quality vs. quantity calories

kimsy

For those of you who eat clean, do you find the whole philosophy of quality over quantity of calories works for you? 

I just started cleaning up my diet, and I feel like I am eating all the time. I eat only when I am hungry and stick to clean snacks, but I'm starving and just eating an unbelievable amount of food. Is this normal? I should add that I am EBFing a 5-week-old.

I haven't weighed since I started cleaning up my diet (I try not to weigh too much since I tend to fixate on scale number). But I worry that if I continue on like this, I will gain instead of lose.

Thanks! 

GRKaters

Have you tried tracking what you're eating? Write it all down (while you're nursing might be a decent time) and log it into a calorie-tracking site. I find on days when I eat super clean, I do eat a lot more frequently and get a more noticeable hunger than on days when I eat cheap carbs and processed stuff.

 

nmlahaie

This is something I have been struggling with as well, and I have indeed gained weight. But, I think you have to choose your priorities. I don't want to focus on my weight or even my body size - I want to be healthy, so if that means I eat when I'm hungry and I gain a few pounds, then whatever. Your body is smart, and it is very unlikely that you'd gain any significant weight eating a super clean diet.

kimsy

Thanks for the replies, ladies. All very good thoughts. I'm starting to track with MFP. I also struggle with not fixating on weight and size, but I think your approach is a good one.