Why Restrictive Diets Don't Work And What To Do Instead

If you’ve ever cut out carbs, followed strict meal plans, or told yourself “this is the last time” – only to end up back at square one – you’re not alone.

And it’s not a willpower problem.

The truth? Restrictive diets are designed to fail. They promise fast results, but rarely offer long-term success. Instead, they leave you stuck in a cycle of guilt, frustration, and self-blame.

I know this all too well – because I’ve been there too.

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The Restriction Trap

Restrictive diets usually follow the same pattern:

• 🚫 Cut calories or food groups dramatically

• ⚖️ Lose some weight quickly

• 😫 Struggle to keep going

• 🤦‍♀️ ‘Break’ the diet and feel like a failure

• 🔁 Regain the weight – and often more

Sound familiar?

These plans rarely consider your lifestyle, preferences, or emotional needs. They disconnect you from your body, create fear around food, and leave you feeling defeated.

Let me say this clearly: You are not the problem. The diet is.

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My Own Experience With Restriction

I spent years yoyo dieting – always looking for the magic solution.

I tried meal replacement diets, followed plans that required gruelling workouts I hated, and stuck to unrealistic food rules. Every time, I lost a bit of weight… and then slowly regained it – along with more guilt, more frustration, and less trust in myself.

Eventually, I realised I needed to stop punishing my body and start working with it.

That’s what led me to study nutrition, change my own habits, and support others to do the same – in a way that’s healthy, balanced, and sustainable.

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Real Change Is Possible – Meet My Client

One of my amazing clients came to me feeling stuck. She’d tried multiple diets, but nothing gave her lasting results. Her weight was creeping up, she didn’t feel good in herself, and work stress made everything harder.

But she was ready for change.

We worked together to find an approach that was right for her. During our time working together, she made the decision to transition to a mostly vegan diet, made realistic changes to how she ate, and built habits that worked around her life – not against it.

📉 She went from 13 stone to just over 12 stone during our time together. And she’s continued her journey since – now at 10 stone and feeling confident, healthy, and empowered.

She enjoys cooking again, feels good in her skin, and knows her habits are here to stay.

Here’s what she had to say:

“Lisa really works through what’s right for you and provides great insight for you to make permanent changes. My changes have become good habits and I feel so much better for it. I know my new habits are here to stay. Thank you.”

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So, What Does Work?

If you’re tired of the restrict–binge–repeat cycle, it’s time to try something different.

Here’s what actually works long-term:

✅ Focus on what you can add – like protein, fibre, real meals

✅ Build habits that are realistic and flexible

✅ Make space for your favourite foods – without guilt

✅ Work with your body, not against it

✅ Ditch the “all or nothing” mindset

You don’t need another diet. You need a personalised, empowering approach that supports you for the long haul.

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Ready to Break the Cycle?

You deserve better than a lifetime of starting over. If this resonates with you, I’d love to support you on your journey. Let’s make food feel simple again – without restriction, guilt, or overwhelm.