The Science of Flexible Dieting

In this article I’ll talk about flexible dieting, also known as IIFYM. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll know what flexible dieting is and how to apply it.

Where did flexible dieting come from?

Flexible dieting is not a new concept at all. Bodybuilders have done this for decades, but it has been receiving a lot of attention lately. The whole thing started in a bodybuilding forum a while back when a powerlifter and former bodybuilder, tired of new lifters asking if they could eat this or couldn’t eat that, said, “if it fits your macros, eat that sh*t”.

What is flexible dieting?

The most important thing to remember is that flexible dieting is not a diet (as strange as that may sound). Flexible dieting is simply the scientific approach to dieting. You can eat whatever you want as long as you count and manage the food you eat in order to hit your daily requirements.

Requirements? What requirements?

The “requirements” are your macronutrient and micronutrient goals. Macronutrients is what is supplying energy for your body. Macronutrients
include carbohydrates, proteins and fats (there’s also another macronutrientes such as fiber or alcohol, but that’s beyond the point of this article). Each acronutrient has energy value: for example, each gram of fat has 9 calories.

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. They are labeled as micronutrients because the body only requires them in very small amounts. They don’t have any calories and don’t supply your body with energy.

Is IIFYM right for me?

Flexible dieting is a great way of dieting for bodybuilders. If you just want to get fit or lose some fat on your belly, IFYM is probably a waste of time and energy, but if you’re serious about your goals and want optimal results, you must count your macros and make sure you meet your requirements every day. Also, it’s way less stressful since you’re allowing yourself to enjoy your favorite foods and treats in moderation without the accompanying feelings of remorse or guilt because you know that it won’t impact your progress.


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