Protein Diet for Weight Loss

Lean protein should be a core part of any weight loss program and there’s a good reason why.  Lean protein allows you to maintain muscle mass while losing weight, which keeps your metabolism running at full speed.

Cutting back on protein during weight loss, on the other hand, contributes to a loss of muscle mass and a slower metabolism.  Lean protein is also an excellent choice when it comes to satisfying hunger and keeping blood sugar levels steady.

A protein diet for weight loss should include some complex carbohydrates (like grains, seeds, wholemeal bread, brown rice and vegetables) and low fat calcium along with healthy oils.  However, we strongly recommend you avoid simple carbs like sugary drinks, biscuits, lollies, chips, cakes and pastries.  

Meanwhile, it’s a good idea to limit your white bread, rice and pasta intake to once a week and stick to just one piece of fruit a day to avoid triggering a carbohydrate/insulin response, which will make you hungry and increase cravings and bingeing.

When embarking on a protein diet for weight loss look for diet plans that incorporate eating lean protein every three hours to keep the starvation response at bay and improve your metabolism.  On the other hand, not eating snacks or eating carbohydrates for snacks will both slow down your metabolism and give you blood sugar spikes which in turn will make you hungry.A typical diet plan for a protein diet for weight loss can look something like this:

Breakfast:    2 egg omelette with Spanish onion and mushrooms – plus a cup of tea or coffee

Snack:        Baked ricotta cheese with marinated capsicum

Lunch:        ¼ barbecue chicken with green salad

Snack:        Hummus wrapped in ham

Dinner:        Grilled fish with sweet potato mash and green beans

Snack:        Protein bar

Remember to drink heaps of water throughout the day and avoid deep fried, battered or crumbed dishes.