Things to avoid when losing weight with a high protein diet

As the health and wellness movement has grown, so has the high protein diet craze increased in order to supplement exercise regimens.

Its easy to see why the trend has gained such traction. Eating protein helps you develop more muscles and keep your metabolism rate high. It is also great for your hair, nails, skin and bones.

As with everything though, there are things to keep in mind when going on a high protein diet so as not to go over the top. It is also important to keep some things in mind to help the diet work as it should.

Here are some of the things that can get in the way of achieving results on a protein diet.

Picking wrong protein foods

Surprisingly – or not – Some proteins can be dangerous to your health. It is important to choose healthy protein sources. Some of the dangerous protein options that shouldn’t be in your diet are bacon, corned beef, sausage as they contain a high rate of preservatives and additives.

On the other hand, skinless chicken, eggs, dairy, and fish are perfect options for high protein diet.

Neglecting plant based protein

While meat, fish and eggs are great for protein based diets, plant based protein are also very important. They are high in several key vitamins and minerals that may not be found in meat and also supply a good amount of fiber, which is essential for supporting digestive health and regularity. Beans is a very good source of plant based protein.

Eating too much protein

Moderation is a very important aspect of dieting. Excess protein will be stored in the body as fat which can be dangerous as it could lead to weight gain.

It can also cause your kidneys to do a lot more work which can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Not drinking enough water

When you eat protein, it’s broken down by the body into amino acids, which contain a compound called nitrogen. Excess nitrogen is flushed out of the body with fluids, which is why it’s important to increase your intake of water on a high-protein diet.

Be sure to drink high volumes of water especially if you’re physically active.

Ignoring other food groups

Protein is a very important part of the diet (obviously) but there are other types of food which should not be ignored. Carbohydrates, minerals, fiber, and vitamins are also very important for overall healthy living.

Putting the weight on proteins is unhealthy and can lead to health issues sometime in the future.

Not exercising

This is a no brainer. High protein diets are fantastic but all the extra muscles that will be developed need exercise to grow in the right way.

It’s typically recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week along with regular strength training for each muscle group at least twice per week. Combining this with a healthy, protein-rich diet can help maximise muscle growth and optimise your routine.