In the 1970s, a protein diet based on high protein and low carbohydrates was promoted. In fact, it has made a comeback for people who want to lose weight quickly. But is a weekly protein diet for you? Keep reading.
There are several protein-based diets but depending on what interests you.
PROTEIN POWER DIET
This diet includes a calculation of protein needs. For those who have been interested or curious about diet plans looking for protein needs, the best way to determine how much protein you need is for every 0.6 grams of protein per pound. Lean body mass is then calculated and carbohydrates are typically limited to 30 to 50 grams daily and are generally recommended for short-term, not long-term, weight loss.
THE ATKINS DIET
The Atkins diet is one of the most popular protein-based diets that focuses on low carbohydrates. The diet has four phases, but the first phase known as the “induction” phase is strict as people can only consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. During the first two weeks, participants should not eat milk, fruits, grains, cereals, breads, or any food high on the “glycemic index” such as potatoes, peas, corn, or carrots. Dr. Atkins has provided a list of foods in his books that people should follow.
THE DIET HIGH IN PROTEIN AND LOW IN CARBOHYDRATES
The high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet was an important diet promoted by doctors in the 1970s. But of course, at the time, there wasn’t much published research on saturated fat, trans fat, and heart disease during that time. Of course, many athletes try to focus on a high protein diet, but the question is whether you are active enough as an athlete.
A weekly protein diet can mean lots of meat and eggs, but no carbohydrates like bread, potatoes, pasta, or rice. Protein can be found in large amounts through foods such as red meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and cheese. But because the goal is to cut carbs and lose weight quickly, pasta, bread, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables are a no-no.
THE CONS OF HIGH PROTEIN / LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIETS
Some people who have followed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet have found that they have gone through mood swings and a strong craving for high-carbohydrate foods and snacks. Where studies have shown that high-carbohydrate diets raise serotonin levels to improve mood and appetite, they also experienced fewer cravings than someone on a high-protein diet.
Many people who choose high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets sometimes want to achieve rapid, short-term weight loss. So what people are losing is the weight of the water. By depriving the body of carbohydrates, it takes energy from its sources of glycogen. But once carbohydrate intake returns to normal, a person can expect their water weight to return.
With any diet, it is very important to do your research. While a weekly protein diet can be beneficial for weight loss in the short term, in the long term it is not a good thing. Definitely consult your doctor and learn more about a weekly protein diet and if it is for you. Especially if you have been diagnosed with a health condition and therefore concentrating on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can make the condition worse.