The problem with extreme and restrictive diets

The world of nutrition and diets is complex (to say the least). Every few years there’s a new hype on a specific diet.

They come and go and the people that eat in a certain way will defend it like it’s their religion. Hiding behind these hypes is savvy marketing and people trying to make money off it (and off of us).

The biggest problem is with the extreme and restrictive diets. These are the ones that completely cut out healthy sources of foods.

Diets that come to mind are the following:

• Ketogenic diet: Gets rid of all the carbohydrates

• Low-fat diet: Gets rid of all the fats

• Vegan diet: No foods from animals, whatsoever

• Carnivore diet: Meat only

There are lots of bad side-effects by completely ruling out certain foods or macro nutrients. For example being low on fats can cause major testosterone issues in the body.

Another one is that in the long run many of them are unsustainable.

People claim that these diets caused their weight loss. But this basically comes from the caloric deficit they are in.

They also claim the diets improved their health. But when looking deeper into it again we can see the same commonalities:

• They will eat fewer calories making them lose weight

• It removes most processed foods and sugars

• Increases in protein intake

Behind ‘sexy’ restrictive diets are the fundamentals of healthy eating once again:

• Limit processed foods

• Avoid sugars

• High-protein

• Choose natural options over manufactured ones

I do believe these diets have helped people in losing weight. But most of these benefits came from the above basics. A restrictive diet is unnecessary 99% of the time.

Instead of looking for shortcuts aim for small improvements in your diet along the way. Eat a little more protein for breakfast or cut back a little on caffeine in the afternoon.

With each change you cast a vote for your healthy identity and a healthy diet will become effortless.

Keep improving 👊

Ivan