High Protein Weight Loss Diets

A high-protein diet is rich in foods that contain large amounts of protein and limits foods that are high in carbohydrates. These diets are considered a safe way to lose weight. While there are some proponents of high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets that insist all vegetables and fruits should be limited for extended periods of time, doctors generally agree that most fruits and vegetables can be eaten.

The Atkins Diet

• The Atkins diet is probably the most popular high-protein diet, and the plan can be followed for free at Atkins.com. The Atkins plan recommends to eliminate sugar, limit carbohydrates and eat more protein. Limiting carbohydrates helps the body turn fat into a source of energy. This, in turn, helps the body to lose weight. Eating a high level of protein on this diet will keep the body boosted with energy and help build muscle.

  The Atkins diet initially limits carbohydrate intake to around 30 g a day. Recommended carbohydrate levels can vary depending on the amount of weight a person needs to lose as well. Foods to avoid completely are potatoes, bread, pasta and most fruit, at least in the initial stages of the diet.

  Practitioners can expect to see rapid weight loss, at least on the first few weeks of the diet.

High-Protein Moderate Carbohydrate Diet

• While people have lost a lot of weight on the Atkins diet, there is another option for eating a high-protein diet for weight loss. Eat a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate diet. This diet is especially good for people who have diabetes. This diet, much like the Atkins diet, forbids potatoes, corn, sugar and pasta. However, fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat, rye and sourdough breads are OK to eat in moderation.

  People following this eating plan are more likely to continue this eating style for a lifetime. Because there are a lot of options, this eating plan is also easier to follow. Carbohydrates should be limited to around 30 per meal.

  People following a moderate-carbohydrate diet should expect to see weight slowly decrease at a rate of about 1 to 2 lbs. a week.

Protein Amounts

• The University of Maryland Medical Center offers an online protein calculator, which provides the minimum amount of protein for your daily needs. A good rule of thumb is to add about an extra 20 g of protein to the daily intake for a high-protein diet.

Doctor's Advice

• Speak to a doctor before beginning any weight loss program. If a person suffers from a liver problem, kidney disease or diabetes, it is even more important that he seeks medical advice. Pregnant women should also speak to a doctor before following a high-protein diet.