If a person consumes foods that are primarily high-fat proteins, such as beef, animal organs, cheese, oils, butter, and eggs, she may be following a high-protein high-fat diet. Typically, a person following this type of diet will consume few carbohydrates, in any form. The high-protein high-fat diet is followed by many people because it allows people to lose weight quickly without exercising. As with many diets, there is a downside to the high-protein high-fat diet — it can actually cause weight gain after the dieting ends, and it can lead to dangerous health issues, such as heart disease.
There are many popular dieting strategies that incorporate high-protein high-fat foods. Typically, these diets eliminate many forms of carbohydrates from a person’s diet. For example, fruits and vegetables, although rich in vitamins and minerals, are either discouraged or eaten according to strict guidelines. Of course, as with most diets, processed carbohydrates, such as soda and candy are discouraged as well.
Following a high-protein high-fat diet likely will result in weight loss, at least at the onset of the diet. By reducing the number of carbohydrates consumed, a person loses body fluid and, therefore, loses weight. In addition, the increase of fatty proteins in the diet will make a person feel full after eating fewer calories. Consequently, consuming fewer calories with each meal will allow her to lose weight as well.
The high-protein high-fat diet is difficult to maintain for long periods of time. Eventually, the dieter will begin to crave fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, carrots, and corn. When these high carbohydrate foods are reintroduced into the diet, most individuals tend to quickly gain back the weight.
Since a high-protein high-fat diet typically contains large amounts of saturated fat, it can lead to health problems. For example, certain medical issues, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes become more likely if a person follows this diet for long periods of time. In addition, as the person refrains from consuming fruits and vegetables, she may become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, particularly if she is not taking a quality multivitamin. If excess protein is not processed effectively by the person’s body, it can lead to liver and kidney disease as well.
In most cases, nutritionists will not recommend that people follow a high-protein high-fat diet. Generally, the best diet is one that includes lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and beans. It should also include plenty of fruits and vegetables and daily exercise. Before beginning a high-protein high-fat diet, it is best to consult a medical doctor or a person with specialized knowledge on diet and nutrition.