A diet high in protein is the foundation of several weight loss programs, including the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and the Zone. While on these diet plans, you restrict your carbohydrate intake and replace these menu options with protein sources. Before you participate in a high protein diet, consult a physician.
Features
You are likely to experience weight loss while on a low carbohydrate and high protein diet, states MayoClinic.com. Foods high in protein are also usually higher in fat. Protein and fat take a longer time for the body to digest and can make you feel full longer. This can help you lose weight since you are likely to eat less. Your calorie intake is likely decreased on high protein diets since you must follow a restricted diet with limited food options. This may also help you lose weight.
Function
The Feminist Women's Health Center states that most of the weight loss you experience when eating a diet high in protein occurs from water loss. When you eat protein, it raises uric acid and urea levels in the body. These by-products of metabolized protein are flushed out of the body through the urinary tract.
Effects
When you eat large amounts of protein, your body releases a substance called ketones. This causes your body to enter a state called ketosis. This may help you lose weight due to side effects, such as reduced appetite and nausea, reports the New York Times.
Warning
High protein diets typically require that you eat large amounts of foods from animal sources, such as meats and dairy products. These foods are usually high in saturated fat and can put you at risk for serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancers, warns the American Heart Association.
Considerations
The type of protein you eat on the diet will determine how it affects your health. If you are choosing lean protein sources, low in saturated fat, you will not increase your cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease. Examples of healthier protein options include fish, skinless chicken and turkey breast.
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