High protein diets are a very common solution that people turn to in an effort to lose weight. The Atkins diet is a well known diet that focuses on protein as the main staple for nutrition. However, high protein diets are not for everyone because every person is different and different things work for various people. Carbohydrates are also necessary and some people believe that a balance of all the food groups is the best way to go over the long run, while only sticking with a high protein diet as a temporary solution.
Benefits
Of course the No. 1 benefit of a high protein diet is weight loss, but there are many other benefits to eating high levels of protein. Protein provides the building blocks for our cells. Our body needs protein in order to maintain healthy red blood cells and proper energy levels.
People who consume the right amount of protein daily whether it is plant or animal protein tend to feel better and have more energy. However, even vegetarians can go on a high protein diet because there are many plant based proteins that provide the same or an even better effect. For instance, beans, soy and legumes are loaded with high levels of protein. Spirulina is also a sea algae that contains a large dose of protein per serving. A high protein diet can beneficial for nursing and pregnant mothers because of the extra need put on the body for protein.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to a high protein diet. It really all depends on how a person approaches the diet and which protein sources she uses. For instance, the Atkins diet focuses mainly on meat sources of protein and too much meat can result in digestive problems, and if the person consumes too many pork products, then high cholesterol is also a concern. The Atkins diet allows people to eat bacon. Pork in considered an unhealthy meat because of the fat content.
Choices
If you do decide to go on a to lose weight or gain muscle, be sure to consider your approach. The body does need carbohydrates also so you may want to only consider this as a short-term diet. Just be sure to be balanced and choose a healthy protein diet that allows you to focus on the healthiest meats and vegetable protein sources. If you have other health concerns, consult a nutritionist for a specific diet plan for you.
Protein Rich Foods Found in a High Protein Diet
There are a wide variety of protein sources that can be used in your protein diet plan. Some of the most common protein rich foods are turkey, chicken, beef, fish, salmon, eggs and nuts. Good vegetable sources include kidney beans, garbanzo beans, lentils and other nuts. A high consists of 100 or more grams of protein per day.
What Does an Effective Protein Diet Do?
An effective protien diet will actually change how your body burns fat. The person's metabolic process will change to a ketosis state and begin to burn fat for fuel rather than carbohydrates for fuel. This can cause a person to lose weight rather quickly, but too much ketosis burning can cause kidney problems in some people. Some people do better on a moderate protein diet. A moderate protein diet would include 50 to 70 grams of protein per day rather than 100 to 150 grams. The body does need protein and the diet can be very good when done correctly.
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