You have most likely heard of flexible dieting, or as its more commonly known, ‘ If It Fits Your Macros’ ( IIFYM).
It’s a touchy subject for a lot of people, especially in today's society where everyone seems to believe they are qualified to give nutritional advice if they are simply in shape. So please read this article with a pinch of salt and know that I am simply giving my explanation and opinion on IIFYM.
I’m not 100% sure when IIFYM was born however, I’m sure it has been around a lot longer than people have been talking about it. It was most likely just called something else for a long time (like eating healthy ) but then burst onto the scene when social media blew up , and a group of influencers were able to create the popular term we know today.
So, what is IIFYM?
IIFYM is designed to suit your lifestyle. It challenges you to get rid of the idea that there a healthy foods and unhealthy foods, as all foods have the same thing in common. They are all made up of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The three macronutrients that can be altered in order to help shape our body. You still have X amount of each macro to hit and as long as you hit them and remain in your calories, it doesn’t matter how you got there.
It’s certainly an attractive proposition. Imagine being able to go out with your family and friends and eat what you like? Fit more alcohol into your diet and completely get rid of the term ‘cheat day ‘and ‘cheat meal’, as there is no such thing as ‘bad food’.
For those of you who haven’t heard of IIFYM before, this might sound like I am selling you the dream right now. Before you get carried away though, let's look at some of the pro’s and cons.
Pros
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A good knowledge tool as it allows you to focus on the three macronutrients and gives you a broad understanding of what macros are in the foods you consume
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Allows flexibility in what you eat
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Can be easier to use when you are looking to gain mass
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May be easier to stick to than other diets
Cons
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It's not a magic diet, the same basic principles still apply. Eat less than your body needs to lose weight and eat more than it needs to gain weight
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There is no emphasis on micronutrients. Although they are talked about less, they are just as, if not more important than macronutrients. Vitamins and minerals should always be accounted for in any diet
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Could potentially damage nutritional knowledge as you are led to believe that there are no good or bad foods and that all are equal
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It doesn’t consider any health conditions some people may have. It's quite high level, but people with kidney problems must watch their sodium intake. Unhealthy food as we know it, usually contains high levels of this mineral
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Its very hard to implement this diet when on a lower amount of calories
The best way to determine if IIFYM is for you is by using it. I have used it and had good results from it, but only when in a surplus. By the time it gets to summer, and I want to lose a few pounds, it’s a lot easier to stick to a regimented diet. Of course, the reason I may have been successful is because I have a high level of knowledge in nutrition and have been tracking my calories and macronutrients for 8 years. Even if you haven’t, it’s a diet worth trying. If you aren’t familiar with tracking, you will be by the end of trying it ( give it at least 12 weeks), and you’ll also have a better knowledge of what macros make up the array of different foods that you’ll be scoffing.
