Restrictive diets, such as very low-calorie diets or diets that severely restrict certain types of foods or nutrients, may produce initial weight loss results. However, they can be challenging to sustain over the long term and may even lead to weight gain in the future. Here are a few reasons why it's best to avoid restrictive diets during your weight loss period:

1. They are difficult to maintain: Restrictive diets often require a lot of willpower and discipline, making them difficult to maintain over the long term. When people go back to their usual eating habits, they often regain the weight they lost, which can lead to a cycle of yo-yo dieting.

2. They can be nutritionally inadequate: Diets that eliminate entire food groups or severely restrict calories can be nutritionally inadequate, leading to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.


3. They may slow down your metabolism: When you significantly reduce your caloric intake, your body may slow down your metabolism to conserve energy. This can make it harder to lose weight in the long term, as your body is burning fewer calories.

4. They may affect your mental health: Strict diets can be mentally taxing and lead to feelings of guilt or failure when you inevitably slip up. This can take a toll on your mental health and lead to a negative relationship with food.

Overall, it's best to focus on making small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle over time rather than trying to follow a strict diet that may not be sustainable or healthy.