- Diets rich in protein and low in carbohydrates have proven to be effective for losing weight
- With so many diet plans out there, which are the best protein diets to follow? Is Atkins best? What about South beach? Having the nutritional understanding will help you be able to properly choose which plan is the best for you
- When understanding the effects of protein on your body you are better able to incorporate a plan that you can stick with by making it a part of your lifestyle, not just a temporary gimmick
- Achieving significant weight loss with protein works but you’ve got to work it. The reason these protein diets work is because all of the science behind eating high protein and low carb
Consuming copious amounts of protein is only half the story behind the best protein diets. The real “magic” occurs because of the carbohydrate restriction. So how can a person consume a cheesy omelet for breakfast and have a juicy t-bone steak for dinner and lose pounds? The answer is ketosis. Ketosis is a state in which your body burns its own fat for fuel. Since carbohydrates are restricted the body cannot draw upon them for energy so it is forced to tap into the fat reserves around your belly, thighs and waist. By eating too many carbs you never tap into the stored fat. Excess carbohydrate consumption also has another downside. When a high carb meal such as spaghetti and French bread is consumed the sugars from the carbs enter your blood stream at a rapid rate. To keep your blood sugar down your body produces insulin, this allows extra sugar to be stored in your liver and muscle tissue. But once your muscle and liver stores are maxed out the insulin automatically converts the extra sugar to fat. It is not healthy for your body to remain in ketosis longer than a few weeks but an initial ketosis state can help you get a kick-start when shedding those pounds.
Typically ketosis can be reached within three days when carbohydrates are restricted to less than 40 grams per day. That means virtually no sugar, flour, milk, pasta, or fruit during the time it takes you to get to ketosis. Ketosis sticks can be purchased over the counter so you know you’ve reached that state of weight loss nirvana. After the initial phase of severe carb restriction you should start allowing yourself to bring back some of the “good” carbs into your diet. Good carbs include fruits and vegetables as opposed to sugary or salty snack foods. Protein should make up from anywhere between thirty and fifty percent of your daily caloric intake. This helps you maintain and build lean muscle if you are exercising and saves you from hunger pains because you will be full. Be wary of consuming too much protein in the forms of red meat and cheese because of the cholesterol and fat. Lean protein sources such as chicken and fish provide a good balance of high protein foods with minimal fat and calories.
Diets rich in protein are also convenient and do not inhibit your lifestyle. Some adjustments will need to be made but you won’t be required to order special foods and you can still eat out at restaurants. By consuming thirty to fifty percent of your calories from protein and eating good carbs you will see results quickly and more importantly you will be able to stick with it for the long haul.
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