In this article we will talk about what you can eat while on a protein diet.We 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 is by no means threatening with such a nutritional system!A relatively light diet – protein.
There are different types of protein diets.The famous and controversial Kremlin diet, for example, is based on these nutritional principles.But no matter what the protein diet is called, the essence does not change: If you want to lose weight, you should severely limit fats and carbohydrates in your diet and give preference to protein-containing foods.
So we'll figure out what you can eat on a protein diet.Let's get started.
Why does a protein diet work?
First you need to figure out why protein diets are so effective.Our bodies need “fuel” to maintain vital functions.The most important “energy drink” that fills you up and provides energy in the long term is carbohydrates.Foods rich in carbohydrates are high 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: when times of hunger suddenly come, it is these reserves that prevent the body from wasting away.
When we stop eating carbohydrates, the body is forced to compensate for the deficiency by burning accumulated fat.If we significantly reduce the consumption of high-fat foods, we no longer fill our “fat stores”.As a result, hated wrinkles that previously could not be removed begin to disappear.
But you can't live completely without food, can you?Proteins, which are the main building material of our muscles, help us here.By the way, athletes use a protein diet during the so-called “drying” period: as a result, the subcutaneous fat disappears and the muscles are exposed.The body becomes sculpted and beautiful.
It is recommended to combine a protein diet with physical exercise - this way you can maintain your muscle tissue without breaking it down.The paradox is that after a “diet”, the body finds it easier to extract energy from the muscles, while the fat reserves remain intact.
Do you want to have the figure of a healthy athlete and not an emaciated person?Then don't give up physical activity.
Main foods of a protein diet
Unfortunately, the diet on a protein diet cannot even be called varied.The fact is that there are not that many foods rich in protein.
Here's what you can eat on a protein diet:
- Fish– You can choose between sea and river varieties.However, you should 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 chicken, it is recommended to eat its breast.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, you need to monitor the composition of the products you buy.The “0% fat” label does not mean that this product can be consumed as part of a protein diet.For example, low-fat yogurts are often high in carbohydrates.As you know, this option does not suit us.
- Protein.Some protein diets allow the consumption of egg yolks.
What else can you eat on a protein diet?
Agree, chewing a chicken breast and snacking on protein at the same time is pretty boring.The diet should be varied with side dishes.It is recommended to choose vegetable salads.They should only be salted to a minimum and avoid dressings other than lemon juice.And no butter, let alone 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.The latter also includes fruits.Although it is perfectly acceptable to eat one green apple a day.