The energetic connection
The first point to understand when exploring a high-protein diet is that the body needs food to build, rebuild, and fuel the systems that power it to function. It doesn’t really care where the food is derived from; carbohydrates, proteins or fats. Whenever fuel is needed, you’ll access the most readily available source. If a source is generally always available, then it will rely on that source over others. But if he is forced to find an alternate source, he will. Much of the body’s metabolism is the product of eating habits and the source of energy that is readily available. Retraining the body is simply a matter of removing or introducing a new source.
carbohydrate dependence
The most difficult transition for many people when starting a high-protein diet is moving away from carbohydrates as their primary energy source. Carbohydrates provide a substantial amount of glucose that the body needs for energy. Most people consume a significant amount of carbohydrates each day to fuel the body. Suddenly, when they can no longer access carbohydrates for fuel, they realize their dependency. That’s why they don’t burn fat. Why should the body access fat for energy when carbohydrates are readily available? Of course not. The dependency must be treated and the body must be forced to access body fat for energy production instead of an easy supply of carbohydrates. This will produce weight loss.
good and bad carbohydrates
One of the positive points of following a high-protein diet is the elimination of bad carbohydrates from the diet. These are high-calorie carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans-fatty acids. The continuation of these foods in the diet will certainly lead to health problems and an increased risk of heart disease. Now all carbohydrates are not bad, and it generally depends on the source from which they are derived. Those carbohydrates derived from whole grains, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables will not increase the risk of heart disease or health complications. Even a high protein diet is going to contain some carbohydrates because they are difficult to avoid completely. Just try to eat the good ones.
precautions
Many see the high protein diet as the answer to years of weight gain and yo-yo results from various weight loss programs. But a word of caution is needed when considering this type of diet. Just as carbohydrates can be good or bad, so can protein. The source of protein for many is animal meat and these can be full of saturated fat. Now, just because the body is burning fat for energy as a result of cutting carbs doesn’t mean protein doesn’t have its own risks. Many have had their cholesterol numbers through the roof due to too much protein. It’s a good idea to get a complete medical checkup before starting any new diet plan. Let your doctor know about your plans and get safe, reliable recommendations before you start.
To learn more, check out How Protein Burns Fat.
