Can you eat anything you want on a calorie deficit diet?

2 Jun 2026 · 0 min

Watch on YouTube

0:29

In this brief YouTube segment, Eric Roberts addresses whether one can eat any food while maintaining a calorie deficit. He confirms that technically any food can be consumed as long as total calories stay within the target, but advises a practical 80/20 approach: about 80% of daily calories should come from nutrient‑dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while the remaining 20% can be allocated to discretionary items like chocolate, chips, or wine. He illustrates the concept with an 1,800‑calorie daily plan, allocating 1,500 calories to healthy foods and 300 calories to treats, emphasizing flexibility without compromising nutritional quality.

Can you eat anything you want as long as you stay in your calorie goals? Can you? Sure. Should you? You should be eating 80% healthy stuff. Fruits, veggies, lean proteins. 20%, whatever you want. If you're eating 1,800 calories per day, 1,500 calories should come from healthy stuff. 300 calories, whatever you want. Go eat chocolate, eat the chips, drink a glass of wine, like whatever you want. 80/20, 80/20.