Problem 2: You’re eating too little
Hang on doesn’t this contradict the advice above? Yes, kind of. But not really.
Surely eating too little is what dieting is all about?
Eating too much will stop you losing weight.
Eating too little will stop you sticking to your diet. This leads to eating too much. See above.
When trainers boast about increasing their clients’ food intake with a miraculous ensuing drop in weight here is what is actually happening.
The client is eating only 1000 calories per day- this isn’t enough food for the client who should be around 1800 at maintenance. This leads to a lack of compliance and a restrictive attitude toward food. Weekend and evening binges are commonplace and result in a net calorie surplus despite the low level of reported calories.
The trainer steps in and advises a higher calorie intake: 1400 calories.
This is a substantial increase in food, in this case approximately 50 grams of protein and 50 grams of carbs. A whole extra meal.
The client is now able to stick to the diet plan and reports a far greater level of compliance. She also feels much more in control of her eating and less susceptible to cravings.
So technically we’ve actually decreased the food intake. However, we’ve ramped up the calories to a sweet spot that ensures compliance and progress.
If you find yourself having regular cheat meals and uncontrollable binges perhaps you are setting your calorie intake too low? You should also ensure that you’re making good food choices and choosing foods with a high satiety rating
