Does Food Quality Matter?

Who is right?

Hello and happy Tuesday to you all,
 
Once again the fitness world is divided into two bitterly opposed camps. In the blue corner, camp “If it fits your macros” (IIFYM), which means it does not matter where your food comes from as long as you eat the prescribed amount of proteins, carbs and fats as outlined by your dietary guru (preferably me), and, in the red corner; camp “Eat only whole foods and everything processed will kill you on the spot”.
 
But who is right?
 
First things first, calories matter more than anything. As we have learned from the Snickers diet, where subjects ate nothing but 3 Snickers bars a day and lost weight whilst bettering their cholesterol, you must consume fewer calories than you use up. Period. So why bother with organic eggs and milk or hour long cooking sessions; just give me three shakes a day and I am good to go?
 
The truth is that you would lose weight but you would be miserable due to hunger pangs and cravings. Let’s face it, despite all the advances in science, we still have not figured out all the phytonutrients in food so cutting them out will deprive your body of many benefits, whole foods are also more filling, which is a God send when dieting. In order to make your meal plan sustainable (I despise the word diet as it implies being temporary), you need to learn about foods and how to prepare them in a way that fits YOUR life.

So here is the rule of thumb: 

  • 80% of your caloric intake should come from whole foods prepared by you or someone you trust.
  • 10% can be from supplements such as protein powder and bars.
  • 10% can be processed awesomeness such as Gummi Bears or licorice, especially after a demanding leg workout.

As always, use common sense and do not put too much faith in the mainstream fitness media.
 
Breathe in, breathe out and let your rage out 🙂

Maik