Why Your Restrictive Diet is Harming Your Weight Loss Efforts

In hopes of losing weight, some people are turning to restrictive diets, where the list of 
what you CAN’T have is much longer than what you CAN have. Unfortunately, these fad 
diets can actually jeopardize your health. Let’s take a closer look at the potential 
dangers.  

 
What is a Restrictive Diet?
 
A restrictive diet essentially limits you from eating certain foods. While some restrictive 
diets may require you to abstain from eating meat, others may frown upon consuming 
carbohydrates. Regardless, the overall goal is usually to consume fewer calories than 
normal. 

 
Why Are Overly Restrictive Diets So Bad?

So, what’s the problem? Here are some reasons why you want to avoid restrictive diets 
as much as possible – unless it is needed for a health issue or food allergy.
 
1. Triggers Overeating
 
The overwhelming majority of restrictive diets fail to work. In fact, they often cause 
people to overeat. When deprived of food, your body naturally starts to go into hunger 
mode. It doesn’t takes long before most people hit their breaking point.  
 
2. Causes You to Miss Out on Important Nutrients 
 
In order to maintain optimum health, your body needs to receive all of the required 
nutrients. When eating a restrictive diet, you’ll definitely be missing out on some key 
vitamins and minerals. Not only will can a nutrient deficiency weaken the immune 
system, but it may also lead to muscle loss. Of course, the likelihood of you developing 
certain diseases increases dramatically.  
 
3. Negatively Impacts Your Metabolism
 
Restrictive diets can cause your metabolism to slow down. This means you won’t be 
burning calories nearly as quickly. Instead of losing weight, you may actually end up 
packing on more pounds. Your energy level is bound to take a big hit as well.  

 
Signs Your Diet Is Too Restrictive
 
If you’re constantly stressing over every single calorie, this is a tell-tale sign your diet is 
too restrictive. You should also consider your personal happiness. When simply eating a 
meal becomes a source of a source of anxiety, it’s time to seek a healthier way of life.  

 
Ways to Avoid Restrictive Diets
 
One of the best ways to avoid a restrictive diet is to abide by focusing on balance of 
nutrients. This will help you to eat a wide range of wholesome foods. Be sure to eat 
plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. While there is nothing wrong with treating 
yourself every so often, try to avoid consuming too many sugary snacks and high-fat 
dishes.  
 
To maintain an ideal weight, you should stay active. Exercising regularly is an important 
part of a healthy lifestyle. However, you don’t have to perform any seriously intense 
activities. Some recommended low-impact exercises include swimming, circuit training, 
power yoga, and cycling. 
