Adherence
Powerlifters commonly use IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) and flexible dieting as long-term nutritional strategies to support performance and body composition goals across competitive phases.
If you are a competitive powerlifter, you do not need to eliminate entire food groups to succeed. Many successful lifters use IIFYM (tracking macros without food restrictions) to maintain adherence and performance. Focus on hitting your protein, carb, and fat targets while allowing flexibility in food choices to support long-term consistency.
IIFYM/flexible dieting is commonly followed by powerlifters to support performance and body composition goals.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional survey of self-reported practices; no objective biochemical or performance outcome data provided.
Source
The general nutrition practices of competitive powerlifters vary by competitive calibre and sex, weight, and age class
Andrew King et al. · European Journal of Nutrition · 2023
DOI 10.1007/s00394-023-03233-6
More from this paper
- Female powerlifters are more likely than males to restrict energy intake and diet for body composition reasons during competition preparation and competition phases.Moderate
- Powerlifters increase energy intake on hard training days but do not reduce intake on easier/rest days, prioritizing recovery and muscle growth over caloric deficit on low-volume days.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
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- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →