MIDMs


All my clients track what I call "X Factors."

They vary at least slightly client to client, but generally include:

  • Sleep windows
  • Morning weigh-ins
  • Calories, protein, and fiber
  • Hunger levels
  • Step counts
  • Drinks per week

There's also an X Factor called "MIDM," which stands for "meals I didn't make."

(Restaurant meals, take-out, anything your partner made, etc.)

A high weekly total—above 3-4—isn't inherently "bad." But it can be pretty eye-opening and insightful if you're struggling to make progress.

For example, imagine trying to get out of debt, and straight-up guessing what you're spending 10 days per month.

You probably wouldn't expect to put a big dent in things, right?

Well, that's the percentage equivalent of a "7" MIDM total.

Again, a high total is NOT inherently "bad," and many clients can't even avoid it—thanks to their travel, work, or social schedules.

But if you want to overcome this amount of guessing, you need to be VERY on top of these:

  1. Next-day planning. You may not be able to plan every last thing in advance—but a best guess (or even partial plan) trumps winging the entire day. Here's how my most successful clients do it
  2. Knowing what to order. Fortunately, this isn't that hard. You can find a protein, vegetable, and single ingredient carb on virtually ANY menu... if you're actually looking for them
  3. Estimating these meals accurately enough. Notice I said "accurately enough." You do NOT have to track MIDMs perfectly. You just can't keep pretending restaurant meals*—even healthy ones—have like 600-800 calories. They pretty much always crack 1,000-1,200+ (before even factoring in apps, drinks, and desserts)

Here's the fastest and easiest way to track these more accurately.

*The same goes for take-out, or anything your partner, family, or friends make. Rarely will the totals not be higher than you think.


If I had to choose one of these three that bites people in the butt the most, it's probably #3: underestimating MIDM calories.

No matter how much I wish it was the case...

They simply don't have a few hundred calories a pop.

But if you account for this accordingly, a hell of a lot more progress is right at your fingertips.

Sam

P.S. Want 20+ simple, nutritious meal ideas that'll make it super easy to reduce your MIDM total? Check out the One-Stop Nutrition Guide, and scroll right down to Pages 10-17.

Sam Forget

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