How Flexible Dieting Could Help During The Holidays

The holidays are a stressful time for almost everyone. Between traveling to see friends and family, holiday shopping, end of year deadlines at work, and just everyday life – it seems like there isn’t enough time in a day to get everything done.

Add in the anxiety a lot of people feel over all of the temptations during this time, along with trying to keep a regular workout schedule, and it’s very easy to get even more overwhelmed. This is why using an “If It Fits Your Macros”/ more flexible approach to your nutrition can be helpful, especially this time of year.

If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) is a popular method to help you lose, maintain, or gain weight. It utilizes tracking the number of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that you eat daily. Macronutrient goals are calculated based on the individual and their activity level, along with what their end goals are. This method uses flexible dieting, meaning you can “eat anything you want” as long as you hit your macronutrient goals for the day.

Even though you can choose to fill your day full of junk food, this will not keep you full or provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function well. Most people also track some of their key micronutrients for this reason. By tracking things like sugar, sodium, and fiber you can help ensure you are getting enough nutrients from whole foods that are good for your body.

During the holidays, you never know what kind of delicious foods you will be surrounded by as you spend quality time with friends and family. When things are hectic it is easy to grab whatever is easy and not give much thought to what exactly you are putting into your body. When you have fitness goals, the temptations can be even more enticing.

Because of the flexibility that comes with IIFYM, you can make your food choices based on what is around you. By using a tracking app on your smartphone, like My Fitness Pal or My Macros, you can track what you are eating to help ensure you can enjoy yourself while still keeping your goals in mind.

Planning is a key component of tracking macros around the holidays or any exciting time in your life. For example, if you know that your work holiday party is tonight, you can choose healthier options during the morning and save extra carbohydrates and fats for the night time when you know there will be treats around.

By choosing a breakfast and lunch with higher protein and moderate carbohydrate and fats, like an omelet or salad, you will have some extra to spare for the party.

– RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide To Counting Your Macros –

Unfortunately, we see a lot of people who restrict their intake around this time of year, knowing that they will have extra calories at their social events, but you do not have to put yourself through that to reach your goals. It is all about balance.

By tracking your macronutrients, you can still enjoy your favorite treats, but it helps you do so in moderation. You will not only be able to spend time with friends and family stress-free, but you will also be making sure your body has the proper nutrients to stay healthy!

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