A calorie deficit diet is one in which a person eats fewer calories than their body needs to function. Sure, this diet can potentially lead to weight loss. But there’s a lot to consider, especially if it’s done to the extreme. Most importantly, it can be an unhealthy and unsustainable way to lose weight.
Here’s what you need to know about a calorie deficit diet and how it may backfire on you instead of sustain your weightloss.
A Calorie Deficit Diet: The Breakdown
This diet involves consuming fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. This creates a “calorie deficit,” which means your body has to burn stored fat for energy instead of relying on the calories you consume.
Achieving a calorie deficit can be done in two ways. You can either reduce your calorie intake by eating less or increase your calorie burn by exercising more. This can occasionally lead to some weight loss for a short period.
It’s important to note that creating too large of a calorie deficit can be dangerous and may lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and other health problems.
What is a Calorie Deficit Diet? – A Deeper Look
Here’s the thing: a calorie deficit alone won’t work out in your favor. This is especially the case if you’re a woman over 45. So, what is a calorie deficit diet, and why do people partake in it?
When people suggest a caloric deficit as an effective way to lose weight, it’s not entirely accurate. This is because the basis of this diet is that you’ll gather energy from stored fat in your body, leading to weight loss. Sure, this may work for a short time. But there are two problems.
Firstly, you could withhold vital nutrients for your body’s health and well-being. If a diet has the words “deficit” or “restriction” in them, it may be a sign that it won’t be the best path toward overall wellness.
Secondly, a caloric deficit can only work if your body isn’t already out of balance. With an imbalanced bodily system, creating a caloric deficit will make your body think it’s starving. Unfortunately, our brains can’t distinguish between cutting calories and starvation.
How Starvation Affects the Body
Creating a caloric deficit may lead to weight loss. However, with an imbalanced system, your body will only think it’s starving. Because of this, it’ll start storing fat in your midsection. This could be your belly, butt, thighs, neck, and more. You may end up gaining weight rather than losing it.
It also causes further stress, imbalances in hormones, and more inflammation. These things also make you store more fat, compounding the problem.
What’s the Remedy?
Instead of opting into a calorie deficit diet, focus on the kind of food you eat. It’s no secret that food is medicine. Ditch counting calories and monitoring how much food you eat. Instead, begin incorporating food that reduces inflammation.
The primary food groups to focus on include:
- Protein
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Healthy fats
When you focus on wholesome foods, hydration, balanced hormones, and a stress-free lifestyle, everything else can fall into place.
Find a Program That Works!
A calorie deficit diet for weight loss isn’t the best long-term solution. Plenty of diets are only short-term solutions, and it can be frustrating to regain weight consistently. If you’re ready to take back your health and revitalize your confidence, we’ve got your back.
Here at The Metabolism Reboot, we understand the importance of having lasting health, weight loss, and confidence. Say goodbye to the constant yo-yo-ing of a traditional diet system.
Our 10-week coaching program for weight loss is the ultimate game changer in truly creating sustainable, long-lasting change. We work 1:1 with people to ensure they have the support to thrive.
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