• What You Eat: Any whole or processed food, provided it fits within daily protein, carb, and fat targets. The standard breakdown typically prioritizes high protein 0.8 g/kg and 1.8 g/kg of body weight, moderate-to-high carbohydrates for workout performance, and moderate fats for hormonal regulation.

  • The Pros: Highly adaptable, prevents feelings of restriction, and directly aligns with weight manipulation goals (surplus for muscle gain, deficit for fat loss).

  • The Drawbacks: Requires diligent tracking (weighing food, using apps). Micronutrient quality can be neglected if someone over-indexes on low-quality foods just to "hit their numbers."

  • Best For: Lifters, athletes, and anyone who wants granular control over their body composition without giving up specific food groups.