Dr. Lee explains that one drawback of this weight loss hack is that its success relies on understanding what nutrients are best for your body and will help you achieve your desired results. “Maybe someone thinks that ketchup is counted as a vegetable and [they] inadvertently end up with more empty calories,” Dr. Lee says. She also stresses the importance of portion control for the foods that you crave. “You may end up eating too much of what you want and only a little of what you need, which can result in caloric stacking.”
That said, according to Dr. Lee, the “eat what you want, add what you need” trend has some merit. “I think that a benefit is requiring people to truly understand what wants versus needs are when it comes to food, and being able to adapt and change their diet naturally without restricting themselves,” she says. She adds that many people lack an understanding of nutrition science, and this weight loss trick encourages people to become more aware of what they’re putting in their bodies. “It could result in you asking more questions about what you are really eating or drinking, and can end up creating a healthier relationship with food in the long run.”