Get
the straight facts about high protein diets
The trend in high
protein diets these days is supported in
large measure by the hugely popular Dr. Atkins diet,
and the Zone diet by Barry Spears. But what makes
these high protein diets so successful? Advocates of
Dr. Atkins diet and the Zone diet experience quick
weight loss while on these plans, and who wouldn't
want that or be thrilled with those results.
Critics of high protein diets like Dr. Atkins diet
or the Zone diet say that these plans with
restricted carbohydrates almost always work in the
short term, but it may be difficult to maintain that
level of quick weight loss for the long haul. Some
of the difficulties associated with high protein
diets include:
- Quick weight loss can be attributed to water
loss. As the excess protein in the body is broken
down, the body uses water to flush the waste
products out of the body--through the kidneys and
urinary tract.
- High protein diets that contain foods high in
fat can raise harmful cholesterol levels. High
cholesterol levels are linked to coronary heart
disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of
cancer.
- high protein diets cause the body to make an
excess of ketones, which causes queasiness and
light-headedness.
Using the American Heart Association daily
levels for fat intake, which specifies no more
than than 30% of total daily calories from fat
and, less than 10% of that from saturated fat,
people on high protein diets have a difficult time
staying within these safe guidelines.
Conclusion
There's no dispute that high protein diets are
fashionable these days--they've certainly worked
for a large number of people wanting a quick
weight loss solution. However, they may not be
your best choice as a long term weight maintenance
plan. |
