Can You Lose Weight While Reverse Dieting?

Okay I’m not going to beat around the bush.

In short, yes you can lose weight from reverse dieting, but it’s not a fool-proof protocol and it certainly doesn't work the same for everyone.

I don’t recommend you approach reverse dieting with weight loss in mind as your number one goal or expectation.

Here’s the reality: If you increase your calories gradually, your body will adapt, just like your body adapts when you cut calories. It works the same both ways (thank you body!).

When done properly, reverse dieting provides several metabolic benefits such as:

• A rise in BMR: which results in more energy expended

• Workout capacity increases: thanks to having more available energy from eating more food

• NEAT increases: for the same reason, resulting in using more energy

• Digestion returns to normal: because your GI tract is no longer squeezing every nutrient possible out of everything you’re consuming

In order to get the benefit of a reverse diet, it’s important to add calories SLOWLY. That’s primarily because the process works differently for everyBODY and going slow will ensure you can make the proper adjustments along the way as needed.

Keep in mind reverse dieting isn’t magical or fool proof!

Yes, you have the potential to still see weight loss through the process but it’s because increased “energy in” results in increased “energy out.” AKA you’ll have more energy and stamina to push it harder in your workouts as well as the factors listed above.

Remember, when it comes to reverse dieting, there are no guarantees. If you need help with the process, feel free to contact me.