1. Protein--Essential for Life
Protein is the building block of all cells. Protein helps our cells regenerate and rebuild constantly and is essential for healing injuries and burns. Protein is important in building muscles, which help your body burn more fat. Protein also has a greater effect on glucagon. Glucagon helps drive the release of body fat and helps dieters lose more fat. Protein has less of an effect on the insulin in your body; insulin is responsible for storing fat. Eating a diet high in protein helps to increase metabolism as well. Foods high in protein also have a higher "satiety" value; they keep your appetite under control longer and help you feel fuller for a longer period of time.
2. Sources of Protein
Most proteins come from animals and animal by-products. Beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry, wild game and fish are all examples of protein from animals. Animal by-products include milk, eggs, cheese and butter. Dried peas, legumes, beans and nuts are also high in protein but can be high in carbohydrates as well. During the Induction Phase of the Atkins diet, animal proteins and animal by-products are allowed, but the beans, peas and legumes are introduced in later phases of the diet. The most perfect types of protein are eggs, whey, soy, sodium caseinate and calcium caseinate. The caseinates are milk proteins. The determination of what is the most perfect type of protein is based on the growing requirements of preschool children. Milk and whey proteins are easily utilized by the body for cell building and healing. Soy protein helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad) and increase the HDL cholesterol (good) and may play an important role in treating hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
3. Achieving Protein Balance on Atkins
Because the Atkins diet is based on a low carb, high protein lifestyle, it's important to achieve a healthy balance on the diet. After the initial Induction Phase of the diet, proteins from plants are added slowly back into your lifestyle. Most Atkins products contain the whey, soy and milk proteins. Balance your intake of high protein foods with healthy vegetables and fats on the allowed list. Make sure the vegetables you eat are high in fiber as well. Vegetables that are high in fiber aid in the digestion of all foods, especially when you are eating high protein meat. If you aren't getting enough fiber-rich vegetables, take a fiber supplement with plenty of water to aid digestion and elimination.
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