What Happens If I Stop Dieting? 8 Positive Changes

1. Your metabolism may improve

Studies suggest that when you restrict calories too much, your metabolism can actually slow down and cause you to either continue gaining weight or experience a weight loss plateau. Your body may start to conserve energy and stop burning as many calories. When you stop dieting and eat normally, your body re-learns how to use the fuel more efficiently.

2. You free yourself from stress

When you are on a restricted diet, it contradicts your body's natural tendency to control your nutritional requirements. This can lead to increased stress and heightened cravings. Stopping a diet and freeing yourself of deprivation can help you think less about food and have more fuel options.

3. You may have fewer cravings

Many diets make you rely on fake foods like meal-replacement or pre-packaged meals to keep you full. However, these meals are not only not satisfying, but they can also make your cravings worse. Eating real ingredients can keep you feeling more satiated and eat less.

4. You may enjoy vegetables more

When you stop forbidding yourself from eating certain foods, you may notice that you naturally start to crave more nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables. Not forcing yourself to eat these foods can actually make them more attractive and delicious.

5. You listen to your body

As you stop dieting and find freedom in your eating, you can learn to listen to your body and trust your instincts. Instead of following a restrictive meal plan, you can start to practice mindful eating and portion control.

6. You can live in the present

One of the worst parts of dieting is the amount of mental and emotional energy you have to expend to stick to a strict meal plan. Many people have to schedule their lives around their diet, sometimes sacrificing their social lives to do so. Stopping a diet can be freeing and allow you to enjoy the present moment.

7. You can enjoy more variety

After stopping a diet, you can discover and enjoy a wider range of foods instead of sticking to diet-approved foods alone. You may find yourself enjoying eating more as you appreciate the taste, texture, and colors of your food.

8. You may lose weight without trying

Developing a healthy relationship with food and eating wholesome meals can help you lose weight without even trying. You can stop counting calories and stressing so much about starving yourself or battling with the scale every morning. 

As long as you eat nutritious foods and avoid overindulging yourself, you may find that you have more energy, better moods, and improved digestion.