Restrictive eating can manifest in a range of ways, from chronic under-eating to rigid food rules, or cycles of restriction followed by episodes of over-eating. While it may initially seem like a form of control or discipline, it often leads to significant physical and emotional distress. For some, it becomes a way of life; measuring worth or success by food choices, calories, or weight. For others, restriction gives way to a backlash of overeating, which is often followed by guilt and a renewed resolve to restrict. This ‘restrict-over-eat’ cycle can become deeply entrenched, affecting day-to-day wellbeing and long-term health.

Cognitively and emotionally, the effects of restriction can be significant. Hunger impairs concentration, dulls thinking, and can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming. People often feel tense, anxious, and irritable. Food becomes an all-consuming focus: what to eat, when to eat, how to avoid eating. Social media feeds, shopping lists, and mental space are filled with food-related content, which can reinforce obsessive patterns. Low mood, low libido, and an increasing sense of isolation are common. Many feel ashamed or guilty about their relationship with food, which can lead to further withdrawal from others and deepen the emotional toll.

Physically, the body begins to respond to a lack of consistent nourishment by downregulating vital systems to conserve energy. This means that your body is trying to preserve energy for vital organs by switching off or reducing some of its functions. Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature may drop. Digestion slows, leading to bloating, constipation, and discomfort. Over time, bone density can decrease due to a loss of oestrogen, much like what occurs during menopause, increasing the risk of fractures. Fertility is also impacted- ovulation may become irregular or stop altogether, which can develop into functional hypothalamic oligoamenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. Muscle wasting affects both the smooth muscles that support digestion and skeletal muscles, leading to fatigue, weakness, and even a weakened immune response, making the body more susceptible to illness.

Ultimately, restrictive eating is not just about food- it affects every part of life.

What we can achieve working together:

  • Increase your confidence in nourishing yourself well.
  • Reduce tiredness and mood swings.
  • Achieve a stable, healthier weight without large fluctuations.
  • Stop relying on restrictions and diet rules to cope with life.
  • Cultivate a more balanced body image
  • Free up your mind from over focus on body shape/size and engage in what REALLY matters to you


Here's a glimpse into some of the common themes we often explore:

  • Building a strong foundation for healthy nutrition tailored to meet your individual health needs.
  • Examining the triggers behind disordered eating behaviours.
  • Developing practical strategies to adopt healthier eating habits.
  • Increasing awareness of your thoughts and emotions around restriction behaviours and practice self-regulation.
  • Reduce the influence of unhelpful self-talk and negative body image self-evaluations that contribute to disordered eating.
  • Identifying meaningful goals and motivations to guide your actions, offering a sense of purpose and direction in overcoming disordered eating and cultivating a healthier relationship with food.


Start your journey now