| The basic premise behind high-protein diets is that, while
your body burns both carbohydrates and fat as fuel for its energy needs,
carbohydrates are used as fuel first. If you cut back on carbohydrates, your
body is forced to burn fat for energy, which results in weight (fat) loss.
Proponents of the high-protein diets state that its chief advantage is
never having hunger pangs. After all, dieters are told to eat as much
protein as they want: eggs and bacon for breakfast, hamburgers for lunch,
steak for dinner. Critics argue that the diet is lacking in adequate fiber
and is deficient in the essential vitamins and phytonutrients present in
fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, a high consumption of unhealthy fat
usually coincides with high protein intake.
The Atkins program argues that high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets help
regulate insulin production, which in turn, helps dieters avoid significant
health risks including high cholesterol and diabetes. It further states that
fiber and phytonutrients are easily obtained by consumption of the low
glycemic fruits and vegetables permitted on the plan. |
