Is flexible dieting becoming rigid restraint?

January 17, 2023

If “flexible dieting” has you weighing an apple core to “hit your numbers” there’s nothing flexible about it.

Flexible dieting has been shown to outperform rigid dieting in terms of both physical and emotional outcomes. Yet many people turn this “flexible” approach into another rigid diet.

Turning food into numbers, ignoring hunger cues and creating a pathology around food in order to be “perfect” is not going to improve your relationship with food. And it might not even help you lose weight.

That’s because rigidity is akin to restriction and overly restrictive diets often lead to overeating and weight gain. It seems counterintuitive that trying to lose weight can lead to weight gain but it happens often. Especially when we try to live our lives in a state of restriction.

Use a method that works for you but if you’re not truly approaching a flexible approach with any flexibility, don’t be surprised when the results aren’t what you expected.

Author

Jeb Johnston

Share this post:

Related Posts

    Apr 9, 2023
    If we don't align our actions and values we are doomed to be unhappy and unproductive. If there's something you want, figure out how to bring it into alignment with your values and watch how much easier success becomes.
    Apr 18, 2020
    How often do we sit around waiting to engage in our desired behaviors until we “feel better”? How many times have we said we will start going to the gym after we lose a few lbs?
    Jul 24, 2020
    “Well, my week wasn’t perfect...” So often I will hear this and think, “who’s was?” But I often will also converse with a client and what they deem imperfect is not based on what they want but rather what they think they should want.

    Ready to Break Free from Diets, Numbers, and Negative Self-Talk?

    At Food on the Mind, we help you leave behind restrictive diets, harmful habits, and self-doubt. Sign up to our personalized 1:1 coaching and together, let’s develop skills to rebuild your relationship with food, your body, and your mind. This is more than a program — it’s a blueprint for lasting transformation. Together, we’ll build the most empowered version of you.