How to Meal Prep: If It Fits Your Macros Diet With 6PF's Geoffrey Clausen

We all know that there is no way to cut the corner on hard work and discipline when it comes to achieving our fitness goals. But quick fixes and fad diets have become so ubiquitous, they pretty much rival fashion as something illustrative of each passing era. In the 90's, the Mediterranean diet craze permeated the country as tenaciously as Kurt Vonnegut's infamous ice-nine (a substance that quite literally freezes any body of water it comes into contact with.) In the beginning of this century, the Atkins diet graced many a hospital bed, by making people believe that red meat was the poetry that could sweet-talk their stubborn scales. These days, hardgainers are wising up, and refusing to approach the fit-life without a little science under their belts. If science is the future, then non-restrictive, IIFYM (if it fits your macros) dieting is the apple that fell on Isaac Newton's head, spawning the discovery of a little thing we call gravity. The IIFYM system honors the unique health needs of anyone and everyone who is itching to lose fat and build muscle. The word "macros" stands for macronutrient, which refers to proteins, carbs, and fat. Macronutrients are where calories come from. Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, etc. that our bodies need, but that do not impact our physiques. Tracking your macros means to track the amount of protein, fat, and carb you ingest on a daily basis. There are many online calculators that can help you determine what your daily ratio of carb/ fat/ protein should be.

6 Pack Fitness' Geoffrey Clausen (VP of Sales) on how to meal prep when on an If It Fits Your Macros diet:

What does your meal prep include typically?

"Bison, 99% lean ground turkey, ground beef, steak. All certified organic, grass fed/free range."

How do you break down how much fat/ protein/ carbs you need?

"Per meal I get 50g protein and 20g fat. The only carbs I take in are from green veggies, and occasionally a Quest bar."

How should one determine this ratio?

"Use an online calculator or get a trainer."

Do you use a food scale and measuring cups to exact portions?

"Yes, I do this pre-cook and post-cook."

Do you count calories?

"No."

What advice do you have for people who are just getting into tracking their macros?

"The common mistake is people thinking they can eat whatever they want as long as it hits their macros. Don't buy into this thought process. For instance, eating .5lb of grilled chicken and sweet potato is going to yield much better results than eating .5lb fried chicken and fries, even if the macros are the same."

Do you have more carbs on days you workout?

"I work out everyday, so there is no difference for me in carb consumption."

How does intermittently fasting help you reach your goals?

"IF (intermittent fasting) works well for me because I'm constantly on the go between meetings, travel, etc. Trying to focus on eating every 2.5-3 hours is too much for me. I end up missing meals all the time. The IF protocol I follow is fast for 18 hours, leaving a feeding window of 6 hours. So now I only have to focus on eating during a 6 hour time period. For instance, I'll not have my first meal until 4 or 5pm. This way, the majority of my meetings are over and I can focus on eating without interruption. It's also proven in studies that fasting 12+ hours increases natural growth hormone production, which is the body's best fat burner." Geoffrey is the resident VP of Sales at 6 Pack Fitness and carries his if it fits your macros diet meal prep in his Expedition 500 Stealth, which also comes in a 300 Stealth variety. This interview with Geoffrey on how to love your body has been brought to us by 6 Pack's social media maven Jade. Check out Jade's interview with Maribel Lalanne on how to love your body, as well as her posts on being proud to prep and how to build muscle as a vegetarian. Browse meal management systems, gym totes, gym backpacks, and more to find the perfect 6 Pack Bag for you!