High Protein Diet Weight Loss

The No.1 New Year resolution every year is,"I want to lose weight!" Of all the resolutions that people think of,this is one goal every one wants to keep at the beginning of the year.They are ready to make the sacrifices to look trimmer,feel good about themselves,find clothes that fit them well,nail a good job ,find a good soulmate.The real goal should probably be changed to,"I want to lose weight,be fit and healthy for life."

Lifestyle modifications are necessary to keep this new year resolution and keep it for life.Having an intense desire to keep at it,resisting your favourite comfort foods,getting adequate rest each day,eating a balanced diet that is low calorie,high fibre and low fat all help.Exercising everyday,avoiding alcohol,giving up smoking and making healthy choices such as exercising portion control and switching to low fat dairy products make a huge difference.Yes, you can become thinner and healthier and keep that weight off for a lifetime,if you so choose.You have to make that decision and stick by it. 

In a typical diet,10-15% of the total calories comes from proteins.In a high protein diet,this can be upto 30-50%.Some go on this high protein diet because it gives a feeling of satiety(feeling full) for longer periods of time.But,this diet has its side effects.It changes a peson's metabolism and the body suffers Ketosis.Besides feeling full,you experience headaches,nausea,heart palpitations,kidney trouble.You do experience weight loss, but you put back all the weight very soon.So,doctors do not recommend this diet.

Now,let us examine which proteins are good for us.

Beef: HIgh quality protein,but choose a lean cut,so as to have less saturated fat.

Chicken: Poultry is excellent protein especially if you trim the skin off which is full of saturated fat.

Pork Tenderloin: Real surprise here!Pork tenderloin is white meat.

Fish: Seafood is best quality protein,since there is no saturated fat.But, it is brimming with omega 3 fats,which is heart healthy and you do not get enough of this in an ordinary diet.

Eggs: Least expensive,an egg a day spikes up your protein intake.

Soya: Soy products such as soy milk,tofu are plant based,lower cholesterol and are heart healthy.

Pulses: Beans are rich in protein and also in fiber.They reduce cholesterol and give you a feeling of satiety.

Dairy: Low fat dairy products give you good protein and calcium which is required for strong bones and healthy heart.

In addition to high quality protein,one must have plenty of fruits and vegetables(at least 5 servings a day)of different colours.Disease fighting nutrients are found in these.Cancer is prevented to some extent. 

Whole grain breads are recommended for carbohydrates and fiber.This also helps in lowering cholesterol. In short, staying healthy means eating a nutritious,low calorie diet and getting plenty of exercise.