What is restriction really doing?…

Opting for less is pretty hardwired into our culture as the more “attractive” choice. Figuring out how to get less calories has even been painted as glamorous in the media for YEARS, especially with a target market towards women. But what is really happening when we hop on trends of less? Or even fad diets disguised in the name of “health” that are really not nourishing our bodies at all? Take morning fasting for example. I’ve chatted with so many women who think that skipping breakfast is the right choice because they just don’t feel hungry yet, and are saving the calories. Well, fast forward to lunch time, they are tired, grumpy, possibly anxious, and out of touch with how much to eat at lunch time for their body. They’ve entered a state of primal hunger where they can’t really make mindful choice leaving them to feel out of touch with their cues.

When we allow culture to slip in and create the narrative that we need to restrict to be enough, not only are we running off adrenaline, but cortisol goes way up, we feel more anxious and disconnected, and our adrenal health suffers! The way it also messes with our blood sugar and insulin sensitivity causes emotional reactions as well as HURTING our metabolism. In short, when you go on and off restricting, your body starts to hold on to weight not knowing when you are going to deny it again!

Healing and learning to be an ally to your body will bring you into a space where you feel safe in your body. Safe to nourish, and safe to respect its natural genetic blueprint of a healthy body for you! So while you might be sitting there thinking less is more, you are actually not doing your metabolism any favors, but on a deeper level, you are creating a divide of distrust between you and your bod. It’s not cute to skip meals. It’s not cute to try and suppress cues. I promise you will feel more and more grounded as you communicate to your body that it is accepted, honored, and will be nourished with love.

xo, Joy