I don't think I have the willpower for IIFYM

soccerkon26

As a college senior I have become stressed due to my senior thesis, no job as of yet, and graduation in just a few weeks. I have been exercising and doing IIFYM for about a month and a half. I was doing very well the last month but lately it has gotten tough to stick to my calorie goal and I end up eating all of my snacks that I used to be able to portion.

I'm starting to think that there are some foods (chips, pretzels, cookies, chocolate) that I just cannot have in my house because I will eat it all.

I don't want to make excuses for being stressed, so I'm thinking that I just need to get rid of those foods.

Anyone else have this problem?

Mr_Knight

Many others do. Excluding foods is a path numerous people end up taking, because the alternative is not something they can stick with.

In the end, you have to find a path that works for you. Good luck!

:drinker:

tomatoey

If you're vulnerable right now, making things easy for yourself is smart. Go for it.

soccerkon26

Why does one comment look like that?

Sued0nim

Mr_Knight wrote: »

Many others do. Excluding foods is a path numerous people end up taking, because the alternative is not something they can stick with.

In the end, you have to find a path that works for you. Good luck!

:drinker:

It was a good comment

He's in jail because MFP believes in attempting public humiliation when a poster posts something they perceive as inappropriate ...you know like a toddlers timeout :huh:

However it's only on apps you can't read the comment

jacksonpt

Mr_Knight wrote: »

Many others do. Excluding foods is a path numerous people end up taking, because the alternative is not something they can stick with.

In the end, you have to find a path that works for you. Good luck!

:drinker:

quoting so others can see the reply. It's readable on the full site version, just not on mobile. I believe MFP knows of the problem, not sure if they care or are working on it though.

jacksonpt

I'm similar. There are times when it's very easy for me to control/moderate my eating and stay on plan. There are times when it's nearly impossible. As previously said, making things easy on yourself is important, especially when life is throwing the kitchen sink at you.

Ideally, we'd all like to be able to moderate the foods we enjoy. But that's not always realistic. Knowing your triggers is very important, whether it's certain foods, conditions, time of day, etc.

yesimpson

If you feel like having those snacks in the house is counter productive whilst you're under pressure, just don't have them there for the time being. Reintroduce them once things are in order and you're able to portion them out again. Sounds smart to me.

earlnabby

soccerkon26 wrote: »

As a college senior I have become stressed due to my senior thesis, no job as of yet, and graduation in just a few weeks. I have been exercising and doing IIFYM for about a month and a half. I was doing very well the last month but lately it has gotten tough to stick to my calorie goal and I end up eating all of my snacks that I used to be able to portion.

I'm starting to think that there are some foods (chips, pretzels, cookies, chocolate) that I just cannot have in my house because I will eat it all.

I don't want to make excuses for being stressed, so I'm thinking that I just need to get rid of those foods.

Anyone else have this problem?

I don't see what your issues have to do with IIFYM? Those of us who are following it still have foods we shouldn't have in the house or need to buy in single serve packs because we have a hard time controlling ourselves. IIFYM just means that you calculate how many grams of protein, fat, and carbs you should eat, and eat food that helps you reach those target numbers. It doesn't mean eat anything, it just means no food group is off limits. Individual foods may be, depending on the person. I have a box of foods in my car because they are things I want or need on occasion but will eat all of them if they are readily available. The things in there include peanut butter, almonds, crackers, powdered sugar (no, I don't just eat it. I found that I can make quick candy by mixing it with certain other things), etc.

I keep them in the car because I live in a second floor apartment and park underground. There is no way I will run down to the car in my nightgown to get the crackers so I can pig out. Late night eating is my downfall.

AbsoluteTara79

You could try eliminating foods for a short period just to get through the stress of entering calorie restriction which does take some getting used to. Then after a month or so, add back some treats for the benefit of an eating pattern that is enjoyable over the long haul. That worked for me at least.

lemurcat12

Lots of people have trigger foods. For me, it's less trigger foods than trigger situations or places. But if eating high calorie stuff at home at night or while studying is something hard to avoid, definitely change the circumstances until the habit is broken or circumstances change so the pressure on your will power isn't so high (stress and lack of sleep are both things that make will power weaker). One way to do that is change the availability of food, absolutely. (Another is to change the place--I used to go to the library to study to make myself focus if I kept looking for food as a way to distract myself.)

