The truth about healthy dieting is often obscured by major food companies and their advertising campaigns. Non-biased sources, for whom you should always grant an audience, can reveal some much more accurate information, provided they did their research. The opposition of biased and non-biased sources is especially evident when it comes to high protein diets. According to the food giants, chugging the latest protein shakes and bars that offer 45 grams of protein per serving is the best way to increase protein intake today. However, you can count on a simpler, more reputable source for your protein needs--lean meats and other natural sources of protein. Examining this diet, its benefits and risks will surely give you an edge over transparent marketing ploys when shopping for good sources of protein.
Protein is largely responsible for the structural composition of muscle tissue, so strong athletes must ingest a lot to supplement their lifting routines. More important than the amount of protein is the timing. The first half hour after exercise, often referred to as the "glycemic window", is the peak period for protein absorption. Weightlifters will load up on protein, anywhere from 20 to 70 grams during this time to maximize muscle growth. Aside from the obvious applications in the field of sports, high-protein diets can benefit everyone in all aspects of their lives.
Emphasizing protein in the diet will naturally inhibit the intake of other things like carbohydrates. A high-protein, low-carb diet will most likely place the dieter in a stage of ketosis. Ketosis is conducive to weight loss because in the absence of carbohydrates, the body will burn fat. This is why high-protein diets are hailed widely among dieters as a great way to lose weight. However, ketosis has been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, kidney failure and other health problems. As beneficial as high-protein diets are, this reveals a powerful lesson: bypassing exercise and depriving yourself of carbohydrates cannot lead to a healthy lifestyle.