IIFYM...What's That?

Being a nutrition student, I have to say I've tried quite a few 'lifestyles' (not saying diet, because I don't cut calories per se).  Paleo, Whole30, clean eating, raw vegan, and now...IIFYM :) I think this is a game changer. The acronym stands for 'if it fits your macros,' and is based off of Dr. Layne Norton's theory that keeping track of your macronutrients can help with weight loss, muscle gain, etc. To many, I sound obsessed, and I'm sorry. I'm not trying to achieve a perfect body by any means, but I'm really striving to get in better shape and find a dietary lifestyle that suits me. I already know that I should be fueling my body with nutrient rich foods such as veggies, fruits, lean protein and some grains. However, when I try to 'clean up' my diet by cutting out those processed foods I love so much (hellooooo donuts and cookies), I find myself binging. So...iifym is now in full force.

From what I have read, there is a common misconception that iifym'ers eat a lot of junk. Not true. The lovely ladies that I have spoken with (there's a great FB group) are trainers, nutritionists, and athletes. They know that you should fill your body with nutrient rich foods, buttttt....if you have hit your macros for the day (protein, carbs and fat) and you still have some left, it is perfectly acceptable to allow yourself a treat of a cookie, ice cream or whatever, as long as it fits your macros. For instance, last night after dinner I still had 10g fat, 20g protein and 8g carbs left, so I allowed myself Greek yogurt with stevia and peanut butter to fill my macros. And I have to say, for once I didn't go overboard and I felt I had satisfied my horrible sweet tooth.

IIFYM is not just for bodybuilders. It works for people with eating disorders (if you've been eating too little, or binge on foods because of limitations, etc), those that are trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle, and more. Although it's pretty simple to follow, it does require a bit of dedication. First you need to figure out your calories/macros at iifym.com, then you need to start measuring your food and logging it into myfitnesspal so that you can keep track. Your goal each day is to be +/- 5g of each macro AND be on point with your micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc).

I will give this lifestyle a go for a while and get back to you all. I'd be happy to answer questions or send along some great websites with more information. For now, it's time to grill some steak and veggies, eat a salad, and if all goes well...a cookie ;)