What Is Real Restriction

What Is Real Restriction?

How many times have you heard that quitting sugar, eating low carb, keto, or carnivore is too restrictive? If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I’d probably be retired on a beach somewhere by now.

But here’s the thing—restricting is not a bad thing. In fact, we do it all the time in other areas of life without thinking twice. We restrict ourselves from things that harm us, whether it’s smoking, toxic relationships, or spending money we don’t have. But when it comes to food, suddenly avoiding junk is seen as some kind of punishment.

Cutting Out Harmful Foods Isn’t Restriction—It’s Freedom

For me, not eating Hershey bars or Costco cheesecake doesn’t feel restrictive. It feels like freedom. Why? Because I know what happens when I eat those things. I’m not someone who can just have “a little” and move on with my life. I’m a food addict. I don’t moderate—I eliminate. And honestly? That choice has given me my life back.

But let’s flip the script for a second. Do you know what real restriction looked like for me?

• Wearing size 20W jeans and feeling miserable in my own body.

• Raging type 2 diabetes that had me on medications I hated.

• High blood pressure, sleep apnea, and constant exhaustion.

• Year-round asthma and allergies that made even basic activities a struggle.

• Itchy, painful psoriasis that was a daily reminder of how sick my body was.

That was a truly restricted life. I was limited by my health, my energy, and my ability to do the things I wanted to do. Junk/drug foods didn’t add to my life—it stole from it.

Food Isn’t the Only Source of Pleasure

Another thing I hear all the time is, “But I love food! I don’t want to give up the pleasure of eating.” Listen, I get it. Food is comforting. It’s tied to memories, celebrations, and emotions. But let’s be real—there are millions of ways to experience pleasure that have nothing to do with food.

➡️ Like waking up with energy.

➡️ Like walking up a flight of stairs without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

➡️ Like fitting into clothes you actually feel good in.

➡️ Like being fully present in your life instead of constantly battling food cravings and the sabotaging voice in our head.

That’s real pleasure. That’s real freedom.

Stop Thinking of It as Restriction—Start Thinking of It as a Gift

If you’ve been struggling with the idea that cutting out sugar or processed foods is “too restrictive,” I challenge you to rethink that mindset. It’s not about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining.

When you stop eating the things that are making you sick, you start living a life you actually want to be in. And I promise you, that is worth so much more than any piece of cake or plate of pasta.

If this message hit home for you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to take the next step toward food freedom, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Food Sobriety or join my Food Freedom Tribe. You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to help. Click on the image below to learn more.