A restrictive diet is any diet that limits your calories below your everyday recommended calorie intakes. An example of this could be a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diets consists of high fat, adequate amounts of protein and low carbohydrates. Essentially, what is happening is that the body is burning fat instead of carbohydrates.
If you are someone who has adhered to a restrictive diet this post might be of interest to you. Firstly, ask yourself why you are ‘restricting’ yourself? Secondly, what is your ultimate goal?
People that I have spoken to previously mostly perceive these diets as a short-term fix. There is nothing wrong with that if a short-term goal is what you’re aiming for. The problems surrounding these type of diets most of the time are not necessarily what is included in them, but the feelings that are associated with them.
Overly restrictive diets promote feelings of deprivation. This encourages a preoccupation with food and causes an increase in craving intensity. Naturally, we enjoy foods a lot better when they are off-limits.
In some cases, this can create a feeling of loss of control whilst eating. This is known as binge eating. Binge eating disorder causes a person to eat significantly large portions of food regularly until they reach a state of being uncomfortably full. This leaves the person feeling ashamed, disappointed and/or guilty.
However, a lack of willpower is not the reason for weight gain or a main reason as to why you’re off track with your goal.
An important point to remember when trying to diet is to look more towards including nutritious foods to add to your meals instead of becoming obsessed with foods you should be avoiding. This only creates negative feelings towards some types of foods.
I am someone who previously began a diet knowingly aware it was for the short-term. Why? Because I wanted quick and easy results. The difference now is, I am essentially ‘on a diet’ but this diet will last me a lifetime because I love the food that I eat and I see them for what they can do for me rather than what they do to me.
Food is there to be enjoyed and it is important for us as humans to love the meals that we eat. Don’t get me wrong, it can be great to eliminate your bad habits surrounding food. But like any other skill you develop, it is important to take it step by step and in this case, one meal at a time. Become aware of all the great foods you can add to your meals. This will allow you to develop a good relationship with food and increase your understanding of healthy eating.
Nutrition and Well-being 