Explaining high protein diets

1) What are High Protein Diets?

High protein diets are obviously diets that consist of mostly "protein" -- while "carbohydrates" and "fats" are kept to a minimum (these are diets such as the Paleolithic Diet, which is also known as the Caveman Diet). Although, there are other diets which are "high in protein" but which are also "high in fat" at the same time (such as the Atkins Diet).

2) What are the negative aspects of High Protein Diets?

The average person's normal diet is VERY high in carbohydrates, VERY high in fats, and very low in protein.   Therefore, making a complete dietary change (to a "high protein diet) takes time for the dieter's body to get used to -- because the average dieter's body is accustomed to receiving large amounts of carbohydrates and fats each day (especially carbohydrates). The first week or two of using a diet that is high in protein will likely be "hell on earth" for the average overweight person who is addicted to carbohydrates.

3) What are the positive aspects of High Protein Diets?

High protein diets can result in weight loss results of the highest order, but only for dieters who can deal with the carbohydrate withdrawals and side effects of this type of diet (and not cheat). This is no joke, because food is considered to be among the most powerful drugs in the world (if not thee most powerful drug) in terms of providing people with good emotional well being via energy/carbohydrates. Overcoming addiction to carbohydrates (sugars) is no easier than getting over an addiction to drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.

4) How much weight loss can dieters expect each week using High Protein Diets?

6-9 pounds of weight loss can be expected during the first week (some of it "water weight") and 1 to 2 pounds each following week. That is of course for the average overweight dieter who is more than a few pounds overweight, but not yet obese.

5) What are some alternatives to High Protein Diets?

There are so many alternatives to high protein diets that they could not all possibly be listed here. There are diets for people of all walks of life and commitment levels.  However, one very good "midway" type of diet (not too high in protein and not too low either) is the "Zone Diet" -- because it is a diet consisting of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat.