Restrictive Diet

Have you ever wondered why you feel so drained after trying out the latest diet trend?

Or why that voice in your head keeps telling you certain foods are "bad"?

In this blog I want to dive into the world of food, energy and the sneaky influences that shape our eating habits.

The Problem With Restrictive Diets

Let's start with the elephant in the room: restrictive diets. I think most of us have been lured in at some point. Cutting out carbs, saying goodbye to fats or swearing off sugar. Restrictive diets may promise quick results, but they come at a cost. Cutting out entire food groups can deprive your body of essential nutrients, leading to a host of biological and psychological issues.

But here's the thing – our bodies are like finely tuned instruments and they need a variety of nutrients to function at their best.

When we deprive ourselves of essential nutrients, it's not just our waistlines that feel the pinch. Our energy levels take a nosedive, leaving us feeling sluggish. Our bodies need a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, lean proteins and fibre to keep us going in our busy day to day lives. Drastic reduction in calorie intake can slow down metabolism, as the body adapts to conserve energy, further contributing to feelings of sluggishness. It's like trying to run a car on just one type of fuel – it might work for a while, but eventually, things are going to sputter out.

Take one example, cutting out carbohydrates can contribute to lacking in fibre, B vitamins, calcium and iron.  All found in wholegrains and fruits. In the long term you are not doing yourself any good.

Psychological Factors

But it's not just about biology. Our relationship with food is deeply personal and often rooted in our past. Think back to your childhood – were there certain foods that were labelled as "bad" or "unhealthy" in your house? Those early experiences can shape our beliefs around food well into adulthood, sometimes leading us down the path of restrictive eating, without even realising it.

And let's not forget about the clever marketing tactics that bombard us daily. Food companies often use marketing strategies that create misconceptions about food. They may promote low-fat or low-carb products as the ultimate path to health, even if these products are not nutritionally balanced.

Trends and societal norms also play a role. Popular diets and influencers might promote restrictive eating as a way to achieve health or aesthetic goals, leading individuals to follow these trends without fully understanding the potential downsides.

So, how do we navigate these choppy waters and find our way to a healthier, more nourished and balanced approach to eating?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. Learning about the importance of different nutrients can help you make informed choices and resist those fad diet temptations.
2. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger cues, savour your food and listen to what your body is telling you. It's like meditation, but with snacks!
3. Embrace diversity: Variety is the spice of life and that goes for your plate too. This includes a balance of carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals from various food sources. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to aim for a colourful mix of foods, to ensure you're getting ALL those essential nutrients.
4. Be kind to yourself: Remember, food is not the enemy. It's fuel for your amazing body and a source of joy and connection. Treat it (and yourself) with love and respect.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

One of the reasons I offer hypnotherapy in my practice is because it is a powerful tool that can complement nutritional education and awareness. It works by tapping into the subconscious mind to address deep-seated beliefs and habits relating to food and self-image.

Through hypnotherapy, you can:

1. Reframe Negative Beliefs: Hypnotherapy helps reprogram the mind to view food and eating habits in a more positive light, breaking free from the restrictive mindset.
2. Reduce Stress: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, hypnotherapy can mitigate emotional eating and improve overall mental wellbeing.
3. Enhance Motivation: Hypnotherapy can boost motivation and commitment to more nourishing lifestyle choices, making it easier to maintain balanced eating habits.

Hypnotherapy can provide that extra help needed to make changes to the way that you eat forever and become part of your new normal.

One Thing To Do

Can you take a moment today to reflect on your relationship with food? Are there any restrictive patterns you've been holding onto? Any childhood beliefs that no longer serve you? What can you learn to let go of?

Remember, every meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and fuel your dreams!

P.S. If you'd like to explore this topic further or need some personalised guidance on your wellness journey, please do not hesitate to contact me at; anita@thewellsmindbodycoach.com