A high protein diet is a typical bodybuilders diet, however an increasing number of weight loss diets also recommend high levels of protein - in order to maintain/increase muscle tissue whilst burning fat.
High protein diets typically contain 1g of protein per 1 pound of body weight. Some high protein diets will recommend a percentage of total calorie intake (such as 30% or more).
Why More Protein?
- Higher amounts of protein are required to build muscle mass.
- Digestion of protein tends to require more energy (also known as the thermic affect of feeding).
- Some believe that protein has a higher level of satiation.
Which Foods are High in Protein?
The following is a list of popular lean proteins (i.e. low in fat).
- Chicken and Turkey
- Fish (i.e. Tuna and Salmon) and other seafood
- Cottage cheese and other low-fat dairy
- Lean cuts of beef
- Whey protein powder
- Egg whites
Risks of a High Protein Diet
There is considerable difference of opinion surrounding high protein diets. Some nutritionists feel that diet too high in protein leads to renal (kidney) failure or stress. However there appears to be little evidence for this. High protein diets should be avoided if you already have kidney problems.
Other dietitians cite a dehydration risk with consuming large amounts of protein. Metabolizing protein does require a higher amount of water than carbohydrates or fats, so it’s important to consume a lot of water when on a high protein diet.
Popular High Protein Diets
There are popular weight loss diets that are higher in protein - such as;
However it is important to note that a typical high protein diet implies lean proteins
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