looking, maybe not so much.

When I do 5:2, I do find that carbs sate me immediately but then I'm hungry much quicker than I would be if I ate a more protein/veg based meal.