Is a High Protein Diet the Best Way to Lose Weight?

High-protein diets often produce amazing results for people who are trying to lose weight. They seem to work for several reasons. One being that eating a large amount of protein can have you feeling full and therefore reduce the chances of nibbling and consuming excess calories. Another reason that high protein diets work is that when your diet is low in carbohydrates, you begin to burn fat.

Unfortunately, most people who lose weight on a high-protein diet regain the weight after going off of the diet. That simply reminds us that it takes a lot of commitment to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that meets but does not exceed calorie needs.

There are several other drawbacks to a high-protein diet. For example, cutting back on carbohydrates can result in low levels of essential nutrients that are found mostly in carbohydrates. Additionally, it will take careful planning to ensure that you are getting enough fiber in your diet to prevent constipation.

A high-protein diet is also likely to be high in meat. A diet that is high in meat is also more likely to be high in saturated fat. Too much saturated fat is associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Renal disease is another concern when going on a high-protein diet. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, there is a chance that you could make the situation worse, since your kidney must get rid of the excess nitrogen produced on a high-protein diet.

Learn more by watching this WebMD Slideshow.