Examples of Low-Protein Diets

For a normal individual with healthy, functioning organs, there are no real dangers to consuming a moderate to high-protein diet. For those who have pre-existing conditions, however, a high-protein diet can force organs to work overtime to process the ingested nutrients, leading to an overstressed condition and the potential of complete failure. So that you can avoid this, your doctor may place you on a low-protein diet.

About Low-Protein Diets

Low-protein does not mean "no-protein." Protein is the building block that your body uses to rebuild damaged tissue. Cutting off the flow of protein entirely would stymie that process, leading to undesirable results. A low-protein diet seeks to balance two competing risks: the risk of premature organ failure from excess protein intake and the assorted health risks resulting from an excessively low-protein intake.

Everydiet.com's Low-Protein Suggestions

Everydiet.com recommends that you accomplish your low-protein goals through the use of substitutions instead of wholesale elimination of foods. For example, when making a sandwich, substitute thinner-sliced pieces of meat instead of your normal fare. When planning meals, treat meat as a side dish and substitute carbohydrates and fats as the main course. By relegating meat to a second-class citizen, you naturally lower protein intake without a radical disruption in lifestyle.

Everydiet Meal Plans

While on your low-protein diet, consider starting your day with a large bowl of whole-grain cereal, fruit juice, a banana and a glass of milk. For lunch, try a thinly sliced turkey sandwich loaded with lettuce, tomato and mayo, accompanied by a piece of fruit and some juice. For dinner, have a small serving of hamburger (roughly 2 oz. ) mixed in with rice, with broccoli and cauliflower on the side. This menu keeps your daily protein intake until 50g, well within the range for a low-protein diet.

Alternative Low-Protein Diet Menu

As an alternative, consider the following: For breakfast, consume one egg (or egg white) with toast and a glass of milk. For lunch, have 2 oz. grilled chicken with a side salad and a piece of fruit. For dinner, have 1 oz. or 2 oz. of prime rib with a baked potato, spinach and whole wheat rolls. A low-protein diet is about portion control.

Considerations

While on a low-protein diet, remember that by virtue of cutting protein, your normal daily caloric intake is shaved as well. To avoid this, attempt to fill the gaps left by the missing protein with additional healthy fats or carbohydrates. As for healthy fats, consider adding oils such as fish, flax, coconut or olive. This enlivens the flavor of foods while adding extra calories to ensure your weight remains stable.