Today’s society is raising obesity. Wherever we go, fast food chains are there which serves us with all the unnecessary fats that clog down our arteries with cholesterol – things that our body does not need at all.

We have created a society that is constantly barraged with diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and overweight problems that are all closely related with the consumption of bad cholesterol. We have seen a growing statistics of people suffering for hypertension that could potentially lead to heart attack if not being taken care of.

So what can we do about this situation?

The first thing to do is to change our lifestyle, diet and get some exercise. These activities should go hand in hand and will not work if you leave one behind. No matter how extreme your exercise regimens are, but you are not controlling your diet, then it is a total waste of time and you will not shed a pound of weight. Too much exercise can cause heart attack if the heart is unable to carry the strain. Meanwhile, dieting without getting enough exercise could weaken your body and reduce the body’s resistance. It could also bring down your body because you are not getting enough vitamins and nutrients.

With the proper combination of diet and exercise, you can lower down your cholesterol level and ultimately stop the onset of hypertension.

If you are a type of person who grubs a lot of deep-friend foods and those that use too much oil, then better stop it now. Foods such as potato chips, fries, fried seafood, fried veggies to name a few. The oil will be converted into cholesterol once it is inside our body.  If you really want to eat those, you can try to boil, steam, and bake or braise them. You can also eat grilled foods but not too much.

Meat is loaded with cholesterol. The lesser your meat consumption the better; but if you really cannot stop munching them, try to remove the fats which are usually found on the sides. You can also try chicken and turkey meat, which are a lot healthier than the other meat products. Just do not forget to remove the skin because high cholesterol content is there.

Vegetables contain zero cholesterol and you can eat them as much as you want. They also serve as an excellent source of fibers, which are needed by the body to digest food easily. Steam vegetables are good because they keep the nutrients in it but try not to use oil with them.

By controlling the amount that you eat and trying to eat slowly is another effective plan. Also, if you cannot hold your stomach but to eat snacks in between meals, eat those that are healthy and not junk foods – fruits are advised.

Eat less on foods that are high in carbohydrates such as rice, cereals and bread will help as well. Again, if you cannot live without them, try the healthier derivatives such as brown rice and wheat bread.

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Have you heard about high protein diet to cure bad breath? I am pretty sure that if you do have one (bad breath), you are in dire need of help to cure it, right? You could be wondering why a protein diet would cure a bad breath. Well, this is not about losing weight. We are going to talk about how protein can make your smell so bad. This is all about high protein diet bad breath.

Dieters and experts have long acknowledged that eating protein and low carb foods will in fact help you to lose weight. This is commonly known as high protein diet. While this particular type of diet works its wonders, the smelly side effects seem to be inevitable.

So how do we exactly cure your bad breath from high protein diet? Well, the sad truth is that you cannot as long as you are into high protein dieting. What you can do is to minimize the intake of high protein foods to lessen your bad breath.

Brushing your teeth regularly helps – especially if stopping the diet is not an option. See to it that you clean your teeth every after meal and before going to bed. Four to five times of brushing, each day is good enough.

Take parsley or mint to temporarily suppressed the smell if you are going to talk to people. It is a lot better than covering your mouth or turning away whenever you are talking.

Curing your bad breath because of high protein diet is a bit difficult to solve because the smell comes from your body. If you are taking medications, it will not be long enough before you are expelling the foul smell again. In fact, there is no single food or medication that could remove the smell forever.

You do not need to feel discouraged or depressed because you will not be taking high protein diet forever, right? As soon as you have achieved your desired body shape and weight, you can stop the diet and right away regain that pleasant smell.

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Pregnant mothers who undergo high protein low carbohydrates diets in their late pregnancy were found to have the highest probability of having stressed children in their adulthood. The study was spearheaded by University of Southampton and the University of Edinburgh under the direct supervision of Dr. Rebecca Reynolds, a Senior Lecturer, who presented the findings at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Glasgow.

