Dietitian weighs in on high protein diet trend

“For example, if you had a bowl of plain pasta with sauce on it, you might be hungry in two hours. Whereas, if you had some pasta with some meat sauce and some vegetables, that might hold you over for 3 to 4 hours,” said Paterson.

The diet can work for some people, but not everybody. Diets are not a one-size-fits-all approach as many factors play a role in weight management.

A high protein diet, she says, also isn’t sustainable in the long-term due to costs and an inability to eat it long-term. More importantly, protein shouldn’t replace vegetables, fruits and whole grains – rather, a healthy diet consists of essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

But in the case someone follows a high protein diet, it’s important to eat quality proteins.

“When it comes to good quality proteins, we’re looking at things like eggs, lean meats like chicken, pork; milk and milk products; and things like fish, lentils, beans and seeds. This is what I would call quality proteins,” said Paterson.

Paterson advises that individuals with reduced kidney function or at high risk of heart disease avoid the trend.

“When someone comes to me with reduced kidney function or high risk of cardiovascular disease, then my first reaction is not to jump into a high protein diet, where they’re not getting the vegetables they need, the fruits and the whole grains which are of great benefit when it comes to disease and conditions like that,” she said.

For individuals curious about different diets, a local dietitian can help with preparing a plan that considers the whole picture, including health, culture and budget.

According to food experts, the high protein trend is the result of diets like keto and Atkins.

by Angela Kazmierczak

Dietitian weighs in on high protein diet trend

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