Instead of growing into a mature woman, she holds back her physical growth by self-imposed starvation.

【翻译】她不想长成一个成熟的女人，而是靠自己强加的饥饿来抑制自己的身体成长。

instead of  可以带有目的性，译为“不想做某事”。

作为复合介词，instead of 后接动名词很正常，没有问题。又如：

1. Instead of complaining about what's wrong, be grateful for what's right. 

别抱怨不好的事，要对美好的事心存感恩。

来自金山词霸 每日一句 1

2. Instead of moving at his usual stately pace, he was almost running.  

他没像平时那样优雅庄重地走着，而是几乎跑了起来。

来自柯林斯例句

3. His hair fell over his brow instead of being brushed straight back.  

他的头发没有整齐地往后梳，而是搭在前额。

来自柯林斯例句

4. We are learning how to confront death instead of avoiding its reality.  

我们在学习如何直面死亡，而非回避死亡这一现实。

来自柯林斯例句

5. Instead of playing it in the traditional style, she jazzed it up.  

她并没有按照传统风格演奏，而是糅合了爵士乐风格。

来自柯林斯例句

6. Instead of snacking on crisps and chocolate, nibble on celery or carrot. 

不要把薯片和巧克力当零食来吃，要吃些芹菜和胡萝卜。

来自柯林斯例句

7. Instead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful.  

我不想混日子，我想做点更有意义的事情。

来自柯林斯例句

8. He must store a large quantity of grain instead of consuming all his grain immediately.

他必须储存大量的粮食，而不要马上把所有的粮食都吃光。

9. Instead of pressing forward, they drew back. 

他们不仅没有前进，反而后退了。