Protein Power

Protein Power was first published in 1996 by authors Michael and Mary Eades. The diet is a weight loss diet similar to the popular Atkins Diet - but with MANY differences. This is essentially a diet that is low in carbohydrates, and high in proteins and fats. The book has been popular, and (like most other diet books) has been followed a line of products, kits, and books.

High Protein or Not?

The Protein Power plan has more protein than the average Western diet. It also has fairly restricted levels of carbohydrate. But it does not have the induction phase to bring about ketosis (such as Atkins). Like so many dietary regimens they work for some but not for others.

Like many low-er carb diets they always attract controversy - due to the fact that they go against the predominant high-carb food pyramid that has been taught by health authorities. This does not mean that they are bad - but it pays to know what you are doing when making significant changes to your diet.

Health Benefits

The authors of Protein Power claim the diet will reduce insulin levels, and general health will improve due to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. There is some wisdom in this - perhaps not so much from the quantity of carbs, but due to the quality (or lack of it) - that is present in so many modern processed foods.

Many people do find some benefit in reducing carbohydrate input. However the exact portions and percentages will vary from person to person - making it difficult to prescribe a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan.

The good thing about Protein Power is that it is not extreme. It does not prescribe very low calories (see Zone)- and neither does it totally knock out most carbs (see Atkins)

Resources

www.eatprotein.com - Official homepage of the Protein Power Life Plan

Comments

Jerry Catania

It works. The body is a protein producing machine. Hormones, new skin cells, etc. are made by the body from amino acids (proteins).

Bruce B.

I followed this diet for about 8 months… I lost about 70 pounds, because I was very strict about quantity of food intake, but not about food type. Because of that, I took in too many meats that promote gout, and developed that condition along the way, including swollen knees, and a cyst on my hand. If you decide to follow this diet, do it by the book, and don’t ‘wing it’. Follow food recommendations, and especially supplement recommendations; that is critical, and not stressed enough in the book. It does what they claim; weight loss, lower blood pressure and triglycerides, etc. However, your life style must change forever. I rebounded, and put all my weight back on. I find I cannot go back onto the diet now; it seems too extreme. If you follow this diet, choose from a balanced protein/vegetable menu that takes into consideration all the recommended carbohydrate restrictions. I enjoyed it, and wish I could use it as my lifestyle…

Last modified: April 3, 2008