re: So protein has 4 calories per Gram...

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The idea that you can just eat anything that's on some healthy approved list and not eat in excess of your maintenance calories is beyond stupid

You absolutely do need to control portions and account for macros

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Again, you're looking at this on a micro level. I'm talking about macro. No pun intended.

And from a macro level, the average american (and 5'5'" 240 lb OP) does not need portion or macro control. They switch their diet to 100% "healthy", they will lose weight. Period.

Now, after the initial weight loss period and once they've rebaselined a healthier maintenance caloric intake will they need to track macros better to continue making progress? Yes. But at that point they are out of the category of "average american" and into the fun and exciting category of "health conscious american". These are two very different people.

On a micro level you are 100% right. Everyone should be macro-conscious and strive to optimize their diet for their goals. Being macro-conscious is more effective than eating however much you want of whatever (healthy) food you want, 100% of the time. However, your claim that simply switching to 100% healthy foods and ignoring your intake is "the worst advice ever" is 100% wrong. It would be good and effective advice for probably 80+% of the country at least.

I apologize for not citing a peer reviewed article to back up this knowledge.