Great News: Jillian Michaels Says Restrictive Diets Are 'Never Necessary' For Weight Loss
Jillian Michaels spoke out against restrictive diets in a new interview with the Daily Mail.
The former 'Biggest Loser' trainer says restrictive diets are "never necessary" for weight loss.
Instead, she recommends understanding simple calorie math and eating clean.
Fitness guru Jillian Michaels has never been a fan of the keto diet, but now, she's speaking out against restrictive diets of all kinds.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jillian says that restrictive diets aren't the best way to lose weight. "I’d say it’s never necessary," she says. "I’ve taken the most unhealthy individuals with every obesity-related, health-related condition and reversed it with common sense, clean eating and a reasonable, consistent fitness regimen."
Jillian encourages people who want to lose weight to address other parts of their lives before going on a restrictive diet. "Individuals who struggle with weight already have to overcome the emotional and psychological components associated with being overweight—adding an extremely restrictive diet that isn’t sustainable to the mix is a recipe for disaster," she says.
Watch Jillian Michaels' infamous rant against the keto diet:
Instead, Jillian told the Daily Mail the two keys to weight loss are 1) understanding simple calories-in versus calories-out math, and 2) paying attention to the ingredients in your food.
From a nutrition perspective, Jillian is a big proponent of clean eating and developing a healthy, balanced routine. She previously told Women's Health that she starts every morning with a cup of joe. "I always caffeinate first thing," she said. "In fact, coffee has a ton of antioxidants and polyphenols in it which is why its benefits have been linked to improved cognitive function, heart health, fitness performance, decreased risk of liver disease, and it can even help with type 2 diabetes."
Aside from coffee, she preps for the day with about 500 calories of breakfast; a quarter of her daily caloric intake. "I aim for a relatively even blend of healthy complex carbohydrates, protein, and polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats."
Though she doesn't diet, Jillian likes to swap out extra carbs for healthier options, using lettuce as a bun or doing zoodles instead of pasta.“If you feel like you want pasta, the key is whole grain, go organic when you can, and work it into a balanced diet,” she said.
Outside her meals, Jillian keeps a stash of high-protein, low-carb snacks if she feels a mid-day craving. "I always keep food with me, and in order to do that, most of my go-tos are grab-and-go options," she told Women's Health, like organic jerky, trail mixes, nut butter packets with a piece of fruit.
But above all, Jillian encourages her clients to take care of themselves. "You are worthy and deserving," she said. "Treat yourself with the love and care and kindness you treat your kids with."
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