Why are restrictive diets so popular?

witchaywoman81

I have 2 good friends who are on diets at the moment. One is doing something called “carb cycling” and the other is doing what she calls “lazy keto.” I told them both I’m eating what I want and tracking my calories here, and I’ve lost 7 pounds since the beginning of the year, which didn’t seem to deter them from their plans. Not that I was trying to at all, but it got me thinking about why “we” feel like we need to torture ourselves to lose weight. We don’t (generally) gain weight quickly, so why do we feel the need to lose it so quickly? I ask all of these hypothetical questions as someone who has tried my own share of quick fixes...with little success.

Teabythesea_

For some reason a lot of people don't like accepting the fact that they are in complete control of their weight. They will blame anything and everything, except themselves, for being overweight. The diet industry is partially to blame. They know they won't make money if everyone knows that it's not about what they eat, but how much, so they continue to feed lies to the public about what is making them fat and what they need to do about it. A lot of people know its rubbish, but then you have the ones who don't. Then it turns into a game of telephone that ends with Brenda in her cubicle eating her fat bombs and drinking her ACV. She can't tell you how it works, just that it does and anyone who loses weight without doing these things is just "lucky."

*no offense to any Brendas out there, I'm sure you're great people*

rosiorama

I’ve said this in another thread - my doctor didn’t believe me when I came in and 20 pounds lighter and told her I had started counting calories and exercising more. I ate what I wanted - just less.

I know that doesn’t answer your question, and I don’t know the answer. If it’s so straight forward, why don’t people just do it?

But I like Tea’s answer above.

witchaywoman81

Teabythesea_ wrote: »

Then it turns into a game of telephone that ends with Brenda in her cubicle eating her fat bombs and drinking her ACV. She can't tell you how it works, just that it does and anyone who loses weight without doing these things is just "lucky."

*no offense to any Brendas out there, I'm sure you're great people*

I love this. So poetic. And true! Full disclosure: for YEARS, I was convinced that the only way I could lose weight was on the Weight Watchers point system. Then they changed the points system a few times, and I was convinced that I was out of luck. Thank goodness for mfp!

witchaywoman81

rosiorama wrote: »

I’ve said this in another thread - my doctor didn’t believe me when I came in and 20 pounds lighter and told her I had started counting calories and exercising more.

How disheartening is it that even doctors don’t understand it? 😞

deannalfisher

I would disagree carb cycling is restrictive - it’s just tweaking your daily calories to workouts

witchaywoman81

deannalfisher wrote: »

I would disagree carb cycling is restrictive - it’s just tweaking your daily calories to workouts

I didn’t exactly know what carb cycling meant, tbh, but also something else about low carb and cutting caffeine, and changing things up every week or so. I dunno, it just sounded more complicated than necessary to me, is all.

t00lz

Regardless of the diet, there’s seems to be some truth to most of them and we lose some weight.

But I believe the reason we torture ourselves with restrictions is that it’s easier to follow clear cut rules for what to eat and what to avoid rather than police ourselves.

This is why I follow intermittent fasting as it’s easier for me to say these are my set hours that I’m sticking to than for me to willpower myself into not being eating everything as soon as my kids go to bed... I know from experience that I’ve failed at self management time and time again.

frida001

Some people need the structure to get them started. It's not a lifestyle change, but it's a start.

pierinifitness

There’s more than one way to get the job done and what you describe as torture about your friends’ weight loss journey may be pleasant and palatable to them. Hold your breath judging them and others who aren’t doing it your way. See where you’re at in six months and then maybe make your next judgment.

I lost 33 lbs. in 173 days practicing intermittent fasting. Some would call it a restrictive approach. I saw it differently and didn’t feel deprived but, rather, very disciplined. It worked, for me.

MichelleSilverleaf

I blame the impression that's been given that losing weight has to be difficult, so people think they have to be miserable to lose weight. Plus the expectations of losing a lot of weight really quickly, they think they're doing something wrong if they're not losing 5lbs a week and make themselves even more miserable.

vanityy99

I don’t see the difference between what you’re doing and what they’re doing in the sense that you’re all depending on something to help you lose weight, some people need a structured plan, some need tools. Who cares, whatever works for the person.

nooshi713

I dont know where this unexpected expectation to lose weight quickly and deprive oneself of everything comes from but I hate it.

estherdragonbat

I think that as a whole, we've become a more impatient society. We generally don't want to wait. It's about quick fixes and instant gratification and we don't like hearing that some things don't work that way.

neugebauer52

Because they promise instant results and they show you some pictures of beautiful, thin people. They do not tell you that initially you tend to lose a lot of water weight and they never bother telling you that it is virtually impossible to stay on a very restrictive diet forever. But most importantly - no - one tells you that how much weight you lose, you will stay as ugly as you ever have been! Just looked into my bathroom mirror - point in question!

