Read the article, 2/3 of it corroborate that it is a calorie in/out balance that determines weight, but is simply more complex than a simple formula. Which we all know. Fiber changes how many calories you actually consume. The type of calorie depends on how much you consume (whole foods vs processed, raw vs cooked) Processed sugars like candy is almost entirely taken in calorie wise, but something like an apple or carrot, have to be converted in the digestive system to be absorbed, thereby reducing the effective calorie input (takes energy to convert).

All that said, you do your best to track, (weigh your own food instead of guessing off the label), and keep your calorie intake below what you spend (again, this is generalized, and won’t be 100% accurate, but should get you close and then you adjust as needed). The problem most people face is they make sweeping changes, and quit their eating habits cold turkey. “I’m never eating candy or ice cream again” <- bad idea unless you’re allergic or something. Forbidding it will increase the craving for it, and then when you eventually succumb to the craving, you feel super guilty and basically give up.

I follow the “add good food” rather than the “reduce what I eat”. If you up your fiber and protein intake, it’s SUPER hard to overeat. Fiber and protein are super satiating, and it lasts a long time. Adding whole foods to what you already eat is a great way to reduce overall consumption.

Btw potatoes and beans are GOATed.