YumYum Welcome back!!!
Tobee please don't be afraid to ask anything here. You don't need to worry about 'wording it correctly'. We are all very down to earth here, and don't take offence at anything!!
It's a very valid question. We all have different stories of why we are here,how long we've been here for and why done of us have mucked up views on food and diets etc.
1 I have been here from the start, for 1.5 years. but I never did the 800 completely strictly, when I did it, starting New Year's Day, not this year, but the year before. But loads of others did it religiously and I remember feeling slightly ashamed, when I posted that I'd eaten some crisps, or drunk yet another glass of wine.
Although I was very strict sometimes. So lost 1 and 3/4 stone.
But I've continued, partly because the low carb really helps my type 1 diabetes blood sugars. Plus I still have another 3/4 stone to lose. I never did hit my ideal weight.
But I had never dieted before in my life. Or once I did, but failed because I kept having to drink lucozade and eat chocolate when I went diabetically low. And thus when I did, I know realise it refuelled my desire for carbs, so later that day, I'd drink 1/2 a bottle of wine and eat 3 packets of crisps!!
Even now I 'cheat' as it were. I go out with friends and drink tonnes and eat all the bad bits. But the difference is I don't now see it as cheating. I don't see it negatively. Or I suppose I do. But I just think oh well. And then the next day I get 'back on the programme', or try and 'be strict' for a few days. And I feel fine about that.
And sometimes I fall off the wagon for a bit, I relax too much, for weeks. But then I come back to the thread.
So, in answer to your question, is it restrictive? Well some people, on the last 6 threads, certainly have managed to do it religiously for the 8 weeks. And they never waivered once in the 8 weeks.
Not me!! 
but some have managed it!!
Has anyone managed to maintain it long term? Err no. I don't think so. Everyone 'cheats' at some point. Mind you MM says it's not supposed to be a long term thing.
Even he admits that he did it for 8 weeks, but now when he realises his trousers are too tight, i.e. Even he has put on a few pounds, so he must have relaxed too much, he then goes strict for a bit.
But I guess, the difference is, I see carbs differently now. I will never go back to the way I ate before. I couldn't even if I wanted to, because by doing this. My mindset has now changed and it can't be changed back.
Does that make sense?
Oh and you all know I love food pictures. Please post as many of your pictures of food as you can. Because I like it and it motivates me. So here's mine: dinner tonight: burger, cheese, onions, and salad. There are 2 burgers on my plate, but I only ate one!!!