High protein diets and weight loss

Everybody knows there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, of weight loss diets available that claim to help us lose weight quickly.  But there are so many out there it’s hard to know which diets works and which ones are a waste of time and effort. 

In the back of your mind, you just know, when the diet is over, the pounds are going to come back and you even gain back more than you lost.  What’s the use of even trying!! 

When this happens, most of us give up, abandon the diet and then feel guilty about it.   But, the fact is, you may be looking at a “diet” the wrong way.  You see, your diet is not a short term, one off deal, it’s what you eat every day. 

It’s your lifestyle choice that either makes you fat or not fat.  The way you eat is a habit that should be one you are willing to live with forever.  How you eat has to be satisfying and help you meet your weight and fitness goals.

One type of diet not usually associated with permanent weight loss is the high protein diet.  Sometimes called an “Anabolic Diet”, these have been around and used by athletes and weight lifters since forever.  It is a stable for body building and making muscles, and has been shown to be very useful for losing weight and maintaining weight.  Muscle burns more energy to do any kind of work.  Within reason, if you build up your muscles (or just make them stronger), the more calories you’ll burn.

Studies published in the Nutrition Journal and research have demonstrated that high protein diets and weight loss go hand in hand.  After all, every cell in the human body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands.  You need protein in your diet to help your muscles repair cells and make new ones.

What’s wrong with High Protein Diets?

So why are high protein diets given a bad rap?  Well, it is a fact that a diet high in meat (or other protein rich foods) can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Some people think that possibly trading off high cholesterol for weight loss is not a good deal.

Some nutritionists have described his type of diet as unhealthy and the American Heart Association advised against high protein diets (such as the Atkins diet) in 2001 citing potential health risks.

I think it’s a matter of not overdoing it on the high protein.  A high protein or anabolic diet can be useful for people wanting to lose a little or a lot of weight.  The key to losing weight with any diet is moderation and portion control.

Part of the solution to permanent weight problems is to learn how to shop and prepare food that will give you the nutrition you need, keep your metabolism at a constant high level and make your body burn more fat for energy.  Sounds simple enough and any good diet can help provide the solution.

If you want to try  a one of these diets, my suggestion is to find a (high protein) cookbook and check out some of the recipes.  But, as with any other diet, you have to learn how to shop and prepare good tasting food and eat the right amounts.  Do that and you’ll get in and stay in those designer jeans.  You’ll look great and feel good about yourself.  The key is learning how to control the amount of protein in your daily diet.