giving IIFYM a try...

I just started this week and it's been actually more difficult trying to meet my macros then I thought it would be. I went out and got a low-calorie protein powder that has 34g of protein per 153 calories. This has helped me reach my protein levels much easier but I am still having trouble with the fats. I hate avacados so that is out but I've been researching high fat foods and it looks like nuts/oils/butter/full fat dairy are my best options. I have a pantry and fridge full of low/no fat - low calorie - diet foods so I'm eating ALOT to try and reach my macros. But once I get through those I'll be buying more nutrient and calorie dense foods to help me reach my goals a little easier.

Also - I try to reach most of my macros by lunch so I can have a light dinner and try to sneak in a desert IIFYM! Hope this helps!

Ok, yesterday I was really upset because I thought that I might have to give up counting at the moment because I can't afford the low-cal foods right now. Seeing as how I'm only allowed 1200 per day, I really need the low-cal foods. But after giving it some thought, I think I may try taking the IIFYM route. This way, I'm allowed more calories a day so hopefully it will make counting more do-able right now since as I can't buy the low-cal foods. I'm really nervous about this because that means raising my calories to 1470 (+270) everyday. Could anyone give me any tips for this? How long should I try this before deciding if it's the right or wrong path for me?

Honestly it sounds like you are confused about the definition of IIFYM. With IIFYM you still have calorie and macro targets, you are just allowed to be flexible with which foods you use to meet those requirements.

See this video for a good explanation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6H2edyPLU8

As was pointed out above IIFYM is a different issue than your caloric goal.

If you are looking for advice about low cost foods to fit your calorie and macro nutrient needs it would help if you:
1. Open your diary
2. Tell us how tall you are and how much you weigh
3. Tell us how much you are currently exercising
4. Tell us what your goal is

Here are my stats...

Weight - 154
Height - 5'0
Age - 24
Estimated body fat% - 30%
Goal weight - 115-120

I used IIFYM.com to get my calculations..

You totally have the wrong numbers. Not sure where the hell you got 1200 calories from. Even with little to no exercise you need 1476 to lose weight at a moderate rate of 15%.

If you cut down your carbs ( I was averaging 55% carbs before switching to IIFYM) and up your good fats and protein, now my aims are 40% carb 30% fat and protein, its amazing how much you get to eat and how full you feel. You also get to use full fat dairy etc. I have been doing it for over a week now and while I haven't seen a huge loss I think my body feels more streamlined and I haven't gained any either ( And I switched from 1200 to 1750!). I log my exercise cals but I don't eat them back. Good luck!

Here are my stats...

Weight - 154
Height - 5'0
Age - 24
Estimated body fat% - 30%
Goal weight - 115-120

I used IIFYM.com to get my calculations..

You totally have the wrong numbers. Not sure where the hell you got 1200 calories from. Even with little to no exercise you need 1476 to lose weight at a moderate rate of 15%.

She did note that her new goal would be 1470. I think she meant that MFP had given her 1200 (probably for losing 2 lbs a week).