In this article we will talk about what you can eat on a protein diet.We will list all the permitted products and, of course, we will mention what is not allowed.
Protein diets are traditionally considered one of the most effective ways to lose weight.However, the popularity of this diet is not only due to its effectiveness.Many people admit that a protein diet is quite easy for them.Of course, hunger with such a food system is certainly not threatening!Relatively light diet - protein.
There are several types of protein diets.For example, the famous and controversial Kremlin diet is based on the following nutritional principles.But whatever the protein diet is called, the essence does not change: a person who wants to lose weight should sharply limit fats and carbohydrates in his diet, giving preference to protein foods.
So, we'll find out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's start.
Why do protein diets work?
First you need to find out why protein diets are so effective.Our body needs “fuel” to maintain its vital functions.The main “energy drinks” that provide long-term satiety and give you energy are carbohydrates.Foods high in carbohydrates are high in calories - all the energy we don't use during the day is “put in reserve”.Yes, yes, as you might have guessed, these reserves are fat deposits: if times of hunger suddenly come, it is these reserves that will prevent the body from withering away.
If we stop consuming carbohydrates, the body is forced to compensate for the deficiency by burning accumulated fat.If we sharply reduce our intake of fat-rich foods, we will not fill our “fat depot”.As a result, the hated folds will begin to disappear, which were previously impossible to get rid of.
But you can't live completely without food, right?This is where protein, which is the main building block of our muscles, helps us.By the way, athletes use a protein diet during the so-called "drying": thanks to it, subcutaneous fat disappears, exposing the muscles.The body becomes sculpted and beautiful.
It is recommended to combine a protein diet with exercise - this way you can maintain muscle tissue without allowing it to break down.Paradoxically, a body that is on a "diet" finds it easier to take energy from muscles, so fat reserves remain intact.
Want to have a healthy athlete figure, not skinny?So don't give up on physical activity.
The main food on a protein diet
Unfortunately, a protein diet diet cannot even be called varied.The fact is that there are not many foods high in protein.
Here's what you can eat on a protein diet:
- Fish– You can choose both sea and river varieties.However, you should make sure the fish is not too fatty.
- Meat– It is best to give preference to low-fat varieties.For example, if you buy chicken, it is recommended to eat the breast.The skin and thighs are best left to other family members.
- Low fat dairy products.Low-fat cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein.However, you need to monitor the composition of the products you buy.The words “0% fat” do not mean that this product can be eaten on a protein diet.For example, low-fat yogurt often contains a lot of carbohydrates.As you know, this option does not suit us.
- Egg whites.Some protein diets allow the consumption of egg yolks.
What else can you eat on a protein diet?
Agree, munching on a chicken breast while snacking on egg whites is quite boring.The diet should be varied with side dishes.It is recommended to choose a vegetable salad.True, they should be salted to a minimum, and also avoid any sauce other than lemon juice.And no butter, let alone mayonnaise.
But you also need to choose healthy vegetables wisely.The following vegetables best fit the concept of a protein diet:
- cabbage;
- tomato;
- cucumber;
- lettuce;
- celery.
Flour products, sweets and foods high in carbohydrates should be completely excluded from the diet.By the way, the latter also includes fruits.Although eating one green apple a day is quite acceptable.