High-Protein Diet

As its name suggests, this diet involves consuming a higher percentage of total daily calories in the form of protein. The National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association both estimate that protein should comprise 10-12% of the average adult’s diet. On a high protein diet, individuals consume as much as 34% of their total calories in the form of protein.

Although meat is probably the best-known source of protein, it can also be found in dairy products, nuts, seeds, beans, and soy. Some have also found that protein powder is a quick and easy way to increase their total daily intake.

Some doctors recommend high-protein diets in order to help patients recovering from trauma, be it stress, an injury, or even surgery. Because protein helps to heal wounds, increasing one’s intake can help the body’s tissue to regenerate more quickly.

Extra protein may also help some individuals to lose weight by helping them to feel more satisfied and therefore less tempted to snack on empty calories. However, this may largely be due to the fat content in many high-protein foods, which is not necessarily the healthiest kind of fat. Many forms of animal protein contain “bad” cholesterol and saturated fat, which can lead to poor cardiovascular health later on.

Another way in which high-protein diets may help to produce weight loss is by stimulating water loss. An increase in protein, particularly in the form of meat and dairy products, causes an increase in toxic byproducts, which the body eliminates by pumping more water through the kidneys and the urinary tract. While some bodybuilders use diuretics to eliminate water weight and give them a more “cut” look, this “flushing” action can strip the body of essential minerals like calcium.

Many dieters may be tempted to try a high protein diet in order to lower their total calorie intake. However, as previously discussed, this kind of diet can also cause health problems in the long run. For this reason, dieters may want to consider an herbal supplement as a safer alternative. The herb hoodia gordonii, for example, has been shown to suppress the appetite, curbing cravings and making it easier for dieters to make smart choices at mealtimes.

• Gives the stomach a feeling of fullness
• A variety of food sources to choose from

• It seems this product has not been well received by many consumers, as a number of them are voicing their concerns on consumer blogs and forums. Interested consumers can click here to read more about these issues in this High Protein Diet blog.
• May be difficult to maintain
• Can be high in unhealthy fats

There are several reasons why dieters may be interested in trying a high-protein diet, but ultimately, it has not been shown to help individuals achieve lasting weight loss. In addition to being challenging to maintain, this approach may also raise cholesterol levels and strip the body of valuable nutrients.

For this reason, dieters may want to consider an alternative approach, such as a dietary supplement. In addition to hoodia gordonii, consumers may want to look for a product containing the herb bitter orange, as it has been shown to increase the body’s fat and calorie burning ability. Seek a manufacture that offers free samples for you to evaluate.