Protein Power Lifeplan
The Protein Power Lifeplan diet is built around a ‘nutritional philosophy' of restricting carbohydrates severely to encourage weight loss. It draws from the Paleolithic diet that is mostly comprised of meat, and encourages dieters to start counting the carbs and reducing portion sizes in order to manage their weight.
The diet plan is much more restrictive than the typical Atkins diet, but allows dieters to enjoy three meals per day, plus two to three snacks. Dieters who follow the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet are putting their bodies in a state known as ketosis, a state where the body turns to fat stores for energy instead of burning protein found in the muscles.
The Protein Power Lifeplan Diet has been designed by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades, a couple that has been researching the protein power diet for over twenty years. Other notable books from these authors include Protein Power, Slowburn Fitness Revolution, and The 30-Day Low Carb Diet Solution.
Who is the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet Designed For?
Anyone interested in losing weight for the longterm may benefit from the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet. The book and program helps dieters gain a thorough understanding of the nutritional content of different types of foods, and offers strategies and tips on turning a high-protein diet into a lifestyle. The book itself can is filled with research and a complete explanation of the digestive system. Anyone who has tried and failed with a typical low carb diet can benefit from educating themselves on how the body works, and what it really needs in order to lose weight.
What Foods Are Allowed on the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet?
All types of meats including fish and poultry are allowed on the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet, as well as dairy products such as cream, cottage cheese, and yogurt. These are consumed on a daily basis, and can be combined with a few carbohydrates that are low in density at each meal. Typical foods found on the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet menu include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Steak
- Beef
- Pork
- Fish, especially salmon
- A 7-10 gram carbohydrate allotment per meal
What Types of Foods are Banned on the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet?
Carbohydrates are virtually eliminated on this diet plan, and foods that contain any traces of sugar are not allowed at all. This includes fruits such as pineapple and vegetables such as squash and sweet potatoes. Legumes are also eliminated from the diet, so vegetarians may have difficulty applying the principles of the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet since they cannot eat lentils and other vegetables that do contain some protein. Other foods that are limited or eliminated completely include:
- Sugar
- White flour
- Alcohol (except from low-sugar hard alcohol and lite beers/wine)
- Grains
- Starchy vegetables
What About Protein Supplements?
With the surge in high-protein diets and low carb eating plans, thousands of dieters continue to turn to pre-made meals and supplements to complement their diet. Since it's often difficult to eat a wide range of protein on a daily basis, packaged foods offer convenience, and in some cases, a cost savings as well. The Protein Power Lifeplan Diet website does offer a range of nutritional supplements and products, and many people who need to increase their protein intake and eliminate carbs can do so easily with shakes, bars, and other snacks that support their health goals.
Bottom Line: The Protein Power Lifeplan Diet can be challenging for the beginning dieter, but offers one weight loss solution by making long-term lifestyle changes.
Pro:
Weight loss may occur with this diet. The plan encourages consuming healthier fats, low-fat cheese and avoiding fried foods.
Con:
Power Protein Lifeplan restricts carbohydrates and calories, limiting the amount of essential vitamins and minerals consumed naturally in foods to maintain health. High-fat diets are debated in the medical community. However, there is strong evidence to support increased cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and the potential for accelerating loss of kidney function. There are no long-term randomized studies to support the safety of this diet or to support the theory of the body's preference to metabolize proteins and fats with greater efficiency than carbohydrates.