High protein low carb diets are growing in popularity
especially since recent research indicates that these diets
are indeed safe, and actually more effective than the
typical low-fat, high carb diet. Before I continue though,
let me clarify something...
Diets classified as high protein low carb diets
often aren't anything of the sort.
Note: This is especially true for the not so aptly
named "Protein Power Diet" by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan
Eades. This diet contains less than moderate amounts of
protein, the consumption of which is determined by lean body weight and
activity level. True, this diet plan IS low in carbs, but it is
actually lacking in protein, especially if you are sedentary.
Other less restrictive low carb diets tend to contain much more
protein -- but the greatest percentage of calories on a low carb
diet (like the Atkins diet) comes from fat.
Nonetheless, don't let that scare you, because that does not
diminish the value or the effectiveness of those diets
labelled as high protein low carb diets. If you're dubvious,
consider this...
Dr W.C. Willet of the Harvard School of Public Health spent
some time examining the available research on low-fat
dieting and came to a rather interesting conclusion: the
emphasis placed on low-fat dieting has in fact hindered the
war on obesity, not helped it. (Source: Obesity Rev., 3:
59-68, 2002)
A recent article published in the New York Times Magazine entitled
"What If It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?" (Click here to read the article!), outlines the crux
of the problem...
Despite what we've been told about fat, the facts just don't
bear the arguments out. Conversely, more and more studies
are beginning to validate the high protein low carb diet. Dr
Atkins and others like him, once seen as "quacks", are
suddenly being regarded in a new light. Duke University
researchers found that subjects on the low carb diet
experienced greater weight loss (with a larger percentage of
that weight coming from fat as opposed to muscle), and more
dramatic improvements in blood lipid and cholesterol levels
than those on a typical low-fat diet (Source: American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75:2002).
If you're interested in learning more about high protein low
carb diets,
read my review of the Dr. Atkins diet, or if you'd prefer,
visit my main site for reviews of fat burners, diet supplements, and weight loss
programs...
Ultimatefatburner.com
As an alternative to the Atkins diet, check out my diet...
The Ultimate Fat Burning Diet Primer!
