A List Of Proteins For A Protein Type Diet

Protein diets rely on the energy required to digest protein and the increased feeling of fullness that protein provides to help you lose weight. Protein comes from a wide variety of sources and can be classified as complete or incomplete. The "completeness" of the protein relates to the amino acids that make up the protein found in a particular product. Learning about different proteins and how to mix and match those proteins will better enable you to utilize a protein type diet safely and effectively. However, before implementing a protein-based approach to your diet, consult with your doctor and nutritionist to ensure it will be safe for you.

Complete Proteins

Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. Amino acids are "essential" if your body cannot naturally produce them, making them essential for dietary intake. Complete protein sources normally come from animals and animal related products. These include meat, yogurt, milk and eggs. Since these products contain complete proteins, you will not need to worry about getting the required nutrients for proper growth and development of your body tissues.

Incomplete Proteins

Many protein-based diets focus on complete protein foods; however, "incomplete" proteins can also be eaten to increase the feelings of being full and curbing your appetite. Incomplete proteins lack one or more of the nine essential amino acids. This makes pairing different incomplete protein sources important for curbing hunger and optimizing growth and development of body tissue. Incomplete protein sources include pasta, lentils, soy, nuts, rice and beans. The Utah Education Network advises you pair beans and bread, beans and rice or peas and pasta to ensure the proteins found in the pairing complement each other, ensuring you are getting all of the essential amino acids you need.

Considerations

According to Harvard School of Public Health, you need to balance intake of complete and incomplete protein foods to meet your nutritional needs. Furthermore, the school acknowledges that the decrease in refined carbohydrates that goes along with a higher protein diet is beneficial but that complex carbohydrates are essential for proper body functioning. Eating just high saturated fat proteins from sources such as bacon or red meat should be avoided or minimized and replaced with soy or tofu sources. Diets high in saturated fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart related conditions.

Warnings

High-protein diets are not suitable for all individuals and consuming a high-protein diet should only occur after careful consultation with your doctor and a licensed nutritionist. Your body breaks down protein and excretes the waste in your urine. Your kidneys must filter this waste, and it can be taxing for them to do so if you have a condition that affects your kidneys. Also, individuals who have gout or are prone to developing gout, a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, should avoid foods high in protein because it can aggravate or induce the condition.