Low Calorie Diets

One of my biggest pet peeves as a coach is seeing people on extremely low calorie diets. I understand the thought process, if you don’t eat many calories throughout the day you’ll drop weight. AT FIRST. I can’t stress enough how unhealthy most low calorie diets are. These diets of eating 1200 calories or less makes it very hard to regularly consume the amount of nutrients your body needs to function optimally. You may initially lose weight, but that doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Many people who eat low calorie are significantly lacking in things like fiber, iron, calcium, as well as most vitamins.

Very low calorie diets also set you up for failure. Understand that your body will adapt to anything you do. Think about it: distance runners can run for miles with ease; powerlifters can lift hundreds of pounds. These skills were developed after many years of training and their bodies have adapted. Similarly, your body will adapt to eating low calories. All your body knows is “there doesn’t seem to be a lot of food available, I better save energy”. Over time your metabolism will actually slow down as your body conserves energy to keep you alive. When this happens you will store body fat more readily. So not only have you slowed your metabolism, but you’re holding onto excess fat.

If we put aside the physiological problems associated with eating such low calories there are other issues as well. Most likely, you will be hungry ALL THE TIME, your hormones will become negatively affected, even your psychological health is at risk. It’s common to develop a bad relationship with food and eating disorders can sometimes stem from this type of lifestyle.

It can be tricky to figure out how many calories you should be eating, but I can assure you that 1200 or less is a dangerous game to play. Food is fuel, especially if you live an active lifestyle and you’re working out regularly, your body desperately needs that fuel. I urge you to stay away from these low calorie diets. Your diet doesn’t have to be restrictive, you can achieve your goals while still eating the things you love. Do your research and hire someone who has your long term health in mind.