My thoughts on IIFYM style dieting

[jimmyinkedup]

sugar is the downfall of our society, i quit sugar last year while fasting for a few months, i have never felt better in my whole life

This a a huge statement. The modern diet full of processed foods either full of sugars or starches that rapidly convert to sugars in the body is rampant, Type 2 diabetes , meatbolic synndrome all up as a direct result of this. We live a stressful lifestyle. We put our bodies through extreme duress - general health is more important(or should be) imo for us even more so than people who do not live this lifestyle. The oxidative stress alone should be reason enough to eat a micro nutrient rich heathy diet. My biggest issue with the "IIFYM" is the whole focus on physical appearance in lieu of overall general health. This is why I take isue with the pop tart/ ice cream posts that people often post. Its where I take issue with Alan Aragon in his over the top posts he makes trying to prove a point. Could you look the same - yes I think you can - but your overall health will suffer. I started in this ifestyle to be healthy - while I may have made some choices along the way that are not the healthist - diet does not have to be one of them and I believe a healthy diet can help to offset some effect of what is , like it or not, an unhealthy lifestyle.

[gbrice75]

My biggest issue with the "IIFYM" is the whole focus on physical appearance in lieu of overall general health.

Exactly. IMO, a seasoned bodybuilder (or anybody who has put the time in to learn how to diet properly, and understands the roles and importance of nutrients, etc) CAN run an IIFYM style diet - because you know they won't follow an 'ice cream and pop tarts' diet... they'll still make healthy choices because they know that's what's best for them. My biggest problem with IIFYM is the appeal it has to beginners - people who have NO idea how to diet and think they'll see great results eating like shit. Quite frankly, they won't.

This is why I take isue with the pop tart/ ice cream posts that people often post. Its where I take issue with Alan Aragon in his over the top posts he makes trying to prove a point.

Man, I'm glad to hear you say this. I don't want to say I considered you an Alan Aragon 'fanboi', but we're friends and I'm comfortable enough to be honest and tell you that I thought you were close to it. I'm in complete agreement with you here. While Aragon IS one of the current brilliant minds in the sport, some of his articles ARE just that - over the top, to make a point. The problem again is when people take it all at face value and have no basis for comparison. They just take everything he says as gospel, and I believe that's a grave mistake. Glad you're not one of them brother.