Protein Diet
A diet high in protein increases the benefits of exercise
The key to this study, conducted at the University of Illinois, resides in the interactive effect that exercise has to unite with a protein-rich diet. “Both elements work together with greater efficiency, correcting body composition people lose more weight, but specifically fat, not muscle,” said Donald Layman, professor of food science and human nutrition, in that college.
A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein reduces its effectiveness, according to Layman.
Forty-eight adult women participated in Layman’s study for four months. The members of a group followed a protein-rich diet designed to contain specific levels of leucine, one of the essential amino acids. The second group ate a diet that had higher amounts of carbohydrates.
Both groups ate the same number of calories, but the second substituted for foods rich in high quality protein such as meat, dairy, eggs and nuts, for foods high in carbohydrates such as bread, rice, cereal, pasta and potatoes.
Both diets are effectiv
e because, when you restrict calories, you lose weight. But people with high-protein diet lost more. Some experts see this as a clear metabolic advantage for protein-rich diet.
