In the 1970s, a protein diet based on high protein and low carbohydrate content was promoted. In fact, it has found a resurgence for people who want to lose weight fast. But is a weekly protein diet for you? keep reading
There are several protein-based diets but depending on what interests you.
ENERGY PROTEIN DIET
This diet presents an estimate of protein needs. For those who have been interested in or are curious about diet plans that take protein needs into account, 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 generally limited to 30-50 grams per day 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 carbs. The diet has four phases, but the first phase known as the “Induction” phase is strict in that people can only consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. For the first two weeks, participants should not eat milk, fruit, grains, cereal, bread, or any foods 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 carb diet was a major diet promoted by doctors in the ’70s. But of course, at the time, there wasn’t a lot of 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 may 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, shellfish, poultry, eggs, and cheese. But because the goal is to reduce carbs and lose weight quickly, pasta, bread, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables are off limits.
THE CONS OF HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARB DIETS
Some people who have been on a high-protein, low-carb diet have found that they have gone through mood swings and major cravings for high-carb foods and snacks. Where studies have shown that high-carb diets raise serotonin levels to improve mood and appetite, they also experienced fewer cravings than someone on a high-protein diet.
Many of those who opt for high protein, low carb diets sometimes want to achieve quick weight loss in the short term. So what people are losing is water weight. By depriving the body of carbohydrates, it draws energy from its glycogen sources. But once their carb intake returns to normal, a person can expect their water weight to return.
With any diet, it’s really important to do your research. While a weekly protein diet can be beneficial for weight loss in the short term, it’s not a good thing in the long term. Definitely see your doctor and learn more about a weekly protein diet and if it’s for you. Especially if you have been diagnosed with a health condition and therefore focusing on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can make the condition worse.