I know I struggle with wanting to eat when I want to procrastinate or am stressed at work or at work really late. So I prepare for these situations as best I can, by having alternative foods or plans of ways to handle stress instead or by being mindful. And I do better if I don't start snacking, as under these circumstances I won't typically have just one. It is about knowing yourself, although ideally it will get easier not to give into the triggers.

_John_

there are no "less ideal" foods required for IIFYM. You can eat 100% "clean" or paleo or whatever you want and just track your macros.

sullus

Just a note: you don't HAVE to eat chips, cookies, etc on IIFYM. If getting rid of the chips cookies and chocolate is the direction you want to go, you will still probably be practicing IIFYM.

People have some crazy misconceptions about IIFYM, but the fact of the matter is; most people on this site practice IIFYM.

Are you a low-carb clean eater? Would you eat a bearclaw with 100gm carbs? No? Congrats, you practice IIFYM.

Ever see a post from someone asking how to get more protein? Doesnt matter if they are paleo, vegan or in between. They are trying to fit their macros.

Sure people define their required macros in a variety of ways, but you rarely (if ever) see epople proposing that they just hit a calorie goal with no other parameters. 100% fat? 100% carbs? who cares? carbs, fat and protein don't matter.

One thing about IIFYM that is missed as well - it doesn't just mean you can eat anything that fits your macros. It also means that you DON'T eat things that don't fit your macros.

jemhh

earlnabby wrote: »

soccerkon26 wrote: »

As a college senior I have become stressed due to my senior thesis, no job as of yet, and graduation in just a few weeks. I have been exercising and doing IIFYM for about a month and a half. I was doing very well the last month but lately it has gotten tough to stick to my calorie goal and I end up eating all of my snacks that I used to be able to portion.

I'm starting to think that there are some foods (chips, pretzels, cookies, chocolate) that I just cannot have in my house because I will eat it all.

I don't want to make excuses for being stressed, so I'm thinking that I just need to get rid of those foods.

Anyone else have this problem?

I don't see what your issues have to do with IIFYM? Those of us who are following it still have foods we shouldn't have in the house or need to buy in single serve packs because we have a hard time controlling ourselves. IIFYM just means that you calculate how many grams of protein, fat, and carbs you should eat, and eat food that helps you reach those target numbers...

This. I pretty much follow the IIFYM/flexible dieting philosophy but there are definitely things that I don't even keep around because I find it too hard to portion them out right. For example, made from scratch chocolate cake. When I make it, I have one or two pieces and then the rest goes to my work or my husband's work immediately.

calivandewoestyne

I know that everyone is different, but possibly your macros were calculated wrong, and you are lacking in some area that is causing you cravings? Or maybe that you are not eating enough? I was definitely an emotional eater before, and would eat EVERYTHING in sight. But once I voiced this to my trainer, she adjusted my numbers and now my cravings are basically gone - and Im mostly too full to binge.
Also one other thing that I noticed about myself, is that I work all day from 7 - 5, and then hit the gym from 5:30 - 6:30. So Im busy all day. I make sure my meals packed are obviously enough to give me energy for the day and my workout, and enough to keep me full and not feel hungry. But then, I save almost half of my macros/calories for the evenings, because I know that is when I am going to be either stressed out, or not as occupied as I am during the day, plus Im surrounded by food. So it allows me to eat quite a large amount of food so I can hit my numbers. And Im not tempted for it to all be 'bad' foods, because Im full, and I need to hit those macros.
Like I said, everyone is different, but maybe some of what I said can help. Its really helped me out, and Ive made a lot of good progress.
Good luck on your IIFYM journey, and everything else thats going on in your life!! Add me up if you want, its always nice to know other people are on a similar path

kozinskey

I would say with that much stress in your life, maybe it's a good time to reassess how much mental energy you want to be putting into hitting your macros every day. If you're prepping for a bodybuilding competition, that's a very different story from just generally trying to eat healthier. In the latter case, I would say save yourself some stress and just shoot for the calorie goal while you focus on academics & job hunting. That might not be great diet advice, but I think overall mental health is important too and will give you more longterm success here.

