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.
A protein diet is traditionally considered one of the most effective ways to lose extra pounds.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, the feeling of hunger with such a food system certainly does not threaten!A relatively light diet - protein.
There are several types of protein diets.For example, the famous and controversial Kremlin diet is based on these nutritional principles.But no matter what 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 are going to figure out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's get started.
Why does a protein diet work?
First you need to figure out why protein diets are so effective.Our body requires “fuel” to maintain vital functions.The main “energy drink” that gives long-term saturation and energizes you is carbohydrates.Foods high in carbohydrates are high in calories - all the energy that we do not use during the day “goes into reserve.”Yes, yes, as you already guessed, this reserve is fat deposits: if hungry times suddenly come, it is these reserves that will prevent the body from withering away.
If we stop eating carbohydrates, the body is forced to make up for their deficiency by burning accumulated fat.If we sharply reduce our intake of foods rich in fat, we will not feed our “fat depot”.As a result, hated folds will begin to go away, which it was previously impossible to get rid of.
But you can’t live completely without food, right?This is where proteins, which are the main building material for our muscles, come to our aid.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 physical exercise - this way you can maintain your muscle tissue without letting it break down.The paradox is that it is easier for the body that has been “put on a diet” to take energy from the muscles, leaving fat reserves intact.
Do you want to have the figure of a healthy athlete, not an emaciated person?Then don't give up on physical activity.
Main foods on a protein diet
Unfortunately, the diet on a protein diet cannot even be called varied.The fact is that there are not so 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 that 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 advisable to eat its breast.The skin and thighs should be 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 inscription “0% fat” does not mean that this product can be eaten on a protein diet.For example, low-fat yogurts are often high in 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, chewing one chicken breast while snacking on egg whites is quite boring.The diet should be varied with side dishes.It is recommended to choose vegetable salads.True, they should be salted to a minimum, and also avoid any dressing other than lemon juice.And no butter, much less mayonnaise.
But you also need to choose healthy vegetables wisely.The following vegetables fit best into the concept of a protein diet:
- cabbage;
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- 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.