In this article we will talk about what you can eat on a protein diet.We will list all permitted products and, of course, mention what is not permitted.
A protein diet is traditionally considered one of the most effective ways to lose extra pounds.However, the popularity of this diet is not just 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: anyone who wants to lose weight should drastically limit fats and carbohydrates in their diet, giving preference to protein foods.
So let's find out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's get started.
Why does a protein diet work?
First you need to find out why protein diets are so effective.Our body needs “fuel” to maintain vital functions.The main “energy drink” that gives long-term saturation and energizes is carbohydrates.Foods rich in carbohydrates are rich in calories - all the energy that we don't use during the day “goes into reserve”.Yes, yes, as you already guessed, this reserve is fat deposits: if suddenly the time of hunger comes, it is these reserves that will not allow the body to wither.
If we stop consuming carbohydrates, the body is forced to compensate for their deficiency by burning accumulated fat.If we drastically reduce our intake of high-fat foods, we will not feed our “fat stores”.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 proteins, which are the main building material of our muscles, come to our aid.In fact, athletes use a protein diet during the so-called “drying”: thanks to it, subcutaneous fat disappears, exposing the muscles.The body looks sculpted and beautiful.
It is recommended to combine a protein diet with physical exercise - this way you can maintain 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 extract energy from the muscles, leaving fat reserves intact.
Do you want to have the figure of a healthy athlete and not an emaciated person?So don't give up on physical activity.
Main foods on a protein diet
Unfortunately, the protein diet cannot even be called varied.The fact is that there are not so many foods rich in protein.
Here's what you can eat on a protein diet:
- Fish– you can choose sea and river varieties.However, 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 advisable to eat the breast.The skin and thighs should be left for 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 consumed with a protein diet.For example, low-fat yogurts are often high in carbohydrates.As you know, this option does not suit us.
- Egg white.Some protein diets allow the consumption of egg yolks.
What else can you eat on a protein diet?
I agree, chewing a chicken breast while snacking on egg whites is very boring.The diet should be varied with side dishes.It is recommended to choose vegetable salads.It is true that they should be salted to a minimum and also avoid any sauce other than lemon juice.And no butter, much less mayonnaise.
But you also need to choose healthy vegetables wisely.The following vegetables best fit into the concept of a protein diet:
- cabbage;
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- lettuce;
- celery.
Flour products, sweets and foods rich in carbohydrates should be completely excluded from the diet.By the way, the latter also includes fruit.Although eating one green apple a day is quite acceptable.