The Protein Power diet

There are countless weight loss programs that people follow in their attempts to shed pounds. By far the most popular of these plans is the low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet. All of these diet plans stem from the same principle of a strict reduction in carbohydrate consumption and an increase in high protein foods. Protein Power, a weight loss program developed by Michael and Mary Eades, is one such diet. In their words this is "Not a high protein diet" but "an adequate protein diet." And go on to say that this is "the diet we were meant to eat."

Although this plan is similar to other low-carbohydrate diet plans, such as Atkins and Sugar Busters!, what makes this plan different from other low-carb eating plans is that it cuts carbohydrate consumption more than any other low-carbohydrate plan, allowing no more than 30 grams a day regardless off overall calorie consumption. According to Michael and Mary Eades carbohydrates change into sugar after they are digested which then stimulates the body to store fat. It is thought that by decreasing your supply of carbohydrates your body will start to burn this fat, which is the ultimate goal of weight loss.

The con side of this diet plan is that, like all other low-carb/high-protein diet plans, it is based on the theory that obesity is caused by an increase in insulin levels. Proponents of this eating style theorized that insulin is what carries and deposits fat cells throughout the body. So, it would make sense that by decreasing your insulin level you are naturally lowering the amount of fat in your body. The problem with this theory is that no one as of yet has been able to definitively prove scientifically that high insulin levels are indeed a cause of obesity. What we do know for sure instead is that obesity causes fluctuations in insulin levels, which is why so many overweight people are at risk for diabetes. So it then becomes a question of which came first… the chicken or the egg?

Critics of low-carb/high protein eating plans are also quick to point out that it isn't just carbohydrates that stimulate insulin production. Practically every food we ingest will promote insulin production to some extent. And by seriously reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the body, we reduce the rate at which we burn fat efficiently. This in turn results in a condition called ketosis. When ketosis occurs the body produces ketones, which can result in some very unpleasant side effects such as bad breath and body odor, as well as nausea, constipation and severe headaches due to loss of fluids.

The pro side of this diet program is that people actually do lose weight. There are many people who swear by this diet plan, as well as other low-carbohydrate/high protein weight loss programs. They state that they feel healthier and love the results they see.

Of course, any diet plan should be followed in conjunction with a daily regimen of exercise and no one should start any weight loss program without consulting his or her physician first.