1. Eat and be Skinny
How do high protein diets work? Basically, when protein is present it slows down the rate at which we store fat from carbohydrates. If carbohydrates are restricted, as many protein diets recommend, the body actually uses fat to convert into energy. The body literally switches from burning carbohydrates for fuel to burning body fat for fuel. The results tend to be fast and dramatic within the first 2 weeks of increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrates.
2. Ketones are Your Friends
High protein, low carb diets induce ketogenesis. Body builders have used this technique for years to cut fat before competing. Ketones are the by products of fat burning. High protein diets for weight loss are measured by using keto strips when you go the bathroom. Ketones come out in your breath, pores and urine. The darker, the color the deeper the ketosis. It take 48 to 72 hours to rid your body of all sugar and enter ketosis.
3. Steak and Eggs for Life
Most protein diets recommend eating any meat and eggs. Fatty meats are not restricted. The yes list includes butter, mayonnaise and oils. Cheese is fine in moderate quantities, but probably more than any dieter is used to. Non-starchy vegetables are encouraged in abundance. Nuts and seeds are okay, but peanuts and cashews are not included since they are technically legumes. Full-fat dairy products are included such as heavy cream, sour cream and cream cheese. Low-fat versions are prohibited since their flavor is usually compensated with higher sugar content. Some typical foods beyond chicken and steak include pork rinds, avocados, bacon and sugar-substituted cheesecake.
4. No More Rice Cakes
High protein diets with carbohydrate restriction don't allow rice, pasta or breads. Fruits are restricted to berries. Beans are a "no, no" since they are starch protein hybrids. Desserts made with real sugar will boot you right out of ketosis. Starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn and carrots are not allowed. Almost anything out of a package will be restricted. Alcoholic beverages are allowed as long as they aren't sugar based like schnapps and port.
5. The Experts are Plenty
There are dozens of high protein options from which to choose. If you like President Clinton's weight loss, then the South Beach Diet is the way to go. Hard core low carbers choose Atkins or the Eade's Protein Power Diet. The Zone is a more moderate diet that emphasizes health issues like high triglyceride levels and cholesterol readings. The Schwarzbein Principle is good for protein eaters trying to rid their bodies of any sugar, nicotine or caffeine addictions. Most protein diets are condemned by the American Heart Association. Almost all protein diet authors have commentary in their books chastising the medical establishment and the modern high carb food pyramid. Ironically, almost all protein diet authors are medical doctors.
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