Macronutrients
Anchor 1
There are 3 major macronutrients that the body needs in order to function properly: fats, protiens, and carbohydrates. Both proteins and carbs provide 4 calories per gram and fats provide 9 calories per gram. It is a misconception that carbs make you fat. Carbs do not make you fat. Overeating makes you fat. Carbs are not the enemy. They are very important. They provide you with energy, they help with digestion, and help muscle growth. Protein is equally important. It helps wth growth, muslce tissue repair, preserving lean muslce mass, and providing energy when carbs are not available, meaning, if you are not consuming enough carbs as an energy source your body will use proteins, which could lead to less protein being used for muscle repair therefore, LOSING GAINS. You see where I am coming from? CARBS ARE GOOD. You just need the correct amount for your body, which is where I can help. Last, but not least, fat. Fat is important for normal growth and development, absorbing certain vitamins, helping you stay full, and energy as well.
IIFYM, if it fits your macros, is very similar to counting calories, but instead you count macros. Every individual is different. A persons macros is determined by certain information provided by their lifestyle, as well as some bio info. For example, weight, height, and how active they are. When the correct macros are calucated for you, you track them like you do calories. They are located on all foods labels, I personally use myfitnesspal app. The difference between iifym and other diets is that you get to eat things you crave, as long as it fits. Now, that being said, it doesnt mean you can eat crap all day. I tell people to stick to a %80 nutrient dense %20 cravings ratio. It also will depend on hunger levels. If you are extremely hungry you will want to go with a higher volume food rather then low, like rice vs a pop tart. You get more food for your numbers.
Many people do not support IIFYM lifestyle. They believe all we do is eat crap all day, that we don't "believe" in micronutrients, blah, blah, blah, but in reality thats a load of crap. We still eat veggies and nutrient dense food. I have done the research, I have tested it on my body, and I love food so I will always be a supporter of IIFYM!!!
Many clean eaters will have a cheat meal or day once a week. In reality its a binge fest, to some. It can create an extremely bad relationship with food. With IIFYM, you are NOT restricted from ANY foods. There are no "good" and "bad" foods. Many people fail at their nutrition plans, because they feel restricted. NOT ANY MORE.
Macronutrients are not the only thing our body needs to function. Micronutrients are just as important. Micronutrients are things that must come from a well-rounded diet, such as vitamins and minerals. They are important for development, disease prevention, and your all around wellbeing. With that being said, taking a mulit-vitamin is a good source to reach these, as well as making sure to cosume lots of green veggies in your diet, or add in a supplementation for greens, such as cytogreens.
H20 is a very important part of your diet as well! Make sure you are drinking 80-120oz daily !!!