PeachyPlum

tomatoey wrote: »

If you're vulnerable right now, making things easy for yourself is smart. Go for it.

This.

When I'm having a hard time limiting my junk intake, I try to practice my willpower at the grocery store, not in my kitchen.

dlyeates

If I know I can't control myself or eat the correct portion I don't have it in my house. I stock snacks that I know I can eat more of if I feel the need to eat a little outside of my calorie count (I live on celery and hummus). I also will spend the extra money for prepackaged proportioned of stuff (like hummus) to take on the go with me and so I don't have an open bag of stuff!!!

Good luck!! This period of stress will eventually pass and taking the control over your portions and what you eat can be very empowering when so many other aspects of your life are out of your control. And not completely blowing it will help reduce stress as well!!

soccerkon26

Thanks everyone!

GBrady43068

kozinskey wrote: »

I would say with that much stress in your life, maybe it's a good time to reassess how much mental energy you want to be putting into hitting your macros every day. If you're prepping for a bodybuilding competition, that's a very different story from just generally trying to eat healthier. In the latter case, I would say save yourself some stress and just shoot for the calorie goal while you focus on academics & job hunting. That might not be great diet advice, but I think overall mental health is important too and will give you more longterm success here.

This^

mumblemagic

I only rarely bake (every couple of months) for this reason. Make your diet easy on yourself. Don't cut it out completely though - you deserve a treat. Just make sure that treat isn't a daily occurrence.

brookielabelle

When I buy a bag of pretzels, chips or other snacks, I portion it out into zip-lock bags to make sure I (and my boyfriend) won't eat the entire thing in one sitting. I'm in college, too, and I notice my weight loss commitment fluctuates with my level of stress. This pre-portioning helps me remember what my goals are when I pick up a second bag instead of just reaching a hand into the big bag.

Katiebear_81

I am very sad that someone mentioned bearclaws. I don't have one, and now I want to eat one, and unless that feeling passes soon... there goes the carb macros for the day!

Francl27

Do what works for you.

For me, restricting food just leads to binging. When I let myself have 200-300 calories of sweets in my day, I'm much happier and I don't binge.

CrabNebula

Francl27 wrote: »

Do what works for you.

For me, restricting food just leads to binging. When I let myself have 200-300 calories of sweets in my day, I'm much happier and I don't binge.

Agree with this totally. I eat 170-275 cals of usually chocolate every night. I have no reason to go off the deep end for something I am going to get anyway.

debrakgoogins

Your diet is closed so it's hard to make a determination of whether you are hitting your nutritional needs while staying within your goals. If eating chips, pretzels etc is throwing off your macros and what your body needs, then it's ok to eliminate them for a while. It doesn't mean you have to eliminate them forever. Someone else mentioned looking at your goals to see if 1200 is realistic for you as well. I completely agree with them. When I had mine set at 1200, I was hangry all the time. I never felt full and I didn't have enough energy to exercise. I changed my goals and now I am not hungry but still consistently losing and exercising several times a week. Listen to your body and make the changes that work for you.

adamitri

Francl27 wrote: »

Do what works for you.

For me, restricting food just leads to binging. When I let myself have 200-300 calories of sweets in my day, I'm much happier and I don't binge.

This has happened to me to but I guess I had to go through it to learn from it. I hope the OP succeeds any way that they want to do it.

cwolfman13

IIFYM just means you're tracking your macros as well as calories...it doesn't mean eat all the junk or whatever. Low carb high fat dieters for example should be very familiar with the concept since they have to track those macros.

What people don't seem to understand is that IIFYM doesn't mean eat all the twinkies...it just means you're trying to hit your macro targets. There is no universally optimal macro target...it's a very personal thing which is why the "Y" in IIFYM is pretty important.

There are a lot of foods that I just don't keep around the house most of the time because I'd just eat them...that has nothing to do with the IIFYM concept of flexible dieting.