High Protein Diet – Opposite to a Low Carb Diet?

High protein diets are usually associated with low
carbohydrates, even though people who have high protein
requirements, like professional body builders, are not advised
to go on a low carb diet. Protein is one of the most important
nutrients necessary for health. The body uses it to build
muscle, replenish cells, keep the blood in optimum condition,
and basically to keep the body operating smoothly. If done
properly, a high protein diet will keep you strong, healthy, and
happy.

A high protein diet can provoke weight loss, as several studies
have indicated. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and
science has shown that if your amino acids are deficient, you
are prone to a number of health problems, including obesity. If
you concentrate on protein-rich foods and minimize your intake
of refined food that have a high carbohydrate and sugar content,
after a while, your body will enter into a state called ketosis.
Instead of burning carbohydrates as fuel, the body will turn to
fat as its primary source of energy. Simply put, the less carbs
you have in your body to burn, the more fat your body will use
to give you the energy you need to live from day to day.

In addition, it has been proven that eating protein-rich foods
leaves you feeling full longer and you will find that you are
much less inclined to snack or go on an eating binge. This is
because your blood sugar and insulin levels are kept within the
normal range you’ll be keeping undue hunger at arm’s length.

Going on a high protein diet does not mean, however, that you
are free to gorge on any and every type of protein. You would do
well to avoid fried foods dripping in oil or margarine-smothered
products. The reason for this is because these foods contain
so-called trans-fats and other bad oils and fats that can lead
to clogged arteries and heart disease. However, there is a
wealth of other types of fatty, protein rich foods that are
quite nutritious.

As is common knowledge, meat is an excellent source of protein.
Pork and beef contain ample amounts of this nutrient. But if you
are concerned about fat, you should limit your portions of
dishes containing meat. On the other hand, there is no need to
worry about oils and fats if you eat fish and other seafood.
Aside from being rich in protein, they contain essential fatty
acids that improve your blood cholesterol levels and help
prevent ailments like stroke and coronary artery disease. So you
need not have any qualms about indulging your appetite at a
seafood buffet – most of them can do no harm, only good.

Many plant products also have a rich amount of protein in them.
Soy-based produce like tofu and soy milk are suitable for those
trying to lose weight on a high protein regimen. So are pulses
and beans. Not only are they protein-rich, they are usually
low-fat and low-carbohydrate as well.

There have been concerns that a diet rich in protein can have
adverse health effects. Some health experts claim that too much
protein can deplete the body’s calcium supply and lead to
diseases like osteoporosis. Another concern is that the kidneys
are forced to deal with more byproducts, thus lessening their
efficiency. And there are indications that too much protein
increases uric acid levels, which can lead to gout or kidney
stones. However, the jury is still out on whether protein is the
major culprit in these conditions. More, longer-term research is
needed to determine this although there are also many studies
that are being conducted to explore these problems, their
extent, and their possible resolutions.

A high protein diet may not be for everyone, but for a vast
number of people, it not only helps them in their weight loss
efforts, it keeps them healthy, too! If you are considering
going on this diet, always remember your limits and stick to the
rules. It’s possible to modify it a little bit in various ways
(such as reducing the intake of saturated fats) to suit your
personal taste, but don’t deviate from the “main course.” Choose
your protein sources wisely, don’t forget to exercise, don’t be
a glutton (it’s one of the seven deadly sins, after all) and
just watch the pounds melt away.

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