Emberlain

"I told them both I’m eating what I want and tracking my calories here, and I’ve lost 7 pounds since the beginning of the year, which didn’t seem to deter them from their plans"

Why should you telling them something about yourself 'deter' them from their plans? You weren't giving them orders. They don't have to copy what you do. You already admit you didn't even know what 'carb cycling' was before you judged it as 'restrictive' and assumed they were doing something wrong.

I carb cycle; eat more carbs on lifting days to fuel training, eat less on rest days to aid cutting weight. It's a popular and successful plan, and easy to implement. It doesn't involve restriction and isn't something to get upset about. Nor is keto.

Any diet with a goal in mind is 'restrictive'. The opposite is an 'unrestricted' diet, just eating whatever, which isn't going to suit anyone on a cut, maintaining or on a lean bulk.

TLDR: your way isn't the only way.

Duck_Puddle

I think some of it stems from the fact that people know what they are doing isn’t working (because they know they now need to lose weight). And they know they need to eat “better” but what does that mean? If I walk into the grocery store - which items in the 32 some odd aisles are “better”? Restrictive diets tell me exactly what I can and can’t eat. I go into the grocery store and know which items I can and can’t buy-and since it’s not what I’m doing now, it must be the change I need.

It took me a long time to get to a point where I could eat what I wanted (sort of) and be in my calorie goal. Eating smaller portions of what I was eating before left me ravenously hungry because it just wasn’t enough food volume (nor would I get the vitamins and things I need). Eating whatever I liked without substantial modifications (to ingredients) also had the same issue.

It took me a long time to find a way to eat that I actually liked, gave me all the nutrition I need. that fit my preferences for timing and things and also had a way to fit in the foods I like (but really can’t eat often and still fit my goal). Having structure really helped me in that process. I don’t do a restrictive diet but I can see how having someone outline exactly what is and isn’t allowed would be a whole lot less stressful than looking at a grocery store and thinking “now what?”

2Dozen

Long term consistency trumps short term intensity.

I use this Bruce Lee quote almost daily in my life, sometimes out of the original context.

Its been my experience that most people are looking for a quick fix, hence the fad diets. They offer quick results through intensity (drop this immediately, do this only, never eat carbs, only eat rare buffalo meat presented by time traveling Native Americans, etc...) . These people tend to relapse because it isn't sustainable. Something that can be done consistently over the long term is not only better for you but puts you in a position to be successful over the long term.

Again a little out of context but still applies

paperpudding

I agree with Emberlain - sometimes we get too caught up in calorie counting and smugly think that is the be all and end all way for everyone.

Some people dont want to count calories and would find it restrictive and torture.

But they are quite happy following a prescribed diet that, for example, restricts high calorie carbs and call it lazy keto or carb cycling, however that works.

or a plan that says Breakfast - 1 bowl of oatmeal, Lunch pick from this or that etc

As long as the plans are not silly restrictive quick fixes (eg eat bananas only for 3 days a week or suchlike) - which carb cycling and lazy keto do not seem to be - then no problem.

What they are doing works for them, what you are doing works for you.

No need for anyone to be detered.

smolmaus

I think sometimes it has to do with the fact that restrictive plans are just harder. You get more of a sense of satisfaction and control sticking to keto or paleo or whatever. It feels active and purposeful. Eating normally, just a bit less, is boring. It also means that there is no evil combo of nutrients (wheat, gluten, sugar, GMOs, whatever) that made you fat, which is also boring.

I liken it to people who say they love to cook but are only interested when it means impressive dinner party food, chocolate fondants, sous vide duck breasts and a demi-glace. Feeding the family on a Tuesday is objectively easier but it's dull so it's frozen pizza or get someone else to do it.

paperpudding

No, what is harder is subjective.

For some people calorie counting is harder. For some it is active and purposeful. For others it is not.

Same with low carb. Prescriptive diets ( those that tell you what to eat at each meal) or whatever method.

I'm sure everyone losing other than by calorie counting doesn't view gluten, carbs, sugar etc as evil. Or even avoid them.

I lost by calorie counting and it works for me.

But I'm rather bemused by the smug superiority some posters seem to have about it, and the derogatory assumptions about other people's lesser methods.

shaf238

Because people are lazy and want quick fixes.

missysippy930

Aren’t all diets restricting foods/calories? It’s how weight is lost. How you achieve and maintain is each person’s choice.

smolmaus

paperpudding wrote: »

No, what is harder is subjective.

For some people calorie counting is harder. For some it is active and purposeful. For others it is not.

Same with low carb. Prescriptive diets ( those that tell you what to eat at each meal) or whatever method.

I'm sure everyone losing other than by calorie counting doesn't view gluten, carbs, sugar etc as evil. Or even avoid them.

I lost by calorie counting and it works for me.

But I'm rather bemused by the smug superiority some posters seem to have about it, and the derogatory assumptions about other people's lesser methods.

That's why I said "sometimes". It's just an observation I've had with a few people personally and also a mindset I completely understand myself because tbh I do the same thing with exercise. Nothing derogatory about it, it's just how some people's brains work, some of the time.

