High-protein, low-carb diets are sometimes referred to as ketosis diets, whereby decreasing dietary carbs, the body is forced to burn fat for energy. The meal plans for high-protein diets vary by the type of diet, of which there are many versions. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that dieters should not trade starchy carbs, like white bread, for fatty sausages at every meal or heart disease will ensue. Always discuss changes in your diet with your doctor, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
Atkins Diet
In 1972 Dr. Robert Atkins discovered a way to rapidly lose weight by changing the way the body metabolizes energy. The Atkins Diet consists of four phases, with the induction phase the most carb-restrictive, allowing only 20g of carbohydrates a day. This diet encourages high-fat protein choices, such as red meats and avocados, and may not be the best option for those with heart disease. A daily meal plan for Atkins induction might contain a liberal portion of eggs and bacon for breakfast, 8 oz. of chicken breast with 1 cup of salad for lunch and a juicy sirloin with 1 cup of broccoli and spinach salad for dinner. Snacks are allowed on the Atkins Diet, as long as they fall within the carbohydrate allowances.
The South Beach Diet
Developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, the South Beach Diet is also a high-protein, low-carb diet, but the meal plans are not as restrictive as the Atkins Diet. The three phases of South Beach Diet jump-start weight loss, maintain weight or give a plan for a lifelong diet. The South Beach Diet restricts sugar and refined starches, such as those found in white potatoes and bread, as they directly impact the blood sugar and inhibit fat burning. A South Beach Diet breakfast might include buttermilk waffles and preserves, lunch consists of a salad and a steak wrap and dinner is composed of salmon, baked tomatoes and a spinach salad.
The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet varies from other low-carb diets as the creator, Barry Sears Ph.D., removes the mystery of what type and how many carbs are allowed daily by prepackaging each meal. The Zone Diet's high-protein, low-carb diet meal plan is a two-week package, which you buy and eat. When using The Zone Diet, you must purchase you own fresh vegetables and beverages from a supermarket, following the suggested Zone Diet lists. A typical Zone Diet breakfast may consist of Zone rolls, toast or bagels, all of which are chemically engineered for reduced carbohydrate with increased protein content. Lunch may include a Zone roll filled with 1 oz. of lean meat, such as chicken, and spinach and tomatoes. Dinner might consist of a Zone pizza, claiming to harbor as much protein as a steak.
Member Comments