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The growing popularity of the IIFYM diet has brought it a wide group of supporters, as well as a large group of ardent opponents. If you have never come across this term, this is your chance to catch up on the diet world and familiarize yourself with a model of nutrition based on the principle of flexibility. Sounds good? Then it's time to take a closer look at the IIFYM diet!
IIFYM – what does that even mean?
These five seemingly meaningless letters are an acronym for the words "if it fits your macros", which roughly translates to: if a meal fits your macro balance, then you can eat it. The most important thing is to provide the body with the right amount of protein, fats and carbohydrates, with a specific daily calorie limit.
The IIFYM diet allows for a lot of freedom in terms of product selection, but this is where things get tricky. Many people misinterpret the flexibility of this nutritional system and completely stop paying attention to the quality and nutritional value of meals. Big mistake!
In the original assumptions of the diet, the overriding principle was freedom in the selection of products, but within the range of macro values, taking into account ingredients that fit within several criteria such as: low degree of processing, high nutritional value or lack of artificial flavor enhancers. Over the years, the IIFYM system has evolved into the popular 80/20 method, which means 80% of high-quality products and 20% of so-called recreational meals. With a rational approach to the subject, this system can be effective.
Rotation – the end of nutritional boredom!
A common problem with all diets is monotony, which quickly kills the enthusiasm and motivation to stick to specific dietary rules. In the case of IIFYM, this aspect is no longer a problem, because we can constantly rotate products, allowing ourselves small pleasures that fit into the adopted macro assumptions.
Another important element that suits a large part of people is the lack of an imposed number of meals during the day. As you know, for one person five small meals a day is an ideal option, for someone else three meals a day is the maximum allowable amount. IIFYM allows for complete freedom in this regard. Using this method, it is convenient to use applications that count the calorific value of meals and the content of macronutrients. This allows you to control the accepted limits that allow you to lose unnecessary kilograms.
Who will like the IIFYM diet and who shouldn't try it?
A nutritional system based on a large dose of freedom will work well for people who can't stand monotony and can effectively dose themselves with pleasure. If you can give up a bar of chocolate after eating 1-2 cubes, the IIFYM method may work for you. However, if you are one of those people who can't stop at one cookie, a more sensible strategy would be to completely give up this type of product and not test your willpower every day.
The undoubted advantage of IIFYM is the fact that it is not you who adjusts to the diet, but the diet adjusts to you. It is worth remembering, however, that solutions such as IIFYM may fail with long-term use, because there is a risk of not providing the body with all the necessary nutrients.
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