IIFYM, Intuitive Eating, Veganism, Paleo, Clean Eating, Keto, Flexible Dieting????

Hello friends. Welcome back! Today I want to discuss diet culture and the fitness industry. What's best? There’s a lot of information out there. There’s a lot of trends. There are so many different paths or approaches you could take for your personal health and well-being. Some good, some bad. We live in a day and age where everyone looks for convenience. They want it now. Quick fixes more specifically. The easy way out. No one wants to truly put in the work. No one wants to put in the effort. That’s beside the point of this post, sort of, kind of... It plays a role but it’s not the general purpose of it.

With all of these different trends, quick fixes, social media, pressure to conform to societal norms it can be tricky to listen to your mind and body. It can be tough to do what’s ultimately best for you. It can be seemingly difficult to find happiness when you are chasing the most popular trends. People often see an individual following a specific trend/plan and think something like, “Oh they are using IIFYM and they look great, I have to try it to see results!!” Not true. 

You need to find a particular plan or routine that works for you and only you. You must do what makes your body feel good, your mind happy, and you feel stable. I see far too many people confused and pressured into things that do not work for them at all. They are scared if they don’t follow the most popular trend, they will be unable to make remarkable progress or see the changes they want.

You will see change. You will see progress. How? Hard work, dedication, and consistency. Veganism isn’t going to make you lose weight. Cutting out all carbs isn’t necessarily the best option. IIFYM doesn’t work for everyone. Clean eating is a success for some and a form of restriction for others. Every single person has a different body type. Different genetics. Every single person has a different mental state. Every single person is unique and requires different approaches. You can be successful with any of these things. All of the above could get you results if they work well for YOU.

For example, for me personally:

• IFYM, also know as “If It Fits Your Macros" – Not good for my OCD. I feel pressured to hit my numbers perfectly constantly. I feel anxious if I can’t be exact. I hate having to weigh out every piece of food. I hate feeling restricted if I am eating out. Its just too much unneeded stress.

• Veganism – I am intolerant to soy and most plant based protein contains soy. I like animal products too much (which does not make me or anyone else any less of a person) to fully give them up. It doesn’t make my body feel good and it is not sustainable for me.

• Clean Eating – I don’t feel the need to label myself as a clean eater because I still enjoy processed foods every now and then. I love food that isn’t necessarily 100% clean and that’s totally OKAY. Its normal for most people. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy eating cleaner and more nutrient foods the majority of the time.

• Intuitive Eating – If I had to label myself as any one thing it would be an intuitive eater. But honestly, intuitive eating in my opinion is just eating like a normal human being. It is how we as humans grew up eating (ever since we were babies)!!! We eat when we are hungry, and stop when we are full! We eat what we want, when we want it, and most often in moderation. It’s a simple concept and it’s the healthiest for MY mind and body.

All of the above are just some examples. Not one approach is better than another. Everyone feels the need to “label” themselves as one thing or the other in today’s society. It’s okay to simply just LIVE. You don’t not have to classify yourself as any of these things. You don't have to put a label on it. Maybe choose to eat plant based the majority of the time, but still enjoy animal products on occasion? NO BIG DEAL. If that works for you than by all means keep at it!!! If you love carbs but all your friends are going keto, EAT YOUR CARBS SISTA. Do not feel pressured to do something just because they are. I would not be able to survive without carbs!!!! I would be a miserable B****!!!! I need every single macronutrient in moderation and most other individuals would agree.

I don’t care what approach you decide to take. If it is different than mine, that’s awesome! I am so glad you found something that works for you. That’s what this is all about! Stop feeling pressured. Stop feeling obligated to label yourself or do something you don’t want to do.

Your body needs fuel. Your brain needs fuel. Your soul needs comfort food. You need rest and recovery. For example, my body needs Thai food weekly, LOL. You need to take an approach that is maintainable and going to make for a sustainable lifestyle. Do not think that any one approach is going to lead you to your goal quicker than the other. It is not a race. This is about fueling your body and creating a lifestyle that’s best for you. You want to be happy. You want to enjoy this. You want to love the process. You don’t want to wake up every day feeling restricted, run down, burnt out, or hating your life because you are doing something you don’t enjoy. It is NOT worth it and it is just NOT necessary!!

Sustainable. Attainable. Maintainable. Remember those words. Remind yourself of them whenever you decide to try something new. Do what is best for you. Do what makes you happy. Those things make for a happy & healthy lifestyle. Those are a life worth living. 

-Mik :)