Weight Loss Watcher

High protein diets are extremely popular because they can be adopted by almost anybody in order to gain or lose weight or just to maintain normal body weight. 

High protein foods are low in carbohydrates and saturated fats, which accumulate as fat in the belly, thighs, and hips. Proteins preserve and build lean muscle tissue. In the form of enzymes and hormones, they regulate sleep, digestion, and ovulation. A diet rich in proteins boosts metabolism and burns fat. 

Yet, the American Heart Association does not recommend high protein diets for weight loss, and there are many reasons for this. 

·        A high protein diet is not a balanced diet. It does not give your body all the nutrients that it needs. People who remain on a high protein diet do not get enough vitamins and minerals. 

·        It is true that a high protein diet results in quick weight loss; however, not enough research has been done on their effectiveness for long term weight loss. 

·        A high protein diet eliminates carbohydrates, and this leads to a loss of body fluids. Therefore, the rapid weight loss due a high protein diet is due to a net loss of body fluids and not due to a loss of body fat. 

·        High protein diets are responsible for the release of ketones into the blood. This leads to a condition called ketosis characterized by nausea and loss of appetite. 

·        A high protein diet kills appetite. Therefore, it is easy for a person on a high protein diet to control pangs of hunger. 

·        High protein diets have a lesser variety of food. Studies have shown that eating the same type of food at each meal dulls a person’s ability to appreciate and enjoy food. People eat more when there is a greater variety of food. 

·        A high protein diet also increases the risk of kidney and liver disorders, many types of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease. 

It is not advisable to go in for a high protein diet, although it guarantees rapid weight loss. The best weight loss program is a balanced diet with plenty of physical activity. 

 

Filed under: Diet Programs