Made famous from books like "The Atkins Diet" and "The South Beach Diet," high protein diets claim that losing weight easy by simply consuming high amounts of proteins and low amounts of complex carbohydrates. While you may lose weight eating this way, this type of diet has its downsides as well. If you are going to give low carb, high protein meals a try, have a game plan ready for when you cycle off and go back to a more normal way of eating.
Protein
While protein is the basis of a low carbohydrate, high protein meal, take some care in choosing the right types of protein to eat. Many medical experts believe that high-fat red meat, dark meat chicken, the skin on white meat chicken and full-fat dairy products can contribute to the possibility of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These medical conditions can be serious and should not be taken lightly. Instead, choose lean cuts of pork and meat, skinless chicken and turkey, seafood, fish, egg whites and low-fat dairy.
Carbohydrates
You do need some carbs in order to provide you with energy and essential nutrients. Just like protein, there are good carbs and bad carbs. Avoid foods that have added sugars, white flour or saturated and trans fats, which can all contribute to weight gain. Rather, go for whole-wheat breads, pastas and cereals, whole grains, brown rice, quinoa, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.
Meals
Protein and vegetables are the basis of your meals while on a high protein diet, with small complex carbohydrate side dishes. For example, a breakfast option is an egg-white omelet filled with grilled or sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peppers and asparagus, served with one slice of lightly buttered whole-wheat toast. Try a mixed greens salad topped with grilled chicken breast, sliced almonds and cold cooked lentils tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. An easy dinner choice is grilled fish with a side of steamed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks
Snacks help you to stay satiated until it's time for your next meal. There are numerous ways to keep your low carb, high protein diet going through snack time. For example, try an apple with low-fat cheese or peanut butter, turkey slices wrapped in lettuce leaves, low-fat yogurt, a hard-boiled egg with a side of fruit or a serving of cottage cheese tossed with fresh peach slices.
Member Comments