The study began in the 1960’s where women who are in their late pregnancy were advised to consume high protein low carb meals. Dr. Reynolds followed up the case all the way through.

Mothers were allowed to eat one pound (450 gram) of red meat each day and were instructed to avoid eating carbohydrates-rich foods to avoid complications. The study comprised of 86 babies who were born from 1967 to 68 in Motherwell.

Part of the tests includes measuring the hormone levels before and after a public speaking or mental arithmetic. Experts concluded that the amount of meat consumed by the pregnant mothers in their late pregnancy, had a direct impact to the stress hormone cortisol of their offspring.  People with high cortisol levels will have higher chances of contracting diabetes and high blood pressure later on.

Dr. Reynolds added that they are monitoring and looking at these events and trying to find out why it becomes part of the child’s life later on. Furthermore, the same study has indicated the importance of maternal diet to alter permanently the stress hormone levels as part of a long-term solution.  Because of the popularity of high protein low carbohydrates diets these days, such as the case of Atkins, the study suggests that pregnant mothers must not avoid it at all cost.

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High protein diets are increasingly popular these days. It promises that you eat less because you feel less hungry, control your blood sugar effectively, and you lose weight. Those were just some of the many positive results cited that this program could offer.  With that, people with diabetes are tempted to try them as well. But how safe is high protein diet for people with diabetes anyway?

High Protein Diet and Weight

Advocates of this diet method are claiming that if you consume low carb (glucose) foods your body will produce less insulin too. Therefore, we are safe to say that less carb = less insulin = low glucose stored as fat and in the end, less weight gain

Additionally, if you starve your body with carbohydrates, it will use the stored fat into energy, a process known as ketogenesis. Simply put, if you lose those fats – you lose weight. Proteins and fats are harder to digest than carbohydrates, so it takes little bit of time to feel hungry again, hence a better way to avoid overeating in between meals.

High Protein Diet. What Is It?

High protein diet, as the name implies, refers to eating protein rich foods such as pork, seafood, eggs, beef, poultry or dairy in your meals. Most meal plans would want you to eat at least 8 – 10 ounces of protein as opposed to the recommended protein consumption of only 2-3 ounces on each meal. Calories taken from fats are not restricted in this site. In fact, many of its sources are high in fat content such as the case of meat and nuts. Foods high in carbohydrates are usually limited or eliminated, which include fruits, vegetables and starchy foods. Water and caffeine are allowed but those non-diet beverages such as milk and juices are not allowed either.

Is High Protein Diet Good For People Suffering From Diabetes?

Several studies have concluded that high protein diet is indeed good for people with diabetes although no long-term studies have made yet. On the other hand, many health care experts are advising people not to over consume protein as this may burden the kidney’s normal functions. Also, carbohydrates are the body’s fuel and the severe absence of this element could impair the body’s metabolism as a whole. Foods loaded with carb are a good source of nutrients and fibers as well.

For an expert advice, please consult your doctor or health practitioner.

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A lot of people are going gaga over high protein diet plans for losing weight. This is in the light of several studies showing protein is much better than fats and carbohydrates in quashing the appetite of a dieter.

What the Studies Have Showed Us

A study made by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that the participants experienced satisfaction, less hunger, 20% fat reduction leading to weight loss, protein increase of about 30% and 50% for carbs. During the said study, participants were made to consume 441 calories a day following a high protein diet and controlled their own calorie intake.

In a similar study, high protein dieting with regular exercise showed optimistic results in losing weight and reducing the fat levels in the blood. With this diet, people can regain control over their cravings and calorie intake successfully.

With healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, high protein diet and low carb consumption can reduce the fat content in the blood as well as maintain a lean tissue. This is a result when fats are converted to fuel the body without subjecting the person with hunger pains.

