How to Stay Healthy and Satisfied on a "Restricted Diet"

There are so many different types of "diets", from omnivorous to vegetarian to vegan to raw food to gluten-free...the list goes on and on. Those on so-called "restricted diets" are often asked, "what do you eat?", because it's hard for people with no restrictions to imagine having to say no to some foods. The truth is, even restrictive diets can be nutritious and satisfying, it just takes some education and planning.

Here are some tips to help keep a limited diet diverse and healthy:

1. Do your research - make sure the diet is healthy. It definitely helps to consult a doctor, but also be wary of whose advice you take. Get multiple opinions from different types of doctors, health specialists, and nutritionists.

2. Join a community - find other people that are on the same diet, even if you just talk virtually. If possible, join meet-up grows in your area where you can go out to eat together or have potlucks. Virtual friends can be made easily on forums and social media sites, and these people are useful when you have questions or concerns.

3. Find lots of recipes - sure, it's important to be creative in the kitchen and make up dishes based on what's on hand, but this can often result in the same meals over and over again. Branch out and find new recipes that follow the "rules" of your diet. Get books or do web searches and bookmark foods that appeal to you, then try to make something new everyday.

4. Eat lots of different types of foods - eating an array of foods will not only keep your diet interesting, but it will help you get nutrients (especially if you eat lots of fresh foods). 

5. Make adaptations or compromises if necessary - be aware of how your body looks and feels on your "diet" and check in with doctors at least once a year. If your body isn't doing well on the diet, you don't necessary have to give it up entirely, just make some adjustments to keep yourself healthy. You may need to add in or subtract some foods to keep yourself balanced. It helps to keep in mind that every body is different and a diet may not work for everyone in the same way.