It all started with a late-night scroll, a few too many “before and after diet” photos, and me thinking, I can totally do this on my own. I mean, how hard could it be? I’ve read enough about nutrition, I know what’s healthy, and I definitely didn’t need to pay someone to tell me what to eat. Right?
The First Few Weeks: Feeling Like a Nutrition Guru
At first, I was killing it. Prepping meals, cutting carbs, drinking so much water I felt like a human fish—I was convinced I had cracked the code. The scale moved, my energy was through the roof, and I even skipped dessert at a family dinner (which, if you know me, never happens).
Then, things started getting… weird.
The First Signs Something Was Off
A month in, I wasn’t just eating healthy—I was obsessed with food. Every meal was a math equation. I couldn’t just enjoy a dinner out without mentally tallying every calorie. And the energy boost? Yeah, that crashed hard. I was exhausted, irritable, and honestly, miserable to be around.
But I pushed through. Because obviously, this was just part of the “adjustment phase.” My body was adapting, right?
The Wake-Up Call (AKA My Hair Started Falling Out)
One morning, I brushed my hair and nearly had a heart attack. Clumps. Actual clumps of hair. That’s when I knew—I had messed up bad. I spiraled down a Google rabbit hole, and let’s just say, none of the results were comforting. Was I malnourished? Losing too much weight too fast? Completely ruining my metabolism?
I finally caved and booked an appointment with a dietitian, fully expecting a quick “eat more spinach” solution.
The Reality Check I Needed
Spoiler: I was way off.
The dietitian barely skimmed my food journal before shaking her head. I wasn’t eating enough, plain and simple. Cutting carbs? Too aggressively. Barely any healthy fats? Bad move. Micronutrients? Completely ignored. My body wasn’t “adjusting”—it was going into full-blown panic mode. No wonder I felt like garbage.
She broke it down for me: dieting isn’t about slashing calories and punishing yourself. It’s about fueling your body. If I had just talked to a professional from the start, I could’ve avoided months of exhaustion, anxiety, and unnecessary hair loss.
What I Wish I Knew Before
Google is great for a lot of things. Building a diet plan? Not one of them. There’s a reason dietitians exist. They don’t just tell you what to eat; they help you create something sustainable. Something that actually works for your body.
Now? I eat carbs (shock: they didn’t ruin my progress). Don’t freak out over social meals. I feel strong instead of drained. And the best part? I don’t spend every waking moment thinking about food.
So, if you’re thinking about going on a diet alone, don’t be like me. Talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. Your body (and your sanity) will thank you.
Picture Credit: Freepik