Climbing calories: what is the reverse diet and who is it for?

For starters, this meal plan was designed for bodybuilders and some athletes (like boxers). But at the same time, the nutritionists of some stars – for example, Kim Kardashian and Hilary Duff – recommended this diet to their wards.

However, experts do not recommend blindly following trends: what is good for some may be a problem for others. And although reverse dieters claim it gives you energy, boosts your metabolism and helps you lose weight, it’s best to start with less restrictive methods.

Reverse nutrition is commonly referred to as “diet after diet,” and here’s why. Athletes spend several months on a diet with severe restrictions in order to adjust to the weight they need for competition. And then, to avoid rapid weight gain after the competition and facilitate the exit from the restriction diet, we use an inverted diet: gradually increase the number of calories consumed.

First, the metabolism slows down, because there are few calories, and then speeds up with better nutrition. But most importantly, the transformation of calories into energy during rest increases, due to which the weight is reduced or maintained at the desired level.

Ideally, a person returns to a normal diet without gaining excessive weight.

The reverse diet is more aimed at maintaining existing weight after eating with severe restrictions. Studies haven’t shown that it helps with significant weight loss, but it’s all individual.

Along with the faster metabolism, you may feel there is more energy. It makes sense – and especially noticeable if you had to severely restrict food before the reverse diet.

The diet is not recommended for those who do not play professional sports or are not bodybuilders. In addition, it is contraindicated for any problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for depression.

But if you decide, start with a restriction of up to 800-900 calories and add 50-100 kcal per week until you reach the usual numbers. No more need: the body quickly gets used to the new diet, and if you overdo it, it may begin to “protest”. For example, you have a stomach ache. It is advisable to discuss this diet with a professional and monitor the process from and to.