Have a great day - eat something healthy.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Do Calories Count?

I've got another problem with the E2 diet - I can't find a single mention of calories in the book. There are all sorts of recipes and a prescribed eating plan, but one size does not fit all. And if weight loss is one of its aims, shouldn't we have an idea of how much we should be eating?

I know for a fact that if I eat as much as my husband - oh, yes I can - it lands differently in and on my body. So I can't eat what Mark does, unless I want to end up in his weight class... not a goal of mine at the moment!

The E2 diet is named after the firehouse where Rip Esselstyn, the author, works. He's a big guy - a former competitive athlete - and he tested this diet on the men in the firehouse (yes, there were some women in various test groups, but there's no mention of how much they ate compared to the men). I'm a pipsqueak compared to these guys - what are we little people supposed to eat?

Since I can't find my answer in the book, I'm using the Livestrong web site's My Plate feature, which allows you to set calorie limits based on your weight loss goals, and then track your daily intake. I love this tool because it breaks out how much protein, fat, carbs, fiber, sugars and sodium you've consumed so you can adjust your eating to get more optimal nutrition.

My caloric goal is around 1200 calories per day - less on the days when I'm not working out. I know that sounds low, but I'm pretty small to begin with and I'm 51 years old so my caloric needs are diminishing (boy, does that suck!). 

I'm the kind of person who needs to set limits for herself - that's what works the best for me. And E2's plant-based diet is fantastic - but I just don't understand how a plan that works for a 200-lb. guy is going to work for a 120-lb. woman. I guess I have to figure this one out on my own.

2 comments:

  1. Ivy: I met Rip at the Chicago premiere of Forks Over Knives on Tuesday night and this question came up. The answer: eat as much as you want. Because all of the foods on E2 are plant strong, there is no need to measure, weigh, portion or count calories. Of course, he does caution that moderation is the key when eating nuts because of their high-fat content, but that's about it. Also, listen to your body: when you're feeling comfortably full - stop. I just bought the book this morning and am heading to Whole Foods tonight to start stocking up on the essentials to get started. Wish me luck!

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  2. Earlier last week, Janet from Chicago had this to say - unfortunately a big gitch with blogspot.com deleted it. But it's worth reading. And to Janet - good luck with E2! Please keep me/us posted on how you're doing!

    "Ivy: I met Rip at the Chicago premiere of Forks Over Knives on Tuesday night and this question came up. The answer: eat as much as you want. Because all of the foods on E2 are plant strong, there is no need to measure, weigh, portion or count calories. Of course, he does caution that moderation is the key when eating nuts because of their high-fat content, but that's about it. Also, listen to your body: when you're feeling comfortably full - stop. I just bought the book this morning and am heading to Whole Foods tonight to start stocking up on the essentials to get started. Wish me luck!"

    ReplyDelete