First, I think it is important to touch on the fact that I do not think If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) and Flexible Dieting are synonymous. You can read the full article HERE before diving into this one. I also feel it is worth mentioning in the beginning that I have spent quality time with both approaches. In that time, I had enough success to win numerous shows with an extreme Clean Eating approach and turn pro in the IFBB in Men’s Physique while following an extreme IIFYM approach (note: I do not think this validates either diet, I simply think it’s worth mentioning for context).
Alongside qualifying myself to write this article, it should be mentioned that no matter the nutritional approach there are pros and cons and the ability to tell any narative you would like to tell. Just as there is trash talk within sport rivalries, there is trash talk within nutritional approaches.
Let’s dive into today’s topic: IIFYM vs Clean Eating. In a world of diet confusion, it seems nutritional belief keeps getting split into different categories, sides, or teams. Although great marketing, it is confusing to the end consumer and it’s not helping people understand how to consume healthier foods and form a healthy relationship with food. In this article, I want to do my best to break down IIFYM and Clean Eating into their respective arguments and evaluate if one is better than the other. As you read through this article you may find out that neither of these is the best approach for you.