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 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 is certainly not a threat!A relatively light diet: protein.
There are different 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 drastically limit fats and carbohydrates in his diet, giving preference to protein foods.
So, we will find out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's get started.
Why does a protein diet work?
First you need to understand why protein diets are so effective.Our body needs "fuel" to maintain vital functions.The main "energy drink" that gives long-term saturation and gives you energy is carbohydrates.Foods rich in carbohydrates are rich 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 times of hunger suddenly come, it is these reserves that will prevent the body from withering.
If we stop eating 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 store”.As a result, the hated creases will begin to go away, 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.By the way, athletes use a protein diet during the so-called "drying": thanks to it, subcutaneous fat disappears, exposing muscles.The body becomes sculpted and beautiful.
It is recommended to combine a protein diet with exercise: this way you can maintain muscle tissue without letting it deteriorate.The paradox is that it is easier for the body "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 and not an emaciated person?Then don't give up on physical activity.
Main foods of a protein diet
Unfortunately, the protein diet cannot even be called varied.The fact is, there aren't that many protein-rich foods.
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 better 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 to other family members.
- Low-fat dairy products.Low-fat cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein.However, it is necessary to monitor the composition of the purchased products.The writing "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 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?
Agree, chewing on a chicken breast while snacking on egg whites is pretty 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 seasonings 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 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.