Sample High Protein, Low Carb Diets

Filed under: Atkins Diet    

Under typical conditions, individuals consume three major forms of biochemical compounds when they eat: lipids (also known as fats), carbohydrates (also known as sugars and starches), and proteins.

Because they are naturally high in energy, carbohydrates are typically metabolized first when the body is looking to acquire the energy needed to carry-out basic biological functions. Under the Atkins diet however, the goal is to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates in order to encourage the body to find an alternate source of energy. In the case of the Atkins diet, the alternate source of energy ends up being nothing more than your basic lipids or fats.

Since a typical Atkins diet is low in carbohydrates, the body will essentially have no choice but to obtain its energy by metabolizing fats, which in turn is expected to result in some level of weight loss.

For participants hoping to achieve positive weight loss results through the Atkins diet, it is important that they follow a diet that is low in carbohydrates. The beauty of the Atkins diet is that even though it is low in carbohydrates, it is typically high in everything else that the body needs. As a result, it is important for individuals to select healthy forms of fats and proteins, and avoid less-healthy forms of fats, like those found in fried foods.

In general, any diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in proteins will usually, but not always, be made up of a meat portion paired up with some type of low carbohydrate vegetable. Since Atkins gives participants such a wide variety of foods to choose from when developing their diets, the combinations are essentially endless. So long as they avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates and/or starches, participants typically have the freedom to eat any food they want.

Low carbohydrate diets ask participants to structure their meals around the consumption of fish, poultry, and lean red meats as the main source of protein, as well as low fat forms of dairy products. In fact, most of the protein that an Atkins dieter consumes typically comes from the various forms of meat and cheese that make up the diet.

An example of a classic low carbohydrate, high protein meal would be one that features a chicken breast paired with a low carbohydrate vegetable, such as broccoli or various types of peppers. For an after dinner snack, an Atkins participant can choose a bowl of fruit that is rich in certain types of berries, melons, and grapes.

To add a little more flavor to a typical low carbohydrate, high protein meal, Atkins dieters can top their meat or vegetables off with a bit of cheese, since cheeses are low in carbohydrates.

An Atkins dieter can even find the time to enjoy a little bit of fast food. French fries for example are allowed, though in limited quantities. For the individual who favors a good burger, there is always the option of selecting a bunless burger, which in most fast food places is known as a protein wrap. In these protein wraps, several leaves of lettuce take the place of the standard, high carbohydrate burger bun.

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