A protein diet low in carbs combined with fat-burning foods might offer quick and effective weight loss. The Harvard school of public health suggests that eating low-fat proteins and unsaturated vegetable fats such as soy and canola oil are healthy and lower your risk of heart disease. Avoid processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and ham to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Benefits of Protein Diet
Protein diets promise quick weight loss through restricted carbs and increased proteins and fats with no calorie counting. Most protein diets allow for 20 to 100 grams of carbohydrates per day, as apposed to the 225 to 325 grams recommended by the Mayo Institute. In a study conducted by Stanford University on the Atkins diet, which is a high-protein, low-carb diet, the Atkins diet rated high compared with other diets. Researchers studied 311 women for 12 months. Those who followed the Atkins diet, created by cardiologist Robert Atkins, had better blood pressure, superior cholesterol levels and lost more weight, compared with those who participated in other kinds of diets. The Atkins diet suggests that type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity are a direct result of low-fat diets and refined carbs.
Protein Diets and Heart Health
Previously, a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbs was thought to initiate heart disease. However, recent studies concluded by the Harvard School of Public Health confirm that eating more protein, especially vegetable proteins, benefits the heart. A 20-year study was conducted on 82,802 women. Those who participated in protein diets that were high in protein and vegetable fats had a 30 percent lower risk of developing heart disease apposed to those who participated in a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, those who participated in protein diets high in animal fats did not reduce their risk of heart disease.
Healthy Protein Options
When choosing a diet high in protein and low in carbs, the Harvard School of Public Health suggests consuming unsaturated vegetable fats such as soy or canola oils rather than saturated fats from animal sources such as butter or cream. Limit red meat to 18 oz. per week, and avoid processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and ham to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Fat-Burning Foods
Turkey is a low-calorie, fat-burning animal protein source that contains the amino acid leucine, which preserves muscle mass during weight loss and keeps your metabolism running at optimal speed. Enova oil, which is vegetable fat made from soy and canola oil, metabolizes differently in the body and does not store fat as readily as other oils. Peanuts provide healthy unsaturated fat that slows blood sugar and controls hunger. Plain low-fat yogurt is a source of calcium with minerals that help burn fat. Berries are a fat-burning food that keeps you full, satisfied and provides daily roughage. Raspberries provide the highest amount of fiber, at 8 g per cup.
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