Men like their meat, according to the American Dietetic Association. Men equate eating meat with more muscle. High protein diets can help men lose weight, according to a 2004 study published in "The Journal of Nutrition." High protein diets for men include the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and the Zone Diet.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet is considered a low-carbohydrate diet, encouraging dieters to consume more protein and healthy fat. Men who enjoy eating mostly meat and vegetables will do well on the Atkins Diet. The diet is divided into four phases. The first phase consists primarily of meats, such as chicken, fish and lean red meats, and healthy oils. Low carbohydrate greens, such as broccoli and salad greens, can also be consumed during this phase. During phase 2, more "good" carbohydrates, like vegetables, berries, cheese, nuts and seeds are eaten; while continuing to primarily consume lean proteins. Phase 3 and 4 mark the maintenance phase of the Atkins diet. Men slowly add grams of carbohydrates to their daily intake with a goal of 45 to 100 gm of carbohydrate a day for weight maintenance.
The South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet was originally developed as a diet to prevent cardiovascular disease. Like the Atkins Diet, South Beach is also a low-carbohydrate diet, encouraging men to consume more lean proteins and heart healthy fats. It distinguishes itself by encouraging men to consume only low glycemic index carbohydrates. Low glycemic index foods cause only slight increases in blood sugar and help to control hunger, according to the Mayo Clinic. The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases. During the first phase, the diet is limited to seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, nuts, salads, vegetables, and olive and canola oil. During phase 2, men can start to add back low glycemic index carbohydrates. Phase 3 is the lifetime maintenance phase, with proteins and fats making up the majority of the caloric intake. The South Beach Diet is good for men who enjoy eating some carbohydrates along with their protein.
The Zone Diet
The premise behind the Zone Diet is balance. The Zone encourages meals that are balanced blends of 30 percent of calories from protein, 40 percent of calories from fat and 40 percent of calories from carbohydrates. With 30 percent of calories coming from protein, the Zone is considered a high protein diet, according to the authors of a study in "The Journal of Nutrition." Men who follow the Zone Diet eat meals consisting of no more than 500 calories, according to the Zone Diet Info website. Each meal includes a palm sized portion of lean protein and a moderate portion of a good carbohydrate, such as vegetables, fruits, beans or whole grains. Intake of carbohydrates, such as brown rice, pasta, bread, and some fruits and vegetables, is limited. The Zone Diet is an easy high protein diet for men once they understand how to balance meals.
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