High Protein Diets - Fact vs Fiction

It seems that high protein, low carb diets are the hottest craze for weight loss. Dieters all over the place are scarfing down protein bars and shakes(with no carbs) in hopes of quick results with little effort. While we could all benefit from getting more protein, downing protein all day long is not the answer. Bodies need a modest amount of protein to function well. Extra protein doesn't give you extra strength.

When you eat lots of protein with few carbs, your metabolism changes to a state called ketosis. Ketosis means the body converts from burning carbs for fuel to burning its own fat. Once fat is broken down, bits of carbon called ketones are released into the bloodstream to be used as energy. Ketosis tends to suppress appetite, causing people to eat less, and also increase the body's elimination of fluids through urine. All benefits that sound great, right? But hold on, those short-term results may create long-term health consequences. One of the consequences is the release of ammonia in the body. The health effects of high amounts of ammonia in the body are still unknown. There is also evidence to suggest that people who eat high-protein diets typically excrete excess calcium in their urine. Too much calcium loss could lead to osteoporosis down the road.

From a nutritional perspective, carbohydrate foods shunned by some people on low-carb diets include fruits and vegetables, which are the best sources for vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants -- nutrients that help prevent disease.

That being said, protein diets have been shown to cause weight loss, increase satiety and decrease hunger and on average, produced an average weight loss that was about 4.5 lbs greater than that achieved on other diets after six months.

The type of protein that you eat definitely plays a role in your weight loss and overall health. Processed meats like hot dogs, deli meats and sausages, have been linked to several diseases including cancer. While supplementing your protein need with whey protein(we'll discuss in a later blog) can be beneficial, most of your protein should come from these sources.

• Fish
• Poultry
• Bean
• Nuts

Protein is essential for a healthy functioning body. It aids in cell repair, muscle repair, it serves as an energy source, and it helps many of the body's processes related to metabolism. Great benefits for anyone looking to lose weight just don't loss sight of the big picture. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!