[Merle]

Originally Posted by Steve

Blah blah blah.

I cheat more than more realize. The difference is, I account for it in my caloric and macro totals.

I knew that was coming.

Originally Posted by Steve

I'll add, I've never been a fan of the clean vs. unclean food crowd.

After the baseline macronutrients are accounted for, I don't see much sense in eating only "clean" foods. Certainly there are health benefits.... but life is too short to live on chicken, brocolli, fish, and brown rice.

And the standard "unclean" foods aren't going to make a difference in your weight loss/body recomposition journies.

For instance, I've gotten my leanest ever by doing this:

I first figured out my caloric intake required to initiate fat loss.

I then made sure I was taking in adequate protein, which was 1.25 grams per pound at the time.

I then made sure I was getting adequate essential fats in. This was comprised of 6 grams of fishoil pills per day as well as a lot of good fats from food such as nuts, PB, fish, Udo's Oil, etc.

I ate a boat load of veggies with each meal, even breakfast.

And after that, pretty much everything was fair game.

Limiting yourself to "clean" foods only makes the process very UN-fun. No, thanks.... that's not for me.

I could not imagine eating perfect 24/7.