A modified protein diet, also known as a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet, is essentially a medically supervised weight loss program that uses a combination of predominantly protein-based meals and a reduction in total caloric intake to achieve results. The idea behind this method is that the fat reserves in your body, not the intake of carbohydrates, are used as the main source of fuel. This often prompts greater weight loss than with caloric restriction alone. Normally people dealing with obesity, which is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, would use this form of weight loss program under the supervision of a physician and dietician, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Meat
Since the main focus of a modified protein diet is protein-based, most of the foods consumed will inevitably be meat. You'll only be allowed to eat lean meats. That means that the cut of meat has less than 10 grams of total fat and 4 grams of saturated fat as well as fewer than 95 mg of dietary cholesterol. Though the main goal of the diet is weight loss, you still want to reduce your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues that can frequently come with meat-based diets.
Vegetables
Another part of your PSMF diet will include vegetables. These vegetables are generally low in carbohydrates. Arugula is probably the lowest "carb" vegetable, containing 1 g of carbohydrates per cup, but you may also be allowed to eat cucumbers, celery, broccoli, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, turnips, asparagus, green peppers and okra.
Exercise
Besides the dietary changes, you'll also take part in some type of daily exercise program with a protein-sparing modified fast diet. This not only helps you to burn additional calories, thereby increasing weight loss, but it can also improve your overall health, which can go a long way to reducing the potential of many complications linked to obesity, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, breast cancer, colon cancer and other health-related issues.
Behavior Modification
To better ensure long-term success, you may also need to take part in a licensed behavior-modification program. Basically, this methodology centers on healthy lifestyle choices so that you won't fall back into old habits or routines with eating and exercise. It may cover what you eat, what triggers unhealthy eating habits, modifications that limit unhealthy eating and other psychological analysis.
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