Can you include both in your diet? Of course you can. Finding the right balance is key. If you are tracking your calories daily then you will be aware of over or under eating. If you find you’re including convenient, easy foods, but are struggling to stay on track with calories, or finding you are not hitting your protein goal, then you need to change it.
We hear many people say “but I enjoy these foods”. We are not saying never have them again, but you need to think of your goal and how much you want to achieve it. Sometimes you have to sacrifice things in order to achieve your goal.
Tracking your calories helps you understand what calories actually are.
Think of calories as fuel to make your body function. Your body needs a certain amount, and you get these calories from protein, carbohydrate or fat based foods, all have different functions but are vital to your body.
Lets say its 5pm and you have 700 calories left. Option 1, you go for a meal which will help you hit your protein and calorie goal? Perhaps it comes in at 400 calories and fills you. You then have 300 calories left for later in the day.
Option 2, would be to have that pizza or big bowl of pasta, filling you the same but being 700+ calories, leaving you with no calories for the rest of the day and then feeling hungry right before bed.
Using an app like My Fitness Pal will help you understand where your calories are coming from. In addition to learning more about what foods are high in protein. All of this will help you consume the right amount of calories, and the right type foods.
By all means, if you have calories remaining and have hit your protein goal, there is nothing wrong with having a “treat”, or foods you enjoy! As long as it fits in your calories.
Everything in moderation.