Scientific Analysis of the Protein Power Dietby
Jan McBride, M.D.
These physician authors present their own version of a low carbohydrate diet that they apparently developed for their own patient population, and provide more scientific background for this method than does Dr. Atkins. This plan begins with calculating your protein needs, which are determined to be 0.6 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass for a moderately active person - more for persons who are more active and less for those who are less active. The lean body mass is calculated using standardized charts that use height, hip and abdomen measurements in women and weight, wrist and waist measurements in men. (This same formula for protein requirements is used in The Zone). Dieters are advised to obtain the minimum amounts of protein based on the above calculations, but are told they can eat more if they are hungry. Carbohydrates are limited to 30 or 50 grams daily, divided throughout the day.
This book provides a lot of interesting historical information about low carbohydrate diets, and also provides accurate scientific explanations about the functions of insulin and glucagon, two of the bodies major hormones invovled in nutritional processes. The authors also provide a lot of useful information for those persons who need more guidance in their diet plan. The main opposition I have to the Protein Power diet plan is the calculation of protein needs. In my research on protein requirements, I did not find any valid evidence for using activity level as a basis for protein intake. In the absence of glucose the muscles use fat for energy, and do not need more or less protein for activity. When protein is "broken down" to provide fuel, the actual molecules are conserved while the bonds between them are broken. To restore the protein molecules only energy is required to reform the chemical bonds. An additional consideration is that a person's protein requirements depend on what other nutrients are consumed as energy sources. When carbohydrates are restricted in the diet, more protein is needed to be converted to glucose as fuel for the brain. The calculation provided in this text does not provide for this factor, therefore, the minimum protein intakes are low. A person on this diet may or may not make up for this by consuming additional protein. If they do not, some muscle loss can occur. Based on scientific studies, Protein Power's carbohydrate levels of 30 or 50 grams daily may not be high enough to prevent ongoing ketosis for most persons. While more studies are needed, there is a legitimate concern that ongoing ketosis may produce some hazards as a long-term eating plan (see the analysis of the Atkins diet for details). Using the Protein Power diet for a limited time for weight loss should not cause any major problems, however, its design is not ideal for long term use for the reasons mentioned. "DIET TRUTHS REVEALED: The IDEAL DIET for Human Health" presents a version of the low carb diet that is healthy for long-term use, whether you need to lose weight or not. It also recognizes that one diet does not fit all persons, and provides guidance on adapting the low carb diet to your lifestyle and metabolic needs. Persons who have a slow metabolism may find it difficult to lose weight even with a low carb diet. For these people, the "Metabolic Switch" diet can provide success. This method is described in DIET TRUTHS REVEALED. Food lists, sample menus and charts are provided to guide you in starting, adapting and continuing the diet for your long term weight maintenance and good health. You can order DIET TRUTHS REVEALED by mail for only $14.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling, or by instant download.
The Scientific Reasons why a Low Carb Diet is the IDEAL DIET for Human Health! Scientific Analysis of the Atkins Diet Scientific Analysis of The Zone Scientific Analysis of the Paleolithic Diet
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