Popularly followed by body builders and athletes, a high protein diet helps in building muscles and shedding weight. Some of the high-protein foods include soy, beans, peanuts, steak, yogurt, egg, canned tuna etc. However, a high protein diet must be followed with caution as a slight imbalance may have long-term consequences. Here is a list of pros and cons to a high protein diet and common reasons people follow it:-
Common reasons why people follow a high protein diet are:
#1. Weight loss- One of the most common reasons that people go on a high protein diet is to lose weight faster. It is one of the best methods to reduce your calorie intake.
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#2. Bodybuilding- With vigorous training and exercise, your muscle cells require to be repaired. Athletes go on a high protein diet in order to maintain a lean muscle mass.
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#3. Muscle loss due to aging- It is common among the people in their ages to increase their protein intake as a source to keep their muscle mass intact since aging leads to a natural muscle loss.
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#4. A healthy lifestyle- In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is essential to fix the flawed diet pattern. A diet rich in protein can help you control your blood level and is essential for production of certain hormones and enzymes
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#5. To balance blood sugar- Diabetic or pre-diabetic patients are especially recommended a high protein diet since it helps in regulating blood sugar level.
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#6. High Protein Diet is a fashion nowadays. People, especially women and girls tend to go for high protein diet (forgetting the benefits of a balanced diet) as they get inspired from others around them.
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Pros
#1. Shed water weight- Once you shift to a high protein diet, your water weight and that annoying bloat will disappear.
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#2. Satisfying- A diet rich in protein can keeps you satisfied and full for a longer time as compared to a diet rich in carbohydrates.
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#3. Faster weight loss- High protein diet is one of the quickest ways to reduce weight as it cuts your calorie intake down and your body begins to burn fat.
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#4. Cell growth – Since proteins are effective in rebuilding body cells, they have a tendency to repair your muscles, skin, and hair.
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#5. Energy booster- With a high protein diet, you can avoid the drowsiness you feel after a high carbohydrate diet.
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Cons
#1. Less Vitamin C intake- Putting fruits and vegetables out of your dietary routine implies a reduction of Vitamin C intake. It may also lead to a mineral deficiency.
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#2. Body odor – A high protein diet makes your body gather Ketones, which may result in a body odor.
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#3. Heart disease- High protein diets have animal fats, which are basically saturated fats and cholesterol. This may result in an increased risk of heart attacks.
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#4. Ketosis- Ketosis, the process of losing weight by lowering appetite (as you eat keto foods only) may lead to after effects like headaches, irritability, and even nausea. These after effects may hamper your day to day functioning.
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#5. Bowel movement trouble- Going on a high protein diet means eliminating certain fruits and vegetables from your diet. This reduces your fiber intake and may lead to an irritable bowel movement.
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Things to keep in mind before going on high protein diet
#1. After following a diet devoid of carbohydrates, you are prone to a rapid weight gain once you get back to the carbs.
#2. Required protein intake for men and women is 60 grams per day and 50 grams per day respectively. An excessive intake of protein, for instance, 200 grams may lead to rabbit starvation.
#3. People who have kidney or liver ailments should avoid going on a high protein diet without the doctor’s recommendation.
#4. Various aspects like height, weight, and individual purpose for the diet should be considered before planning a high protein dietary routine.
#5. Use protein calculators to determine the appropriate amount of protein intake for your body.
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