A diet based on meat, such as the Paleolithic diet, the meat fast and meat-heavy versions of low-carbohydrate diets, often produce fast weight loss. Reducing carbohydrates and increasing protein produces faster weight loss than low-fat diets. Diets heavy in meats raise health concerns due to implication with E. coli, cholesterol, heart disease risk from the saturated fat content, hormonal effects due to estrogen content, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Types
More than one diet carries the name of meat diet. Low-carb diets have been referred to as meat diets due to the unlimited amount of protein allowed and the restriction on grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy. A 10-day fad diet called the meat diet has made the rounds, and even a raw meat diet. Some diets for men, such as the meat and avocado diet and diets aimed at boosting testosterone are called meat diets. Diets based on pre-agricultural eating patterns, such as the Paleolithic diet, ranks with the meat diets.
Features
The main feature of these diets is they encourage protein consumption above the level of low-fat diets, and restrict other food groups -- at the most extreme, they eliminate other food groups for a set period of time. Eating meat and cutting out grains, legumes, processed foods, sugar, and starchy vegetables such as squash, potatoes and carrots does promote weight loss. An advantage of these diets is that protein portions aren't limited, so they tend to satisfy the appetite and provide slow-burning fuel for people who engage in physical work.
Duration
The most extreme meat diets are short-term, such as the 10-day meat diet, or the 14-day very low-carbohydrate induction phase common to reduced-carbohydrate diets. The purpose of these short-term meat diets intend to force the body to burn fat for fuel. The premise behind these diets is that in the absence of carbohydrates, the body will use its fat stores. The first few days may result in a dramatic weight loss, partly from water weight.
Considerations
Avoid feeding a high-meat diet to children or adolescents. Commercially produced meat contains added hormones. A Harvard study found cell changes in healthy volunteers during a high-meat diet, adding further evidence to the link between meat consumption and colon cancer. Choosing leaner cuts of meat and varying your diet with other protein sources can help reduce your saturated fat intake. The ecological effect of heavy meat eating involves reduced wildlife areas. It takes more land to raise beef than other forms of food.
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