clean eating vs iffym

The one that you'll stick with. :flowerforyou:

This thread could run and run.

They are not mutually exclusive. You can practice both. IIFYM does not dictate what you eat, only that it fits your macros. You can fill your macros with food you want. You can eat "clean", whatever your definition of that is, and hit your macros.
A lot of people who do IIFYM include foods that they enjoy, typically considered less "healthy" but it is not required.
You will find that it is very difficult to fit your macros without eating a lot of the same food people who "eat clean" also eat. It is not a matter of eat whatever you want, but it does allow for some flexibility.

The biggest difference would be if you follow only IIFYM, you are less restricted in foods.

The problem with "clean eating" is there is no set definition. What one person may consider clean, others don't.

Assuming you can adhere to them, there isn't a difference weigt loss wise. In fact, I'd argue for some people finding the right macro balance leads to more success.

What if I told you you can eat 'clean' and do IIFYM?

Would grab popcorn and sit in for this debate again, but too busy eating my "clean" cherries. Or did I forget to wash them first? Anyhow, losing weight is about creating a calorie deficit, regardless of how you fill those calories. IIFYM is primarily concerned with reaching specific nutritional goals that match your fitness goals. Given that you have goals to meet, most of what IIFYM-ers such as myself have to eat what most people would consider "clean" - e.g., lean proteins, lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, etc. The fact that I still have calories left over at the end of the day (after I've hit my nutritional requirements), let's me indulge in a bit of ice cream, a cookie or two, etc. As for "clean" eating, if you can come up with a universal definition that everyone would agree to, I will happily bow down and worship you :blushing:

People who are clean eaters focus on eating whole foods… lean meats, healthy fats, veggies, fruits. They typically don't eat processed foods like cookies, chips, fast food, etc.

People who follow IIFYM focus on hitting their macros all while incorporating foods like cookies, chips, and fast food into their diet.

*Edited because of the MFP police.*

People who are clean eaters focus on eating whole foods… lean meats, healthy fats, veggies, fruits. They typically don't eat processed foods like cookies, chips, fast food, etc.

People who follow IIFYM incorporate foods like cookies, chips, and fast food into their diet.

Um. No.

I follow IIFYM, I focus on lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats and fruits.

Cookies, chips, fast food *can* be included in IIFYM, assuming it fits your macros. It doesn't have to be nor do all people do it.

I've done "clean eating" a la Tosca Reno. I still followed IIFYM because of body composition/performance.
As Achrya said - mindblowing.


ETA - as I've pointed out in countless "clean eating" threads. My diary is no different than the vast majority of those who have open diaries and are self proclaimed "clean eaters". Particularly the ones who do 80/20 clean eating.

People who are clean eaters focus on eating whole foods… lean meats, healthy fats, veggies, fruits. They typically don't eat processed foods like cookies, chips, fast food, etc.

People who follow IIFYM focus on hitting their macros all while incorporating foods like cookies, chips, and fast food into their diet.

*Edited because of the MFP police.*

Um. No.

I follow IIFYM, I focus on lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats and fruits.

Cookies, chips, fast food *can* be included in IIFYM, assuming it fits your macros. It doesn't had to be nor do all people do it.

I've done "clean eating" a la Tosca Reno. I still followed IIFYM because of body composition/performance.
As Achrya said - mindblowing.


ETA - as I've pointed out in countless "clean eating" threads. My diary is no different than the vast majority of those who have open diaries and are self proclaimed "clean eaters". Particularly the ones who do 80/20 clean eating.

Um. I'm well aware of what IIFYM is. I'm also well aware that those who follow IIFYM also eat lean protein, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats. Thought it was common sense for those who read my post to pick up on that but clearly not.

P.s. Your diary is closed so I don't know why you're ranting about those with closed diaries also.

The difference, In my opinion, would simple be health aspects, how you feel.

If you are shooting for a certain number of carbs and you opt to obtain them via sweet potatoes or twizzlers, does it matter?
From a body composition standpoint, It shouldn't. However, from a health standpoint, absolutely. Sweet Potatoes are loaded with nutrients and fiber, and twizzlers have almost zero nutritional value, as well as loads of processed sugar.

If you want to live off of junk food, you can make it fit your macros, but you will feel terrible. Insulin spikes, lethargy, trouble sleeping, headaches, mood swings, these are just a few of the many side effects of a poor diet.

On the other hand, eating whole foods (Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds), Basically, foods high in water and fiber content, and naturally low calorie promote a balanced digestion, thus, promoting a balanced body. The advantages include good sleep, higher energy levels, balanced insulin, enhanced mood, etc. Which, in turn will enhance your desire to exercise, get outside, be positive!

So, to answer you question, yes you can macro regulate junk food.

The question you have to ask yourself is, how hard do you want to make your fitness/weight loss journey?

I'm not sure about the "Clean eating" train that has taken off recently, but I guess you would say I am a "clean eater". Although, this is just the way I've always eaten for bodybuilding and health reasons. My diary is open, if you want to see my typical diet (which is the same for at least 7 days at a time). I change out my meals every few weeks or so depending on if I need variety.