One of the biggest weight loss trends of the past few years is using a high protein diet. Some of these diets have become wildly successful with Atkins, the Dukan Diet and the Zone Diet being just a few of the more well known ones.
What are some of the more common high protein diet foods that you may find on the menu of one of these plans?
\"Protein Diet Menu\"
Usually, the focus is more on lean sources of protein, those that contain a lot amount of fat. Some of the food you can expect to see on a high protein diet menu include:
- Eggs
- Chicken breast
- Whey protein
- Low fat dairy
- Turkey
- Lean cuts of meat
- Certain fish
It should be noted that Soy is also a source of protein but some diet plans do not advocate eating it. Nuts, almonds and seeds are also rich in protein but also contain a lot of fat (a good fat actually) which is why they also may be less recommended that the high protein foods I have listed above.
A high protein diet menu is usually low on carbs so it's not likely that you'll find bread, pasta, rice, and so on as part of the recommended foods. Most diet plans call for having 30-50% of your daliy calorie consumption from protein. This is not always recommended health wise as there are risks involved. These risks include:
1. A lack of a balanced diet as essential nutrients are cut down in favor of more protein.
2. Kidney problems as the kidneys need to work to process all the protein that you're eating and this may place a big strain on them.
So, why is an increase in protein consumption recommended by so many diet plans?
The reason is that it can lead to weight loss, pure and simple. Protein may be beneficial for fat loss for a number of reasons:
1. It helps to keep you full and reduce hunger. This is why many programs recommend including protein foods in your breakfast.
2. Protein provides a short metabolic boost as the body needs to use up a lot of energy to digest it.
However, as there are risks, it is important to not overdo things. A high protein diet should not be used if it's extreme and if it prescribes an unbalance eating plan. You can consult with your doctor about any such plan before undertaking it.
Make sure to eat high protein foods but do not fall into the trap of eating too much of them.
High Protein Diet Foods
For a review of one of the popular diets which fall under this category visit Zone Diet Review
For more on these kinds of diets visit High Protein Diet Pros and Cons
John Davenport lost over 30 pounds in his twenties after being overweight most of his life. He now runs a weight loss forum and publishes a diet and fitness newsletter.