Are Low-calorie Diets The Magic Wand for Weight Loss?
Ah, the age-old belief that "low calorie" is the magic wand to health and happiness.
Did you know that 1200 calories is enough for a 2-3 year old? Your body needs more calories than you think…
Me when I have tried low calorie diets:
🚫 Why this myth is unhelpful:
The idea that fewer calories are always better is about as true as claiming unicorns are roaming our backyards. In reality, obsessing over calorie counts can lead to nutrient deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and a rollercoaster of emotions.
If anyone recommends you to eat a specific amount of calories, they are not seeing you as one person. Instead they are putting you in a box and giving you very general and wrong advice, probably keeping you stuck in a binge eating cycle.
Believe it or not, it's impossible to know how much you need. Even for me, as a trained dietitian, I can’t tell you how many calories you truly need. Instead I look at how you are feeling to make sure you are getting enough to thrive.
🌟 What you could do instead:
Focus on how you are feeling: Is the calorie target making you low in energy? On the emotional rollercoaster? Constantly hungry or thinking about imaginary food? These are really early signs to know that you aren't eating enough and that you need to eat more.
Quality over quantity: Less food is not best… instead focus on the quality of your food options, not just the quantity. Remember that calories don't tell us the nutritional quality of a food.
Balance is key: A well-rounded diet with proteins, carbs, and healthy fats is like a symphony for your body. By having a balance we can reduce binge eating and stop you feeling out of control around food.
It’s time to get rid of the age-old notion that "low calorie" is the ultimate key to health and happiness. It underscores the reality that our bodies require more calories than we often believe, and the obsession with calorie counts can lead to nutrient deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and emotional turmoil.
The idea of prescribing a specific calorie intake oversimplifies individual needs and can perpetuate binge-eating cycles. Instead, the focus should shift towards tuning into how one feels and the early signs of insufficient nutrition, prioritising food quality over mere quantity, and embracing a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to promote a healthier relationship with food and end binge eating cycles.
Stay tuned for more myth-busting adventures in the coming weeks as we continue our mission to debunk myths and make food less stressful.
Struggling with dieting and binge eating…
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