[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #71CCD5;”] I[/dropcap] believed this myth for years.
The whole idea that restricting your diet is a bad idea.
Because it leads to bingeing.
It seemed so logical.
Human nature.
Right?
But then I went on my low carb journey to manage my diabetes.
I felt uneasy about ‘restricting’ my diet.
But the crazy thing I found was that by making a conscious choice to limit carbs.
It actually made my life easier.
Eventually I realized that in some cases (like mine) restriction can be positive.
Let’s dive in to the fascinating world of restriction.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY:
- The difference between positive and negative restriction.
- Why dietary restriction is actually helpful
- Examples of when to consider restriction
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RESTRICTION.
Positive Restriction:
Comes from a place of self care and acceptance.
Comes from within.
Feels empowering.
Is easy to stick to.
Doesn’t result in binges.
Negative Restriction
Comes from a place of self hatred.
Involves following someone else’s rules – comes from without.
Feels restrictive and limiting.
Is a constant battle.
Often ends in bingeing.
WHY DIETARY RESTRICTION CAN BE HELPFUL
Remember Day 14 when I introduced the concept Personal Rules?
Essentially restricting your diet is one way of applying a personal rule.
Restriction can help in 3 ways.
1. Makes life easier.
It reduces the number of decisions you have to make each day.
So if you’re vegetarian, there’s no need to consider if you should have a beef burger or a veggie burger for lunch. You already know the answer.
2. It helps make better decisions.
Because by choosing to restrict, you’re deciding in advance. This means you are making decisions with your pre-frontal cortex – the part of the brain that understands the consequences of your choices.
Rather than the emotional brain which only wants pleasure in the present moment.
3. Improves Adherence.
When you decide to become vegetarian, low carb (or however you want to restrict), you are actually choosing a new identity for yourself.
The thought that ‘I am a vegetarian’, makes it incredibly easy to avoid eating meat.
It wouldn’t cross your mind.
Same goes with my thought that ‘I am a diabetic – I don’t eat sugar and carbs’.
Simple.
WHEN TO CONSIDER RESTRICTION
It all comes down to your reasons for choosing to restrict.
If you are motivated by self care and wanting to improve your health.
Or if there is an addictive nature to the substance you want to restrict, like alcohol or sugar.
Or if you believe your restriction is for the greater good, like animal welfare or the environment.
And if you like your reasons.
Then go for it!
BUT if you’re not excited about your reasons.
Or you find yourself struggling to stick to the restriction, then that’s a sign you’re in negative restriction land.
And maybe another approach would be better for you in that case.
SUMMARY:
Here’s what we’ve covered:
- There are 2 types of restriction, positive and negative.
- Positive restriction comes from a place of self care and empowerment.
- Positive restriction is an example of using Personal Rules.
- Positive restriction makes life easier because you have less decisions, better decisions and are more likely to stick to it.
- For positive restriction to work you must like your reasons for choosing to restrict.
ACTIVITY
Think about the Personal Rules you decided on Day 14. Ask yourself if you like your reasons for choosing them. If you do, then keep going. If not, it might be time to reconsider or share in the comments below so I can help you work though it.
LEARN MORE
Love this podcast episode from Brooke Castillo which introduced me to this idea that restriction can be a positive tool.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
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ps. This is a new concept I haven’t taught before. I’d love your feedback. Does it make sense? Is it helpful. Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below…
I understand what you mean! I’ve never thought this thing as any kind of restriction, it sound not so nice for me (maybe it is something with my english). I prefer to this things as a norm or principle, what gives me hold and guidelines. Or if it is a smaller thing or practical thing, I refer to this as a practise, a mode or a lifestyle. And in some cases I call it a ritual, what gives even better feelings, and more respect from others.
Language is interesting isn’t it Christy!
I like the idea of principles and rituals 🙂
The concept of positive restriction makes perfect sense. As one who is close to becoming diabetic and who is terrified of having that happen, I have chosen (with your encouragement) to restrict carbs. Not totally, but at a level I can succeed with. It has been a very positive experience. When I wrote my rules for day 14 I made sure to include rules for where I’m in a situation where temptation is everywhere, that would leave me feeling powerful rather than deprived. I spent most of my life on diets of one sort or another, and finally, after participating for several years in a program that claimed to be not a diet (but it really was), I decided I’d had it with diets. One can watch what one eats without being restrictive, but rather by making positive choices. I’ve actually done well with that and even better since I started restricting carbs. Life is easier and far more pleasant when the restrictions come from a positive place.