A Brief Study On High Protein Low Fat Diet PlansHigh protein low fat diets have been the subject of controversy and discussion for several years now. There is no clear consensus on whether it is good to have low fat diets. The naysayers are equally convinced that low fat in the diet does not necessary lead to low fat in the body. In fact it is not decided yet whether high protein low fat is better or worse than high protein low carbohydrate. Recent research however has shown that a high protein low fat foods diet, like the Atkins diet, has a much better influence on thermogeneis, the function of the body that is responsible for calorie burning. High carbohydrate diets are not so effective in this regard. Before starting on low fat diets it is important to acquaint yourself with a few terms and concepts. TDEE stands for your Totally Daily Energy Expenditure or the number of calories you burn per day. TDEE is made from three things. DIT, Diet Induced Thermogenesis, metabolism, and the amount of physical activity. DIT is the temperature increase that results from eating certain foods and the effort involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. A higher body temperature means you are burning more calories. This means that simply eating food and digesting it also consumes energy. There is a theory that obesity may be a result of malfunctioning DIT but this has not been conclusively proven. However, there is a strong link between obesity and DIT functioning that is being researched thoroughly. In a study conducted at the University of Arizona a group of young women were given two different types of diet. One was a high protein low fat diet and the other was high carbohydrate and low fat diet. The purpose of this study was to try and understand the effect of DIT on thermogenesis. The two diets were comprised of vastly different foods that would affect the body in their own way. The results of this study show that during the period following the meal, postprandial period, thermogeneis increased nearly 100% more in those women that were taking the high protein low fat diet as compared to the ones taking a high carb low fat diet. Higher protein in the diet directly relates to better thermogenesis. This study however did not proceed to make any investigation as to the long term benefits like weight loss. This study merely shows the effect of a high protein diet and must not be taken to indicate as a weight loss suggestion. The conclusion was that a diet high in protein and containing minimal carbohydrates and fat could result in better weight loss when combined with exercise. However, you must be warned that a diet that is too unbalanced and completely cuts out carbohydrates and fat is not good because it puts tremendous pressure on the kidneys and could lead to problems with that organ. Scientists also suggested that the quantity of food taken has a large impact on how the food effects the body. |