Many women follow popular, protein-filled diets, such as Protein Power and Atkins, because these programs have been shown to help. Some experts contend that eating a high-protein diet can actually be harmful to your health, however, because it can rob your body of other key dietary components. The Mayo Clinic, on the other hand, contends that you can safely follow a short-term, high-protein diet if you choose healthy protein options and a variety of some other foods.
Healthy Protein
Know your proteins and eat a healthy balance of them. The inherent problem with some high-protein diet options is that they are particularly high in saturated fat. Focus on eating primarily lean meats, chicken, turkey and fish, as well as beans, legumes, egg whites, skim-milk cheese, low-fat milk and yogurt, and low-fat tofu to get plenty of protein and less saturated fat.
Some Carbohydrates
No matter what a diet tells you about carbohydrates, your body should not do without them entirely. It is true that some carbohydrates are less healthy than others, but the "good" carbohydrates provide the vitamins, minerals and fiber for your body to function on its most basic levels. When you eat carbohydrates, steer clear of refined treats and stick with whole grains, beans, whole fruits and fiber-rich vegetables, such as spinach, kale, bok choy and broccoli.
Healthy Fats
While you limit your intake of saturated fat, don't neglect to eat all of the beneficial fats. Unsaturated fats---monounsaturated and polyunsaturated---can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, fatty fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel), olive oil and vegetable oil. Fortunately, for women eating a high-protein diet, most foods that contain unsaturated fats also happen to be naturally high in protein.
Vegetables
Eat some fresh vegetables to get necessary nutrients. Additions, such as arugula, cucumbers, broccoli and lettuce, contain very few carbohydrates, but they still offer health benefits. Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and watercress also are on the high end of the vegetable-protein spectrum.
Forbidden Foods
Sweet foods---even fruits---are generally not allowed on a high-protein diet. However, if you are craving sweets, fruits are healthier options than bowls of pudding. Another no-no in a protein diet is any food made with dough: nix the pastas, pizzas and breads. Also especially off limits is anything that has been fried.
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