High Protein Diets? No thank you.
Myth: High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are a healthy way to lose weight.
Fact: The actual long-term benefits or hazards of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet are untested so far. But it has been opined that getting most of one’s daily calories from high-protein foods like meat, eggs, and cheese is not an ideal, and at times an unhealthy eating plan. You could be consuming too much fat and cholesterol, which is known to increase heart disease risks. Your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains would be insufficient, which is also known to lead to constipation due to lack of dietary fiber. Following a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet may also make you feel nauseous, tired, and weak.
Scientific Reasons
Research shows that consuming anywhere less than 130 grams of carbohydrate a day can lead to the buildup of ketones (partially broken-down fats) in your blood. A buildup of ketones in your blood (called ketosis) can cause your body to produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk factor for gout (a painful swelling of the joints) and kidney stones. Ketosis has been found to be especially risky for pregnant women and people with diabetes or kidney disease. Having said that, it is equally risky to one and all.
The Correct Method
High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are meant to be low in calories because food choices are strictly limited, so they may cause short-term weight loss. Hence, short term effectiveness is acknowledged, but at the cost of the above mentioned risks. On the other hand, a more regulated reduced-calorie eating program that includes recommended amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat will also allow you to lose weight. It is true that the results would not be as fast, but it will ensure a healthy and more wholesome diet schedule. By following a balanced eating plan, you will not have to stop eating whole classes of foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—and miss the key nutrients they contain. You may also find it easier to stick with a diet or eating plan that includes a greater variety of foods.
Filed under: Weight Loss Myths