Experts have yet to conduct additional studies as to why high protein diet suppresses the appetite. Initially, they believe that this particular diet instructs the brain to lower down the levels of hormones that controls our appetite. It could also be attributed to the fewer carb consumption or some very specific protein components that have direct effects on hunger hormones and brain functions.

These findings are still inconclusive and therefore cannot be used to recommend people to boost their protein intake, the American Dietetic Association said.

How Much Do You Need?

Protein is needed by our body to function properly. Depriving protein will result in cell death, impaired muscle and bone development. Likewise, protein is an essential component to fight diseases by enhancing immunity and to promote growth and development.

For adults, the Institute of Health’s Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is recommending protein intake between 10% – 35% of the total calories. For instance, if you are consuming 1,800 calories a day, 45 grams (10%) to 218 grams (35%) of protein is generally safe.

However, in the case of the RDA or Recommended Dietary allowance, men are allowed to consume as much as 56 grams of protein and 46 grams for women. Most people will not have any difficulty eating that much but would certainly struggle to reach the 35% cap.

There are no immediate dangers when you eat too much protein unless you are suffering from kidney problems. Always take precautions and consult your doctor before starting any diet program.

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If you are healthy, delving into high protein diet (for a short time, say 3 to 4 months) to lose weight is not going to pose any health problems. However, no conclusive evidence have been made if high protein diets are safe if used for a long time considering that it severely restricts the intake of carbohydrate.

High protein diets, as we know, restrict dieters to consume carbohydrates that may result to nutritional deficiencies and fiber insufficiency that could lead to constipation and diverticulitis. This also poses the risk of contracting certain kinds of cancer.

Dieters who are following high protein diets programs are cautioned to take it easy when eating foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products as these products could increase the chances of heart related diseases.

The said diet is likewise undesirable for people with liver or kidney problems who will be having difficulties eliminating the protein waste products.

As mentioned earlier, following a high-protein diet program is not dangerous, if done in a short-term basis. Additionally, it is wise that you choose your protein sources. You can consume fish, skinless chicken, pork, lean beef, low-fat dairy products safely. You do need fiber and whole grains and nutrient-rich vegetables plus fruits are good choices. For pregnant women, diabetic, or with liver and kidney problems, it is prudent to talk to your doctor before following any diet, not just high protein diets. Your doctor knows your health condition and should be able to give you sound advice.

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As of today, we have already identified some possible side effects with high protein diets. As soon as you start high protein diet, your body will use the stored fat and sugar to fuel itself. The immediate result would be weight loss. After few days, you may experience the following side effects:

Fatigue

Especially in the afternoon, when the body has used a lot of energy, followers of the high protein diet might experience sudden moments of fatigue. Eating a snack containing some carbohydrates should help. The body is lacking in sugars when this problem occurs.

Constipation

As less carbohydrate rich foods are consumed (naturally containing fiber) such as wheat, grains and bread, the digestive system might get clogged and constipated. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg and an occasional slice of whole meal bread will help.

Low Blood Pressure

One of the dangers high protein diets present is that healthy foods providing essential nutrients are necessary for the body to function, such as carbohydrates and sugars. Most of these foods and a diet containing carbohydrates help lower blood pressure levels. People who stay on a protein rich diet will not get enough vitamins and minerals.

Low Calcium Levels

After sticking to a high protein diet for a longer period (over a month) will seriously decrease the amount of calcium in the body as because the body is getting less carbohydrates to turn into energy, all the reserves are used. If this loss of calcium is not compensated it may result in bone loss and arthritis.

A high protein diet plan can not only help you lose fat and weight but it seems that it can also be held accountable for the loss of important nutrients that keep the body healthy.

Reasons To Take Up A High Protein Diet

High protein diets are the only diets that help you lose weight and fat at the same time. Most high protein foods are naturally low in carbohydrates and saturated fats. If you eat a high protein diet, you automatically also eat less carbohydrates than usual. High protein foods also help maintain muscles, as muscle loss is a problem with most successful diets. and even help build muscle while you are dieting and exercising.

