EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE HIPERPROTEIN DIET

After studying the vegan diet in depth, we continue this section of articles, focusing on the high-protein diet, where the main macronutrient is protein. Carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, cereals) are completely or significantly eliminated and fats are considerably restricted (oils, seeds, nuts). The diet consists mostly of meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, cheese, seafood and protein shakes.

Why was this diet successful and still successful?

Basically because it is usually effective for weight loss. However, it does not mean that it is healthy and sustainable in the long term.

Proteins take longer to digest, metabolize and use, so we burn more calories processing them and feel more satiated. Additionally, the consumption of protein along with physical exercise guarantees the burning of fat and not muscle. The cumulative effect of all this is quite attractive for those who want to lose weight.

The body uses the amino acids in protein to build muscle, the metabolism is activated, and contributes to greater toning and calorie burning even when we are not doing sports.

When carbohydrates are completely eliminated, you lose weight quickly because fluids are eliminated and instead of burning sugars, your body burns fat (ketosis state).

Why is this diet not advisable in the long term?

However, it is not advisable to follow this diet for a long time since:

• Nutritional deficiencies can arise from a lack of carbohydrates, and constipation from a lack of fiber.
• Ketosis can cause bad breath, headaches, irritability, and low energy levels.
• Excessive consumption of red meat can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, not to mention the tremendous environmental impact it has associated. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you watch the National Geographic and Leonardo Di Caprio documentary "Before The Flood" , it's scary.
• Taking excessive animal protein can affect the kidneys and liver by producing acidosis, so be careful not to overdo it with the famous protein shakes after training.

Remember that taking legumes, nuts and seeds, especially ORGANIC HEMP seeds and ORGANIC CHIA seeds, very rich in fiber, amino acids and essential fatty oils, quinoa or buckwheat, guarantee an excellent supply of protein without adverse effects. , in addition to reducing bad cholesterol or LDL. Another very interesting source of non-animal protein is ORGANIC SPIRULINA as it contains 63.5% protein of high biological value (21 of the 23 essential amino acids) so it will be very interesting to add it to your post-workout green smoothies.

Keep in mind that it is not healthy to follow a high-protein diet for life, so as soon as you return to a less restrictive diet, it will have been of no use to you and you will regain the lost weight quickly.

Therefore, I recommend you eat a balanced diet, where all macronutrients are present. This way it will be sustainable and easy to achieve in the long term so you will be able to achieve your goals whatever they may be (weight control, definition, etc.).

Alicia Lamothe (Health Coach)