When it comes to weight loss, there are endless diets, trends, and quick fixes that claim to offer fast results. However, renowned fitness expert Jillian Michaels is here to warn against one very common mistake that could sabotage your efforts.

In a recent interview, the former Biggest Loser trainer shared her expertise on what many people get wrong when trying to lose weight. If you’re eager to shed pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you’ll want to avoid this common pitfall.

Let’s dive into what Jillian Michaels had to say and how you can optimize your diet for sustainable results.

The Biggest Diet Mistake: Undereating

One of the most surprising but frequent errors people make while trying to lose weight is not eating enough. Yes, you read that right!

Michaels warns against severe calorie restriction, which can lead to unintended consequences, including:

• Slower metabolism – Your body adapts to lower calorie intake by conserving energy, which makes weight loss even harder.
• Muscle loss – Cutting too many calories can cause your body to break down muscle instead of burning fat.
• Nutrient deficiencies – Skimping on food can deprive your body of essential nutrients needed for overall health.
• Increased cravings and binge eating – Extreme restriction often leads to overeating later.

Rather than drastically cutting calories, Michaels emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition and eating enough to fuel your body.

Why Starving Yourself Won’t Work

1. Your Metabolism Slows Down

When you eat too few calories, your body enters survival mode. This means it works to conserve energy, slowing your metabolism and making it increasingly difficult for you to burn fat efficiently.

Your metabolism relies on having enough fuel to keep your body’s functions running smoothly. When you’re not eating enough, you are essentially sending the message to your body that there is a food shortage, signaling it to store more fat instead of burning it.

2. You Lose Muscle Instead of Fat

Muscles play a key role in keeping your metabolism high. However, when people drastically cut calories, the body starts breaking down muscle tissue for energy instead of fat. This works against your weight loss efforts and can leave you feeling weaker and more fatigued.

Jillian Michaels recommends focusing on maintaining muscle through proper nutrition and strength training, rather than trying to drop massive amounts of weight through extreme caloric restriction.

3. You End Up Feeling Exhausted and Deprived

Let’s face it—when you’re not eating enough, you’re likely to feel tired, moody, and constantly hungry. This not only affects your energy levels but can also leave you vulnerable to unexpected cravings.

Many people who undereat end up compensating later by binging on unhealthy foods, making it even harder to maintain weight loss. The key is balance—not deprivation.

Jillian Michaels’ Approach to Healthy Weight Loss

Rather than resorting to crash diets or starvation tactics, Michaels encourages a science-backed, sustainable approach to losing weight. Here’s how she suggests achieving your goals the right way:

1. Eat Enough, But Choose the Right Foods

Instead of depriving yourself, focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that keep you full and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the best options include:

• Lean proteins – Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and beans help build muscle and keep you full.
• Healthy fats – Avocados, nuts, and olive oil support brain function and aid in nutrient absorption.
• Complex carbohydrates – Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide lasting energy and fiber.

By filling your plate with the right combination of macronutrients, you can increase satiety and avoid the negative effects of undereating.

2. Prioritize Strength Training

Jillian Michaels stresses that muscle plays a key role in burning calories and keeping your metabolism active. Instead of focusing solely on cardio, incorporating strength training exercises (such as squats, lunges, and resistance training) can help preserve lean muscle and burn fat efficiently.

Building muscle ensures that your body continues burning calories even at rest, making weight loss more sustainable in the long run.

3. Track Progress Without Obsessing Over Calories

While calorie awareness is important, Michaels urges people to avoid obsessing over every single bite they eat. Instead, focus on portion control, listening to your hunger cues, and making healthier food choices.

Tools like food journals or apps can help track eating habits, but the goal should always be balance rather than extreme restriction.

Common Myths About Weight Loss Everyone Should Ignore

Myth 1: Eating Less Will Always Lead to Faster Weight Loss

Truth: Eating too little slows your metabolism and makes weight loss harder. Instead, prioritize a slight caloric deficit with high-quality foods and exercise.

Myth 2: Carbs Make You Gain Weight

Truth: Not all carbs are bad. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, quinoa, and vegetables provide necessary energy and fiber. Avoiding carbs completely can leave you feeling sluggish and lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Myth 3: You Need to Cut Out All Fats

Truth: Healthy fats are essential. They help with brain function, hormone regulation, and keeping you full longer. Incorporate foods like avocados, nuts, and salmon for a well-rounded diet.

Finding a Long-Term Solution for Weight Loss

Losing weight is not about quick fixes or starvation—it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that promotes overall health. Jillian Michaels stresses the importance of:

• Eating balanced meals with enough nutrients to support your metabolism.
• Focusing on strength training to maintain muscle and burn fat efficiently.
• Avoiding extreme calorie cutting, which can slow down long-term progress.

By taking a smarter, more sustainable approach to weight loss, your body will thank you with better energy levels, improved muscle tone, and steady progress that lasts.

Final Thoughts

Jillian Michaels’ message is clear: Stop starving yourself in an attempt to lose weight faster! While many believe extreme calorie reduction is the key to shedding pounds, the reality is that it often backfires.

Instead of focusing on deprivation, focus on fueling your body with the right nutrients, prioritizing exercise, and listening to your body’s needs.

By changing your approach and following Michaels’ expert advice, you can achieve your fitness goals without harming your metabolism or overall health.

What do you think about Jillian Michaels’ take on weight loss? Have you ever struggled with extreme dieting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more expert fitness advice, [read Jillian Michaels’ full interview here]