Is a reverse diet for you?

Likely, yes.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “reverse dieting” by now… if not from someone else then probably from me! And I can almost positively tell you, if you’re wondering if you should reverse diet… the answer is likely yes. And if not now then at some point… as there are many benefits to reverse dieting and many reasons to do so.

First off, what is a reverse diet?
Reverse dieting refers to slowly and incrementally increasing your intake in order to speed up your metabolism, build new muscle, and in some cases repair your hormonal health. Reverse dieting is necessary to break through fat loss plateaus in order to get things moving again after chronic or prolonged dieting.

Reverse dieting is strategic and intentional.
When done properly, body fat gains are kept minimal and results can be phenomenal. A combination of strength training (along with progressive overload), slowly increasing intake, and eating enough protein is the recipe for a successful reverse.

Here’s the outcome -

1. Increased metabolic rate. Our metabolisms are very adaptive. When we eat less, our metabolic rate decreases in order to become more efficient. When we eat more, our metabolism naturally increases. Add in a high protein diet and some muscle mass from strength training and we can increase our metabolism rate even further… but only in conjunction with eating more/ enough.
2. Increased muscle mass. In most cases, you need additional intake in order to build new muscle. Muscle tissue needs to be fed in order to repair and regrow. As mentioned earlier, the more muscle you develop the higher your metabolic rate becomes. This is key for getting stronger, looking stronger, and having more freedom with your intake… as well as allowing your body to favor muscle growth over fat storage.
3. Break free from plateaus and food restriction. Chronic dieting slows down your metabolism. This is why many people get stuck on dropping those last few lbs. Dieting too often also creates a “restriction” mentality in which you feel guilty for over-eating. Increasing your intake allows you to work past both of these common issues.
4. Increased energy, improved hormonal health, and less cranky-ness. People who chronically under-eat are likely under-eating nutrients as well. This affects hormone function, energy levels, and general mood. Being hangry is a real thing. Reverse dieting places focus on fueling your body for optimal health… and when you are fed well you are likely more pleasant.

Lastly - Reverse diet right and you’ll improve your fitness AND your health.
It is possible (and quite easy) to “dirty bulk” - aka eat a bunch of junk to hit your calories while in a reverse. We want to fill our plates with nutrient-dense foods as much as possible. Plus, it is so freeing and energizing to enjoy higher calorie natural foods (such as beef, avocado, honey, etc.) and reap both the fitness AND health benefits from eating this way.

A reverse diet is for you if...
You have been stuck at the same weight and can no longer drop those last few lbs of body fat.
You’ve been a chronic dieter or restricted calories for a while and do not feel your best.
You have plateaued in building muscle and can’t seem to get to those heavier dumbbells.
You’ve never done it before and want to change something up with your fitness & take things to the next level.
You have a lagging muscle group that you just can’t seem to improve (ie, the booty is flat).
Or finally you want to be someone who can eat A LOT and burn A LOT and not worry about days or weeks when you are off your typical eating!

If I’ve convinced you that a reverse diet is for you, but you have absolutely no idea where to start - The Fit Foodie Nutrition Plan has an option to add on a reverse diet outline! You can get this laid out for you to do on your own, or you can opt to have me coach and guide you through every step. It may seem a little overwhelming but I promise it’s not and it’s an ENJOYABLE process. Plus who doesn’t want to learn how to eat more and get fitter?!

Click HERE for more info on my nutrition plan.