I just figured I'd start a post since IIFYM and the like seems to be picking up some steam around here lately. For those of you who don't know what the acronym stands for, it's 'If It Fits Your Macros'.
Basically, the theory is that a calorie is a calorie, or better put, a macro is a macro, regardless of the source. If your daily macro requirements are 300g protein, 200g carbs, 60g fat for example, that's all you need to be concerned with according to this style of dieting. Get the macros from any source, as long as the number 'fits' and you don't go over (or under) by the end of the day.
Personally, I don't subscribe to this approach. I'll explain the fundamental problem I have with it, but first, I want to point out that I know I have personally been a 'stickler' over the years, nitpicking on every little detail of a person's diet. I consider myself a progressive thinker, and am ALWAYS willing to listen and be open to new ideas and theories - but they have to be logical. I have most definitely relaxed on a lot of things I used to harp on ... I feel I am WAY more liberal where dieting is concerned, but not to the extent that IIFYM dieting has gone.
Basically, it's the opposite end of the spectrum from where I used to be. I over complicated dieting. It required calculations, ridiculous amounts of planning, etc. Basically, I was a slave to dieting, and to the kitchen. I have learned that it doesn't need to be that difficult. It shouldn't be torture to diet. It shouldn't even be unpleasant. BUT, it also isn't something that can be simplified to the extent IIFYM has gone IMO. It's an absolute minimalist approach, and IMO, that just doesn't work in bodybuilding. At least not for people who want to look great.
One of my mentors once said, and it has stuck with me: "Bodybuilding is a polarizing sport. There are minimalists, and there are extremists, but no middle ground." I can safely say I see minimalists every single day. Gym rats. The guys who are there every single day, like clock work, yet I don't see their physiques change, EVER. There are tons of them. Then there are the extremists. I see far fewer of them - but when you see one, you'll know it. Their efforts and dedication show.
Bottom line - if it were as simple as 'hitting your macros' regardless of the source, there'd be a lot more people walking around looking like bodybuilders. Hell, I could EASILY hit my macros just by drinking protein shakes all day, eating a ton of fruit (which would be awesome compared to sweet potatoes and rice, right!?) to hit my carb macro, and i'd probably have a shitload of PB on rye bread to get all my fats in. Sounds like an awesome diet, doesn't it? Do you REALLY think a person eating that diet is going to see the same results as somebody eating a more traditional bodybuilder's diet? No way. The oldest saying in the book is still the best - 'You Are What You Eat'. Plain and simple.