What Is The Protein Power Diet?

The Protein Power diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. It is promoted for weight loss and prevention of chronic diseases. The diet has strengths and weaknesses but, according to a Colorado State University Extension fact sheet, is not based on scientific evidence. Individuals should consult a physician or dietitian prior to initiating the diet because of health risks associated with high-protein diets.

Authors

The Protein Power diet was created by Dr. Michael Eades and Dr. Mary Eades, who published “Protein Power” in 1996. The Eadeses have written 14 books on health and nutrition, most of which revolve around low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet solutions for weight loss, overall health and body composition.

Theory

According to the Colorado State University Extension fact sheet, the theory behind the diet and restricting carbohydrates is that carbohydrates raise insulin. Insulin is thought to cause health problems such as obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. The high-protein nature of the diet is purported to support weight loss by burning fat faster than a regular- or high-carbohydrate diet.

Diet Guidelines

Foods that are included on the Protein Power diet are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, low-carbohydrate vegetables, butter, oil, salad dressings and alcohol in moderation. Carbohydrates such as grains, fruits and starchy vegetables such potatoes, corn and peas are avoided on the diet.

Nutrient Content

According to a 2001 article on high-protein diets from Circulation, a publication of the American Heart Association, the Protein Power diet has 26 percent of calories from protein, 16 percent from carbohydrates, 54 percent from total fat and 4 percent from alcohol. Eighteen percent of the total fat content is from saturated fat.

In comparison, federal dietary guidelines recommend a diet consisting of less than 20 percent of calories from protein, 40 to 60 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent of calories from fat and less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that the Power Protein diet calls for 5 to 10g of daily fiber compared with the 20 to 35g recommended in federal dietary guidelines.

Risks

Johns Hopkins Medicine says that diets high in saturated fat increase cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. The Mayo Clinic warns that diets that limit fruits, vegetables and grains and are low in fiber can cause constipation and other digestive problems. Excessive protein consumption is also hard on the kidneys and can increase the risk of kidney damage in people with diabetes and worsen pre-existing kidney disease. High-protein diets can also cause ketosis, a condition characterized by weakness, nausea, dehydration, dizziness and irritability that occurs when people do not consume enough carbohydrates, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Considerations

The Mayo Clinic says high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets do not always produce long-term weight-loss results. The diet may result in initial weight loss, but Johns Hopkins Medicine says most of the weight loss is water weight. Weight-loss diets that restrict multiple foods are hard to maintain over long periods of time. The healthiest diet for weight loss and overall health adheres to federal dietary guidelines and includes foods from all food groups in moderation. It focuses on a moderate reduction in total calories and increased physical activity.