Protein Power Diet

The plan begins with calculating protein needs of a person - determined to be 0.6 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass for a moderately active person (more for persons who are more active and less for those who are less active). Then, it is followed by calculating lean body mass using standardized charts that use height, hip and abdomen measurements in women and weight, wrist and waist measurements in men.

Dieters are advised to obtain the minimum amounts of protein based on the above calculations, but are told they can eat more if they are hungry. Carbohydrates are limited to 30 or 50 grams daily, divided throughout the day.

Scientific Analysis

The main opposition to the Protein Power diet plan is the calculation of protein needs. In research on protein requirements, no valid evidence was found to consider activity level as a basis for protein intake. In the absence of glucose the muscles use fat for energy, and do not need more or less protein for activity. When protein is "broken down" to provide fuel, the actual molecules are conserved while the bonds between them are broken. To restore the protein molecules only energy is required to reform the chemical bonds.

An additional consideration is that a person's protein requirements depend on what other nutrients are consumed as energy sources. When carbohydrates are restricted in the diet, more protein is needed to be converted to glucose as fuel for the brain.

Based on scientific studies, Protein Power's carbohydrate levels of 30 or 50 grams daily are not high enough to prevent ongoing ketosis for most persons, especially those who have minimal weight to lose, or are on a maintenance diet.

90 grams of carbohydrate daily is sufficient to inhibit ketosis in patients on a low carbohydrate diet. There is a legitimate concern that ongoing ketosis may produce some hazards in the long term. Using the Protein Power diet for a limited time for weight loss should not cause any major problems, however, its design is not adequate for long-term use.