Calorie Density - The Simple Strategy That Helped Me Lose 50 Pounds )and Keep It Off!)
- Susan Hoyle INHC
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Calorie Density: The Simple Strategy That Helped Me Lose 50 Pounds (and Keep It Off)

When I started my weight loss journey, I knew I wasn’t interested in dieting, counting calories, or obsessing over every bite. I wanted to eat real food, feel satisfied, and have a way of eating that I could live with long-term.
That’s when I discovered calorie density—and it changed everything.
For me, this wasn’t a quick fix. This was a lifestyle shift. By embracing calorie density, I lost 50 pounds and have maintained it for over 2 ½ years.
And yes… potatoes were one of my secret weapon.
This is me—50 pounds lighter and thriving. I didn’t diet. I learned how to use calorie density to eat abundant, satisfying meals.
🌱 What Is Calorie Density?
Calorie density is simply the number of calories in a given weight or volume of food. Here’s the key: most of us eat about the same weight of food every day—not the same calories.
So if you fill your plate with low-calorie-dense foods (fruits, veggies, potatoes, beans, grains), you naturally eat fewer calories without eating less food. You stay satisfied and nourished, while your body finds balance.
High-calorie-dense foods (like cheese, oils, fried foods, and sweets) pack a lot of calories into small portions. They don’t leave you full, so it’s easy to overeat without even realizing it.
🌟 Why This Worked for Me
Instead of cutting food out, I shifted what was on my plate. I built my meals around foods that were filling, nutrient-dense, and naturally low in calories per bite.
White potatoes became a foundation—yes, the same potatoes that often get a bad rap. I roasted them, mashed them, and used them as the hearty base for bowls. Paired with beans, veggies, and grains, they became the comfort food that fueled my transformation.
Other staples included:
🥣 Lentil Potato Soup – Warm, hearty, full of fiber and water, and perfect for busy weeks.
🌯 Burrito Bowls with Quinoa + Black Beans – Colorful, protein-packed, and endlessly versatile with roasted veggies and salsa.
🥔 Simple Potato Plates – Roasted potatoes with steamed broccoli, beans, or a fresh side salad.
These meals weren’t complicated—they were delicious, satisfying, and kept me feeling full without ever feeling deprived.
🔑 The Science Made Simple
Three components affect calorie density:
Water 💧 → Foods high in water (like fruits, vegetables, and soups) are naturally low in calorie density.
Fiber 🌾 → Fiber adds bulk and slows digestion, keeping you full longer (think beans, lentils, whole grains).
Fat 🥑 → At 9 calories per gram, fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient. Foods high in fat pack a lot of calories into small portions.
🍇 A Simple Example
1 cup of raisins = about 480 calories.
1 cup of grapes = about 104 calories.
Both are fruit, both are sweet, but the grapes give you far more volume and satisfaction for a fraction of the calories.
That’s calorie density in action.
🥗 How to Build a Plate with Calorie Density in Mind
One of the simplest ways to use this approach is with a plate ratio:
½ Plate: Non-starchy vegetables (salads, broccoli, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
¼ Plate: Starches or whole grains (potatoes, lentils, quinoa, beans)
¼ Plate: Lean protein or healthy fats (beans, tofu, avocado, or small portions of nuts/seeds)
This way, your meals are filling, balanced, and nutrient-rich without being calorie-heavy.
✨ Final Thoughts
Calorie density taught me that weight loss isn’t about restriction—it’s about abundance. It’s about choosing foods that let you eat generously, feel satisfied, and still reach your goals.
I’ve been living this way for over two years now, and I feel better than ever. No dieting, no counting, no deprivation—just simple, colorful, real food.
If potatoes, lentil soup, and burrito bowls can help me lose 50 pounds and keep it off, imagine what they can do for you. 🌱
For my complete story- click this link— https://bit.ly/3FejzBV
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