In this article, we will talk about what you can eat on a protein diet.We will list all the allowed products and of course 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 is definitely not a threat with such a food system!Relatively light nutrition - proteins.
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 must strictly limit fats and carbohydrates in his diet, giving preference to protein foods.
So, we will figure out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's start.
Why does the protein diet work?
First you need to figure out why protein diets are so effective.Our bodies need “fuel” to maintain vital functions.The main "energy drink" that provides long-lasting satiety and gives energy is carbohydrates.Food with a high carbohydrate content has a lot of calories - all the energy that we do not use during the day "goes to the reserve".Yes, yes, as you already guessed, this reserve is fat deposits: if suddenly there are times of hunger, it is these reserves that will not allow the body to wither.
If we stop eating carbohydrates, the body is forced to compensate for their lack by burning stored fat.If we sharply reduce our intake of high-fat foods, we will not feed our "fat store".As a result, the hated folds that were previously impossible to get rid of will begin to disappear.
But you can't live completely without food, right?Here, proteins, which are the main building material of muscles, come to our aid.By the way, athletes use a protein diet during the so-called "drying": thanks to this, subcutaneous fat disappears, exposing the muscles.The body becomes shaped and beautiful.
It is recommended to combine a protein diet with physical exercises - in this way you can maintain muscle tissue without allowing it to collapse.The paradox is that it is easier for a body that is "on a diet" to absorb energy from the muscles, leaving the fat reserves intact.
Do you want to get a healthy athlete's figure instead of a skinny person?Then do not give up physical activities.
The main foods of the protein diet
Unfortunately, the diet of the protein diet cannot even be called diverse.The fact is that there are not that many foods with high protein content.
Here's what you can eat on a protein diet:
- Fish– you can choose both sea and river varieties.However, 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 a chicken, it is recommended to eat its 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 label "0% fat" does not mean that this product can be eaten with a protein diet.For example, low-fat yogurts are often high in carbohydrates.As we know, this option is not suitable for us.
- Egg whites.Some protein diets allow the consumption of egg yolks.
What else can you eat on a protein diet?
I agree, chewing on one chicken breast while snacking on egg whites is pretty 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 any sauce should be avoided, except for lemon juice.And no butter, much less mayonnaise.
But healthy vegetables must also be chosen wisely.The following vegetables best fit the protein diet concept:
- cabbage;
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- salad;
- celery.
Flour products, sweets and food with a high carbohydrate content 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.