Can we eat anything we want? page

[azhntr]

I am new to PB and this site and my 15 year old daughter has been very interested as well. She asked me this morning "Dad, Does it matter what we eat as long as we do not go over the amount of calories, carbs ans sugars we should have for one day?"

I know the answer is yes but can someone help me with why? She shoots for 1800 calories/day, no more than 150 carbs and 40 to 50 sugars max. She is 15, 5' 4" and weighs 130lbs. She is very athletic, plays on a club and high school softball team but is a typical freshman in high school and how she looks and feels is becoming more important. I appreciate any help! THANK YOU!

[Grumpycakes]

Tell her that macronutrient ratios do not matter as long as she is eating whole, natural foods according to her appetite. So she can have several pieces of fruit if she wants, but things like Quaker chocolate granola bars, not so much.

edit: Probably the less said the better. Teenagers are terrible with this kind of thing as body image and social pressures collide and make things all confusing. Just look how mixed up our own 14 year old "Gadsie" is.

[rockstareddy]

It also the difference between long term health in all aspects and short term weight management which is all teens care about

[jammies]

Nothing is more important the feeding her body all the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Calories matter a whole lot less when you are giving your body all the macro and micro nutrients required. Then her body will naturally tell her to stop eating.

[Gadsie]

Tell her that macronutrient ratios do not matter as long as she is eating whole, natural foods according to her appetite. So she can have several pieces of fruit if she wants, but things like Quaker chocolate granola bars, not so much.

edit: Probably the less said the better. Teenagers are terrible with this kind of thing as body image and social pressures collide and make things all confusing. Just look how mixed up our own 14 year old "Gadsie" is.

If I'm eating too little, then how in the world is 1800 calories enough for this active teenager?
And I don't do all this because I want to look perfect or fit in. All my friends are chubby, I do it because I want to be healthy

[teach2183]

Tell her she can eat whatever she wants as long as it's real food and not processed.

[Alex Good]

If I'm eating too little, then how in the world is 1800 calories enough for this active teenager?
And I don't do all this because I want to look perfect or fit in. All my friends are chubby, I do it because I want to be healthy

Are you a boy? If so, you need more than a girl.

[Knifegill]

No, you should aim very carefully for complete nutrition! What kind of nut job thinks any less?!

[Sandra in BC]

I am new to PB and this site and my 15 year old daughter has been very interested as well. She asked me this morning "Dad, Does it matter what we eat as long as we do not go over the amount of calories, carbs ans sugars we should have for one day?"

Yes it matters WHAT you eat, if you want to eat for optimal health.

Worry less about quantity of calories and carbs and more about quality of food and quality of carbs.

[Gadsie]

Are you a boy? If so, you need more than a girl.

Yeah I'm a boy, I'm also taller, but some people advice double the amount of calories, which I think is a little strange, either 1800 must br too little for her, or 3500-4000 is too much for me. But anyways, I don't count calories anymore