Phirrgus

It can't be good for you if it doesn't cause discomfort or taste bad.

Vast oversimplification there...but that seems to fit what I've personally run in to.

witchaywoman81

pierinifitness wrote: »

There’s more than one way to get the job done and what you describe as torture about your friends’ weight loss journey may be pleasant and palatable to them. Hold your breath judging them and others who aren’t doing it your way. See where you’re at in six months and then maybe make your next judgment.

I lost 33 lbs. in 173 days practicing intermittent fasting. Some would call it a restrictive approach. I saw it differently and didn’t feel deprived but, rather, very disciplined. It worked, for me.

No judgment here, it just got me thinking is all. And the way they both takes about these diets, it sure didn’t sound like they were having any fun at all. 🤷‍♀️

Congrats on your weight loss success! That’s awesome!

witchaywoman81

Emberlain wrote: »

TLDR: your way isn't the only way.

Of course not. Eek. If I came across as “why aren’t they doing it my way?” that wasn’t my intentional at all. The way they were both talking about their diets, they sounded miserable, which made me reflect on the many “magical” diets I’ve tried in the past, and my lack of understanding that it’s all about calories.

witchaywoman81

paperpudding wrote: »

Some people dont want to count calories and would find it restrictive and torture.

Yeah, that’s a good point! I have even seen people here bemoaning this, saying, “do I have to do this FOREVER?” I like the point that’s been mentioned a few times as well about structure. Maybe that’s something we all need. I get it from tracking my calories and eating what I want, while others get it from having a prescribed list of foods to choose from.

witchaywoman81

paperpudding wrote: »

But I'm rather bemused by the smug superiority some posters seem to have about it, and the derogatory assumptions about other people's lesser methods.

🙋‍♀️ Full disclosure, I’ve been totally guilty of rolling my eyes at the many, many keto threads in these forums. If that woe works for someone long term, who am I to judge? I think I unintentionally project my own biases there. This is where I think it would be helpful to at least be able to ADD to posts later, but alas...

I can definitely see where I came off as a bit of a know-it-all in the OP, which is ridiculous, considering that fact that I’ve been at this for real for less than 2 months and still have a good 50+ pounds to lose. We will see where I am in a few months, but one thing I do know right now is that I don’t even feel like I’m “dieting.” Some days are harder than others and some days that voice in my head (which sounds a whole heck of a lot like my mother) asks me why I’m not losing weight faster.

This woe has been a real epiphany and a relief to me, after trying so many other woe over the years, without successfully losing weight.

Maxematics

I agree with the notion that, overall, people prefer quick fixes and don't want to admit to themselves they eat too many calories.

Of course there's nothing wrong with keto, IF, carb cycling, etc. However, many people aren't following these diets because they're easier for them to adhere to. They're following them because they think they are magical ways of losing weight.

I can't count the number of times people have said keto causes more weight loss than CICO, that people thought eating outside of their IF eating window would prevent them from losing weight, or that cycling carbs would "boost" their weight loss. These are all examples of overcomplicating weight loss. A person who is just losing weight really doesn't have to worry much about nutrient timing, carb cycling, or refeeds yet I've seen just the opposite in many places, even here on MFP.

Noticing these things doesn't mean i'm judging them for it either. I just wish they'd know that they don't have to worry about any of these things to lose weight. If it truly helps them and doesn't feel like a burden, then that's wonderful! However, it simply isn't true for the majority of people who attempt weight loss. When they quit due to over-restricting or regain weight after going back to normal eating habits, they say weight loss is just impossible and give up until the next fad comes along. It's so disheartening because weight loss truly is accessible for everyone. There's no magic, no special metabolism, and no money to be spent on gimmicks.

witchaywoman81

Maxematics wrote: »

I agree with the notion that, overall, people prefer quick fixes and don't want to admit to themselves they eat too many calories.

Of course there's nothing wrong with keto, IF, carb cycling, etc. However, many people aren't following these diets because they're easier for them to adhere to. They're following them because they think they are magical ways of losing weight.

I can't count the number of times people have said keto causes more weight loss than CICO, that people thought eating outside of their IF eating window would prevent them from losing weight, or that cycling carbs would "boost" their weight loss. These are all examples of overcomplicating weight loss. A person who is just losing weight really doesn't have to worry much about nutrient timing, carb cycling, or refeeds yet I've seen just the opposite in many places, even here on MFP.

Noticing these things doesn't mean i'm judging them for it either. I just wish they'd know that they don't have to worry about any of these things to lose weight. If it truly helps them and doesn't feel like a burden, then that's wonderful! However, it simply isn't true for the majority of people who attempt weight loss. When they quit due to over-restricting or regain weight after going back to normal eating habits, they say weight loss is just impossible and give up until the next fad comes along. It's so disheartening because weight loss truly is accessible for everyone. There's no magic, no special metabolism, and no money to be spent on gimmicks.

QFT. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

You said it much more eloquently than I did. Thank you.