Low Calorie Protein Diets
- Weight loss is one outcome of this diet if strictly followed---if you eat less food that you burn, weight loss is inevitable. If the right food choices are made to include nutritious groceries, then the body can be nourished as well. Critics express that if no carbohydrates are included in the diet, the body's health can be compromised.
- If you are attempting this diet, try to find foods that are low in calories but rich in nutrients. Leafy greens are low in calories, but carry a healthy dose of iron, protein and vitamin A. Ideally, incorporate as many salads as possible into your diet and add good proteins. Other vegetables to add are carrots, broccoli, eggplant, celery, cabbage and bell peppers.
- A major criticism of the diet is that it is too high in fat and cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can lead to heart complications that can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of a heart attack. The Yale New Haven Hospital expresses disapproval of a high protein diet because of the risk of high fat and cholesterol intake, but there are many protein sources that contain little to no fat. After all, protein choices do not have to be from animals: tofu and other soy products are high in protein, but low in calories. Soy products also contain no cholesterol. Should you be adverse to eating soy, choose lean cuts of meat. Chicken is another good protein source.
- Low calorie protein diets often exclude carbohydrates, but should include some healthy ones. All carbs are not created equal: simple carbs, like candy, donuts and food made from white flower, should be limited in any diet. Fruit, however, is very healthy and should not be avoided despite its classification as a carbohydrate. The American Dietetic Association's "Complete Food and Nutrition Guide" raises the concern that low-carb diets are low in fiber, which can cause constipation and other digestion issues. Secondly, the body must have glucose from carbs to function: otherwise, the body breaks apart muscle for fuel and ultimately shuts down if not enough glucose is provided. Therefore, do not shy away from carbs: just choose healthy ones like fruit and whole wheat foods.
- A successful food plan is a lifestyle, not a diet. If a low-calorie, low protein diet leaves you hungry, effete and irritable, modify the diet to include good carbs like whole wheat bread, but stay away from refined sugar and simple carbs. Keep your intake of vegetables and fruit high. While eating fewer calories and increasing your protein intake is not a bad thing, the diet must still include other food groups in order for the diet to be successful.
