There’s No Such Thing as a “Healthy” Calorie Deficit

As a Registered Dietitian, I Get Asked

How can I be in a “healthy” calorie deficit?

If you haven’t checked out my recent reel on this subject, you can check it out HERE. Here is why I say there is no such thing as a “healthy” calorie deficit:

Food Deprivation

Food deprivation (whether it’s mental or physical) will leave us wanting MORE. Our bodies biologically don’t realize we’re intentionally restricting, and our bodies will send signals to drive us to EAT. When we are in a deficit our bodies will try to encourage us to correct that through cravings and hunger signals. The more we ignore these cues, the more likely we are to binge or overeat.  

Although I do not promote intentional weight loss, some people do lose weight throughout their intuitive eating journeys. This is not because they’re trying to be in a calorie deficit, but rather they likely were eating more than what their bodies need because they were depriving themselves mentally and/or physically of food when struggling with diet culture mentality and body image. 

Food deprivation or attempting to purposefully be in a calorie deficit is very rarely sustainable. It often results in rebound eating which results in eating even more than if you would have never attempted to be in a calorie deficit to begin with. 

Our Bodies are Complex

Lastly, our bodies are very complex and it is difficult to accurately determine how much food we need for maintenance. Apps such as MyFitnessPal or an Apple Watch are NOT accurate and do not know your individual body’s needs. Only our bodies know how much food we need from day to day. TRUST your hunger and fullness cues. Your body is so so wise. Its important to work towards trusting it so you can live your healthiest life. 

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