What do "good" calories do for you that "okay/bad" calories don't for your figure?

[LinusVanPelt]

This is a serious question.

Aside from health benefits, what bodybuilding benefits (if any) do I receive from doing the following if I'm getting the same amount of calories at the end of the day:

Wheat bread instead of White Bread
Oatmeal instead of plain cereal
Egg Whites instead of Eggs

Etc.

In terms of bodybuilidng, what benefits am I getting by having these foods that are better?

[phal]

Arguably they're both fine, but in terms of what you'd consider 'better' (I hate that word, same with clean) you'd get more volume/satiety and they generally don't have their nutrients stripped (bread, rice).

Then again I don't know too much about nitrates and everything in and not in processed/unprocessed food. I'm sure someone else will chip in with way more useful information on this, granted I'm sure a quick use of the search function might do the same.

[SuffolkPunch]

Originally Posted by LinusVanPelt

This is a serious question.

Aside from health benefits, what bodybuilding benefits (if any) do I receive from doing the following if I'm getting the same amount of calories at the end of the day:

Wheat bread instead of White Bread
Oatmeal instead of plain cereal
Egg Whites instead of Eggs

Etc.

In terms of bodybuilidng, what benefits am I getting by having these foods that are better?

I eat whole eggs but I would probably have wholegrain bread instead of white purely because it has more protein and fills me up more effectively.

So fibre and protein content are important. Apart from that, a calorie is a calorie.

Speed of digestion is definately a factor in appetite control for me at least. Meal sizes is even more significant in controlling blood sugar - but only on a cut

[Nocturnal310]

and what about rice?

most people say avoid rice and go for wheat bread ?

[MBO234]

Originally Posted by SuffolkPunch

I eat whole eggs but I would probably have wholegrain bread instead of white purely because it has more protein and fills me up more effectively.

So fibre and protein content are important. Apart from that, a calorie is a calorie.

Speed of digestion is definately a factor in appetite control for me at least. Meal sizes is even more significant in controlling blood sugar - but only on a cut

Saying all calories are equal is debatable. Many nutritionists say it's true, many say it is false. I'm still unsure but tend to lean towards not all calories being equal.

If you truly believe they are equal you have to look at both extremes, while seeming crazy. Will you have the same physique is you eat a 2500 calorie balanced diet of lean meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oats, WW bread, etc. as eating a 2500 calorie diet of pop tarts, frozen pizzas, twinkies, and hot dogs? (workout being the constant in both).

I say no. Just for starters, the second diet will put your bodys pH level into a very acidic state which makes it much more difficult to both burn fat and put on lean muscle. But, there are others who are much more knowledgeable who argue the opposite, so you have to pick a side. At the least, the first is unquestionably healthier and will have you feeling more energetic IMO, giving you better workouts.

[in10city]

Originally Posted by LinusVanPelt

This is a serious question.

Aside from health benefits, what bodybuilding benefits (if any) do I receive from doing the following if I'm getting the same amount of calories at the end of the day:

Wheat bread instead of White Bread
Oatmeal instead of plain cereal
Egg Whites instead of Eggs

Etc.

In terms of bodybuilidng, what benefits am I getting by having these foods that are better?

Wheat vs. White = Small micronutrient differences that are easily covered with a varied diet and digestion parameter differences at lessened when consumed in mixed meal.

Oatmeal vs. cereal = chances are the cereal has more nutritional value than the oatmeal since it's probably fortified. It's not irreplaceable.

Egg white vs. Egg = You're missing out on fat an various other nutrients but again it's not irreplaceable if you try.

[tdis]

What's most important to watch out for is the amount of calories from fat in the food.

[LinusVanPelt]

Thanks for the contributions so far...but to this point, I've seen nothing helpful.

I mean, why eat wheat bread when white bread tastes better then?
Why eat a great breakfast when I can get the same amount of calories in 3 bowls of County Chocula or Cookie Crisp that are going to taste that much better?

You see all of these people talking about eating great...but are they wasting their time when they could be eating something simpler that tastes better?

Like I said, I understand the concept long-term: A bowl of corn pops is not going to be as good for you as a bowl of oatmeal. I just don't understand how if "a calorie is a calorie" that it would affect your figure.

[FitnessGuy1991]

Originally Posted by LinusVanPelt

Thanks for the contributions so far...but to this point, I've seen nothing helpful.

I mean, why eat wheat bread when white bread tastes better then?
Why eat a great breakfast when I can get the same amount of calories in 3 bowls of County Chocula or Cookie Crisp that are going to taste that much better?

You see all of these people talking about eating great...but are they wasting their time when they could be eating something simpler that tastes better?

Like I said, I understand the concept long-term: A bowl of corn pops is not going to be as good for you as a bowl of oatmeal. I just don't understand how if "a calorie is a calorie" that it would affect your figure.

I think its the "empty calorie" idea. Yes, Corn pops is the same amount of calories as oatmeal, but oatmeal will keep you fuller for longer. Same with whole grains.

[rhizome]

Originally Posted by LinusVanPelt

Thanks for the contributions so far...but to this point, I've seen nothing helpful.

I mean, why eat wheat bread when white bread tastes better then?
Why eat a great breakfast when I can get the same amount of calories in 3 bowls of County Chocula or Cookie Crisp that are going to taste that much better?

You see all of these people talking about eating great...but are they wasting their time when they could be eating something simpler that tastes better?

Like I said, I understand the concept long-term: A bowl of corn pops is not going to be as good for you as a bowl of oatmeal. I just don't understand how if "a calorie is a calorie" that it would affect your figure.

The answers are spot on pinhead. Your question is retarded. SEARCH DIRTY VS. CLEAN HAS BEEN BEATEN TO DEATH!

And your choices aren't WILDLY DIFFERENT! Eggs vs egg white? WTF? Are you dumb?

[LinusVanPelt]

Originally Posted by rhizome

The answers are spot on pinhead. Your question is retarded. SEARCH DIRTY VS. CLEAN HAS BEEN BEATEN TO DEATH!

And your choices aren't WILDLY DIFFERENT! Eggs vs egg white? WTF? Are you dumb?

34 on this forum? You serious?

Also, Egg vs Egg Whites are different. Wait you know what since they aren't, never eat egg whites again, only the egg with yolk in it, okay?

[rhizome]

Originally Posted by LinusVanPelt

34 on this forum? You serious?

Also, Egg vs Egg Whites are different. Wait you know what since they aren't, never eat egg whites again, only the egg with yolk in it, okay?

You're clueless to associate

Whole egg = bad and egg white = good

Why does it have to be this or that???? Are you that simple minded??? Why not include both???? All you see is black and white. You lack critical thinking and moderation skillz.

Just sayin'. The truth hurts but it needs to be said.