Why I choose clean eating over iifym

In the world of fitness there's a ton of different ways to eat, train, think, and look I always say do what works best for you and that you can stick with.

My decision to do clean eating over if it fits your macro eating was pretty simple:

1. I didn't know about iifym at the time I began my journey

2. When I found out about it it just didn't sit well with me

I can grasp the concept simply that our body really doesn't know the difference between an apple and an Oreo in the grand scheme of things but I couldn't grasp the idea of filling my body with crappy, man made, chemically produced food.

Of course I love me some Oreos and would way rather munch on those than an apple but I know my body and I know it would make me feel like crap.

iifym is basically eating anything as long as it "fits your macros". Macros being proteins, carbs, and fats. So if you can have 140 grams of carbs a day then iifym would allow you to get that however you choose; donuts anyone?

Clean eating on the other hand would mean getting that amount of carbs through healthier carb choices; anyone up for some sweet potatoes?

Alright so I know iifym sounds extremely intriguing and tempting. There have been many times when I've thought wow I could just eat like complete sh** and still make lean gains, maybe I should. But then I think about my fitness journey and why I started.

I wanted to accelerate my athleticism past where it already was, aesthetically be more pleasing to the eye and feel comfortable in my skin, be healthier and make better decisions when eating. I cannot feel comfortable in my skin if I'm filled with cookies (my fav) and how is having tons of sugary good Yums making better decisions?? It's not..

I have nothing against iifym because I know it is exactly what people need sometimes, the body doesn't know the difference (a macro is a macro), and it allows people to indulge with flexible dieting, plus the results can be insane!!

However, my choice was and is based on the fact that I feel better in many aspects of life. Mentally, I feel accomplished and disciplined with my self control and ability to stick to my meals while still getting what I need. My body feels much more energized and fulfilled rather than craving more, being sluggish, or feeling bloated/full. My skin is much happier, my eyes have much more spark and my mood is wayyyyyyy more tolerable. And I honestly feel like In the long run I will be much better off than if I had lived off of the man made goodies.

This is my personal choice and everyone needs to do what's best for them. I indulge in a cheat day or a cheat meal once a week most of the time to be sure I can have a lil more sweetness or saltiness to withstand my cravings for the following week. When I don't allow myself to cheat I will crave more, my mood lowers, my self control is in question, and I am mentally not on track. Plus cheat meals are perfect for increasing leptin levels (the fat burning hormone) which I will talk more about in another blog post!

Basically I have nothing against flexible dieting if you're doing it for you and its propelling you forward towards your fitness goals. Like all things in health and wellness, do it for yourself, do what works for you, and do it 100%.

:)