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Proteins are composed of amino acids, and the human body requires 20 such amino acids for it’s normal growth and development. When considering a protein diet, it is important to know that certain foods carry proteins containing essential amino acids which are NOT produced by the body itself but ARE essential to the body’s processing of the other 12 non-essential amino acids.

High protein diet plans have always been popular with athletes and are now increasing in popularity among regular dieters.

While normal people who do not exercise can eat moderately high amounts of protein foods, athletes and people on muscle building diets should eat at least 1 gram per lb of bodyweight in order to build muscle. A high protein diet plan is followed by bodybuilders. Bodybuilding athletes always include a high protein food source in their daily diet.

Whether you need to lose weight or want to build muscle, a high protein diet plan will help you achieve your goal. Consuming high amounts of protein and low amounts of carbohydrate allow for a slow burning of energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels. This maintains a healthy pancreas and assists in maintaining healthy weight. Whereas diets high in carbohydrates have been linked to obesity, low-carb, high protein diets have been found to support weight loss.

Protein is the fuel for muscle building. During weightlifting and intensive training, muscle tissue breaks down. In order to rebuild that tissue we need to be on a high protein diet plan. If your goal is fat loss, a high protein diet is also very important. Most high protein diets are also low in carbohydrates and saturated fats. To accelerate weight loss, you need to reduce carbohydrates and lower the calorie intake. A high protein diet plan can help you to do this. The total amount of protein consumed should be spread over 5 to 6 meals throughout the course of a day.

The times of day you eat protein foods is important. Eat protein foods at breakfast, before a work out and for your evening meal. A good high protein diet plan will include a good, high protein breakfast. Immediately after a work out drink a protein shake or drink to assist with quick muscle repair. A protein meal (slow digesting form of protein) before bed, might seem strange but it provides a slow release of high quality amino acids while you sleep.

With a high protein diet plan an individual is encouraged to stay away from carbohydrates and to eat foods that are very high in protein. For example on a high protein diet plan an individual will be encouraged to eat foods rich in protein, such as a hamburger without the bread. The hamburger bun is a carbohydrate that is known for putting extra weight on an individual.

A protein diet for weight loss can be set-up in many different ways. A protein shake diet is recommended for individuals who want to cut back on the amount of food that is consumed on a daily basis. With a protein shake diet an individual drinks a protein shake, replacing two meals a day, this is an easy way in which to loss weight. Another type of protein diet for weight loss is to consume foods that are high in protein. It is important to read food labels in order to know how much protein is in a snack or main dish.

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Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Stack and cut diagonally. Place in baking dish.

8 ounces firm tofu

Bring 1 cup water and ingredients below to boil. Pour over tofu and refrigerate.

1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat broiler. Line broiler pan with aluminum foil. Cut bell peppers in half; remove seeds. Place skin side up, using your hand to flatten slightly. Broil 15 minutes until skins are charred. Transfer to paper or plastic bag. Seal and place in refrigerator to cool. Peel off skins and slice into strips. Toss with salt.

2 each, red, green and yellow peppers
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

Combine all dressing ingredients. Toss peppers with 1 tablespoon dressing. Arrange peppers on platter. Drain tofu, discard liquid and arrange over peppers. Drizzle tofu with remaining dressing.

Dressing:

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/ teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sliced, fresh basil

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Sauté in 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for 4 minutes

1 ½ c onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic

Add and simmer for 10 minutes

1 ~ 28-oz. can tomatoes
2 ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Add 6 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil then lower to a simmer.

Add

1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup cubed red and yellow bell peppers
½ cup thinly sliced celery.

Simmer for 15 – 25 minutes, until vegetables are just tender. Add 1 ½ cups sliced zucchini and continue simmering for about 5 minutes until all veggies are al dente. Garnish with (crushed tortilla chips), fresh minced cilantro and grated lemon peel.

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