For my research paper, I will be examining a new diet trend called “if it fits your macros” (abbreviated iifym) and how it compares to traditional “clean” eating diets.  IIFYM has recently become extremely popular in the bodybuilding community mainly because of its simple and somewhat unrestricted guidelines.  Basically, this type of diet states that those following it can eat whatever they want so long as they meet their macronutrient (carb, fat, and protein) requirements for the day.  IIFYM is so revolutionary because it breaks away from most dieting styles in practically every way possible.  A majority of dieting styles limit peoples’ choices on what foods they can eat, especially if they are competitive bodybuilders.  IIFYM, however, leaves all the decision making up to the dieter and gives the dieter a significantly wider variety of foods to eat.

This new flexible dieting trend has not only physical benefits, but mental ones as well.  It allows a sense a balance in one’s life and enables one to realize that things are okay in moderation.  This style of dieting can also potentially help prevent eating disorders from occurring in people who become too obsessed with “clean” eating and severely restrict themselves from certain types of foods.

1.) http://www.rippednfit.com/nutrition/clean-eating-vs-iifym-the-truth/

Background: This article gives a very thorough explanation of both IIFYM and “clean” dieting.  It fully elaborates on every component of IIFYM, making the concept easier to understand.  It also provides details on “clean” eating by stating how it should (theoretically) work, but sometimes has more negative effects than positive.

How I will use it: The information in this article is very comprehensive and does an excellent job of describing both styles of dieting.  I plan to use this information to produce a quality introduction and foundation for my paper.

2.) http://doyoueven.com/2013/01/iifympart1/

Background: This article provides information that states what IIFYM is and how it works.  It gives proof that your body processes macronutrients universally, and the source of the macronutrients is irrelevant.

How I will use it: This article gives concrete examples of how IIFYM compares to “clean” dieting and how it can even prove to be overall healthier in terms of having a balanced life.  I plan to use this information to support the several benefits of this new dieting style.

3.) http://gorgomag.com/food-its-not-just-physical-its-psychological/

Background: This article really dives into the mind of a common dieter. It gives information about how dieters think, why certain diets don’t work, and how food has a psychological effect on most people.

How I plan to use it: I plan to use the information from this article to give a complete understanding of the mentality of most dieters.  I intend to convey the point of why balance is necessary in order to maintain a healthy diet and how it can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle.

4.) http://articles.elitefts.com/nutrition/getting-dirty-if-it-fits-your-macros-needs-formatted/

Background: This article provides valid points that counter many of the misconceptions of IIFYM, such as the common belief that everyone who follows it just eats junk, they don’t see as good of results as traditional dieters, etc.  It defends IIFYM enough to give it the legitimacy it deserves, but still admits that it should not be universally revered because everyone is different and different things work for different people.

How I plan to use it: I plan to use the information in this article to defend IIFYM by arguing against the common misconceptions that most people have about it.  However, I also plan to state that even though I am giving this diet style legitimacy, I do not intend to imply that it is the only way to have a healthy lifestyle, but rather that it is simply an alternative.

5.) http://epicaesthetics.com/aesthetic-naturals-that-use-iifym-or-flexible-dieting/

Background: This article gives several examples of several well-known bodybuilders who follow IIFYM.  The article emphasizes the point that these people are in extremely great shape and use this dieting style currently.

How I will use it:  I will use this article to cite specific examples of people who have seen tremendous results using IIFYM as their form of dieting.  I think that showing these specific cases will prove to back up all my previous claims.