A high protein weight loss diet is defined by the percentage of calories that come from protein. In a balanced diet that does not focus on protein, typically 10% to 15% of calories come from protein. In diets that focus on the amount of protein, this percentage can rise to as much as 30-35%.
By restricting carbohydrates a high protein diet can cause what is known as “ketosis”. Ketosis is what happens when the body begins to burn its own stored fat for energy. This will cause weight loss but ketosis can also cause headaches, nausea, irritability in mood, and other problems.
Despite these potential problems, high protein diets are a constant favorite for a couple of reasons:
- They promote relatively quick weight loss
- The high amounts of protein eaten help dieters to feel full for a longer time
Unfortunately, because the weight lost during the diet is somewhat unnatural, the loss is frequently regained shortly after the diet ends. read more »
The modern western diet has way too much red meat, starch, carbohydrates, salt and sugar and not nearly enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or legumes. This imbalance in our diets has played a very important role in the high numbers of people suffering with one type of cardiovascular disease or another.
Deaths from heart disease have increased to the point where it is now the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control are that heart disease was responsible for more than 600,000 fatalities in 2007 which is the last year full data is available. This is a huge number and means that almost 1,700 Americans died from heart disease EACH DAY!
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As the name itself suggests, “low cholesterol diets” concentrate on limiting the amount of foods that are higher in cholesterol and replacing them with foods that have either low, or no, cholesterol.
Because there are some foods that are much higher in cholesterol than most others, it is a relatively simple matter to avoid them, or at least limit how big a part they play in your diet. The “Big 6″ foods that are high in cholesterol and should be avoided are:
- Meats from organs (brains, liver, etc.)
- Egg Yolks (but egg whites are fine)
- Poultry (the skin has the most cholesterol)
- Dairy products of all types
- Whole milk (use 2%, or low fat)
- Red meat
But, unfortunately, it is not that simple to just avoid these foods and craft a diet that is still healthy. This is because, besides the higher levels of cholesterol, these foods also contain vital proteins, minerals, and vitamins our bodies absolutely require to maintain basic functioning.
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