As you know, there is a huge debate as to the effectiveness and safety of high protein diets. The points of views from the pro's may change as much as fashion, however this issue is here to stay. Read on to discover the opinions of 'Weight Loss Diet Issues Company Inc' and those of Jennifer Chailler and Fawnia Mondey.
WLDIC Inc's Opinion - In basic print
Jennifer's Opinion - In aqua
12 Good Reasons To Avoid High Protein Diets?
1. They violate almost every known fact about nutritionally balanced eating. For some dieters, these diets can even be life threatening.
What is wrong with good clean protein and high fibrous vegetables, no processed foods (like most people eat) minimum caffeine and frequent, small meals (helps to avoid overeating - at one sitting)?!
The known facts about balanced eating are what America is basing their food choices on and check out how many belly's vs. 6-packs you see each day.
2. Popular high protein diet foods are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which are now established as major culprits in heart attacks and strokes.
This diet is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Using unsaturated fats high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids with a diet high in protein, will train your body to more easily burn fat for fuel. The trick is not use a diet high in protein and low in carbs as an excuse to gorge on greasy foods.
3. They overload you with protein, which results in loss of calcium from your bones, which may lead to osteoporosis. Protein overload also pressurizes your kidneys as they try to eliminate large amounts of urea, a by-product of protein metabolism.
Start reading up on the latest finding in 'Fitness RX' magazine (summer issue).
Also read Planet Muscle, Oxygen, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, etc... All the information you need to stay educated are within the pages of these publications. A few studies demonstrated then when protein intake was raised to 140 - 225g per day (for a male), excess calcium was lost from the urine at a faster rate then normal. However in these studies, calcium intake as well as phosphorus intake was restricted and not allowed to increase in proportion to the protein intake.
Since whole-food proteins contain both calcium and phosphorus and even protein supplements are fortified with calcium and phosphorus, it only makes sense that increases in protein intake are typically accompanied by increased dietary calcium and phosphorus. * In this scenario, the research has demonstrated that when taking in additional protein, there is actually a positive calcium balance and there are no adverse affects on bone calcium content. (National Academy of Sciences National Research Council 1989.Planet Muscle, Volume 5#3)
4. They forbid foods known to lower the risk of heart disease and many cancers.
What like dark green leafy vegetables don't help with that - spinach, broccoli, beans etc.
And cauliflower, green - red - yellow peppers, mushrooms, garlic and onions.
5. They deprive you of carbohydrates, the nutrient group most readily converted to energy. Even moderately active people will notice this lack during exercise.
True in some aspects, but like anything, your body will adapt and eventually the body's regular energy levels will come back. Yes carbohydrates are being depleted but for 7 days of your life, you aren't going to die. A nice 6-pack is worth cutting back on those things that make us fat don't ya think?
This is a short term diet, however we should all be eating less carbs, and could use more protein in each meal, especially at night to help retain a positive nitrogen balance. Cutting back on complex carbs, leads you to eating more protein, and fibrous veggies, boosting your immune system.
6. They deprive your brain of glucose, which it needs for normal functioning. The result is a slowdown in thinking and reaction time.
My brain seems to be functioning just fine.
How does eating a large bowl of pasta and obscene amounts of bread make you feel? Running 10K? My guess is after eating lots of sugar (bread for example) you will be ready for a nap. This diet has been easier then I thought and I am on day four.
7. They deprive you of the enormous benefits of fiber, which is a form of carbohydrate (cellulose).
There are excellent amounts of fiber in the vegetables listed in the diet, they are eaten at lunch and at dinner.
True, my system is working fine also. In terms of feeling satisfied, the first day I was so full from all the protein and veggie packed meals.
8. They are deficient in essential vitamins. Indeed, some high protein diets even require you to take vitamin supplements for the sake of your health.
Do you know of anyone who is sure they are getting all the required vitamins and minerals the body actually needs? Probably not and that is why most people I know take a multivitamin whether on a high protein diet or not!
We should all be taking a multi-V and if possible, Extra C, E, Calcium & Magnesium, B-Complex and Silenium.
9. They cause potentially dangerous changes in your body chemistry.
They help you to rid your body of that excess fat it is carrying around in the middle of the summer.
Carbs, like bread and pasta, are hard to digest, easily turn to fat, and cause you to gain weight. This can lead to depression, which causes you to take Prozac, altering your body's natural chemistry. I am not against Prozac or any anti-depressant, but I know we feel how we do, because of what we feed our bodies.
10. They run contrary to the latest World Cancer Research Fund Report, entitled Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer.
I do not see how clean, healthy eating can do your body serious harm, especially for only 7 days! I mean a Big Mac from McDonalds is more harming in one day than this diet is in 7 days.
I'd have to read this report. At this point I know a healthy person eating a high protein diet for 7 days will not increase their chances of getting cancer. When eating a clean diet, most people make better choices with regards to exercising each day, drinking more water and smoking less.
11. They deliver temporary weight loss. But a large part of it is water weight and lean muscle mass - not fat. (You lose water because your kidneys try to get rid of the excess waste products of protein and fat, called ketoses, that your body makes.)
How can my body be losing so much water when I am drinking at least 3L a day; a lot more than anyone I know. Most people don't even drink the recommended 8 glasses a day.
When you are eating a diet high in carbs (60 - 80% of your caloric intake) your body is less likely to burn fat for fuel. With a high protein diet, fat is what you are loosing as weight, plus excess water. When you are drinking 2 - 3L / day, this water is continually being replaced and toxins are easily being flushed out of your body.
Note: Weight gain is usually rapid when you go off the diet. - Not if you make it a continued normal eating habit: not so strict but just lots of clean protein and good vegetables and the ODD sweet or treat!
Much of the weight gain may be water when you start eating rice, oatmeal and of course breads and pastas. You won't gain all the fat weight you lost. By maintaining your workouts and smart eating, you will be able to keep much of the physique you worked so hard to achieve.
12. Finally, it's worth knowing that while your body burns up 23 calories for every 100 carbohydrate calories it 'digests', it only burns up 3 calories for every 100 fat calories it 'digests'. So a high-protein, low carbohydrate diet makes it easier for you to stay fat!
They are comparing fat to carbs. Where does the protein tie into the equation? This diet is not mainly fat.
I am wondering the same. As I mentioned before, this diet includes unsaturated fats high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids. These nutrients are necessary for life!
Warning!
- The average Western diet contains TOO MUCH FAT.
- That's why an estimated 1 in 3 American children are overweight.
- That's why heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America and Europe.
- We should be eating less fat, not more.
- High protein diets encourage high-fat eating and - for this reason alone - should be avoided.
- If you have the will and the desire to see those long lost abs, just give it a try. 7 days is not going to kill you. If you like how you feel, keep going. The results only get better!
Seven days of clean eating after years of abuse. A simple trade, worth trying, especially knowing the truth about the benefits about eating a nutrition plan high in protein.
Our Final Word
Both Jenn and I followed the high protein (low carb) diet for 6 days. Today I am eating exactly how I have been for the past five years, as I have mentioned in 'Fawnia's Keys to Success'. My eating plan is also shown on my site www.officiallyfawnia.com.
As for Jenn, she is learning about the "Raw Food Diet". Most of Jenn's diet consists of raw and living foods such as fresh organic fruit, vegetables, sprouts, soaked nuts, seeds, sea vegetables, and other organic/natural foods that have not been processed. Where does raw foods get their protein? Jenn has discovered that a plant-based diet is full of complete proteins that our body easily assimilates for fuel. An excellent source of information regarding the Raw Food Diet can be found at www.living-foods.com (Under construction).
The natural athlete should consume about 0.7 0.9g/lb. of body weight (1.5-2.0g/kg). However during dieting or anabolic drug use, more protein may be needed, up to 2g/lb. or 4.4g/kg.
Your Point Of View
As for your point of view, do some homework on your own. Carbohydrates are your body's best friend, but you have to use them wisely. Enjoy a balanced diet, completed with carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal, and you'll be on the right track.