What if There's Freedom in Restriction??

Hey, happy Monday!

I hope you had an awesome weekend!

My weekend was a solid mix of fun and chill. I caught up with my friend over a long overdue coffee date. I took a not-so-quick 13-minute plunge into the ocean, went to a seafood cooking class (cooked my first lobster, RIP little guy), and went to a spring break-themed spin class. Plus, I did some easy food prep and squeezed in a little work and R&R. All in all, it was a pretty good weekend!

Today, I'm offering up a different perspective on the word restriction.

Before I dive, I want to say that this is deeply individual.

Let's do a little thought exercise...I want you to think about anything in your life that might need some limiting and managing...Now, how does that feel in your body when you think about limiting that thing...Now, think about how limiting that thing might open up something greater for you.

What if restriction and limiting something feels good?

Is that so bad???

I don't think so.

Because setting limitations on something might actually lead you to discovering something better and greater.

For example:

Limiting coffee to 2 cups a day instead of 5 cups can be beneficial for your energy, blood sugar, and appetite regulation.

Limiting alcohol to 1 glass of wine instead of 3 per night can support sleep quality, mood, and health conditions.

Replacing mindless snacking for bigger balanced meals can help improve your relationship with food and help you achieve physique goals.

Reducing ultra processed foods for more nutritious foods can help with satiety, blood sugar regulation, nutrient deficiencies, and weight management.

Restricting TV time to 2 hours/night instead of 4 hours will help with productivity, sleep, and relationships.

Swapping out some cardio for weights can help lower chronically elevated cortisol levels and increase lean muscle mass.

Have I sold you on the idea that restriction isn't all bad?

I realize that when it comes to food, there's emotions and beliefs tied up in it.

So it can feel different than limiting screen time.

And, if a pattern has developed with food that's crossed over into a negative space or outcome, then restricting, limiting, reducing, or changing it can lead to new perspectives and outcomes.

Which can be really beneficial!

TL;DR: Yes, it's possible to restrict certain foods or drinks without falling into a poor relationship with food. For some people, setting certain boundaries around food can bring a sense of freedom to their eating habits.

NOTE: Make sure that any restrictions you set for yourself are rooted in self-care and not in shame or guilt (or because someone else is limiting gluten or sugar).

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this idea that restriction can be beneficial and might even be the best thing for us in certain situations.

For me, restricting or limiting certain things (coffee, cardio, snacking) has been extremely beneficial for my mental, physical, and emotional health.

If you're interested in learning more about this concept and my 1:1 Health Coaching to: