“First of all I would like to shed light on the terms: the proteinated diet, or protein diet, should not be confused (as it often happens) with the hyper-protein diet (for those who have specific or sporting needs like bodybuilders) where the daily amount of proteins is far beyond the real needs of a healthy body. In the proteinated diet the daily amount of proteins observes the indications of OMS (World Health Organization) and L.A.R.N. (Nutrient Levels Recommended by the Italian Society of Human Nutrition), that advise a protein intake variable between 0.8 and 1.2 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight taking into consideration factors like gender, metabolism, physical activity etc. However, it is understood that it’s the doctor’s duty to evaluate such factors and settle the patient’s real needs.”
THE DIET AND ITS PRINCIPLES
The proteinated diet is based on the following principles: 1) low caloric intake (approx. 600-800 kcal/day) ensured by the assumption of proteins at high biological value (that means with a high content of essential amino acids); 2) reduction of sugar intake; 3) limitation and qualitative selection of fat intake. Dr. Nichetti continues: “All this determines significant metabolic modifications responsible for weight loss substantially connected to fat mass reduction. This is the main reason why this diet is effective both on patients who have to lose many pounds and on patients who are slightly out of shape and, on the contrary, need to reduce significantly localized adiposity.”
A SIMPLE BUT CONTROLLED DIET
“The proteinated diet – Dr. Simona Nichetti further explains – can also be followed with natural foodstuffs but this points out limits of practicality, food variety (as it consists of meat or fish and vegetables every day… from breakfast to dinner!) and efficacy, as well as overburdening of the kidneys, a problem arosen since the first studies in the 70thies.”
Today the proteinated diet may be simply prescripted by replacing usual food with specific preparations containing small quantities of sugar and fat, as well as proteins at high biological value and bioavailability (producing only a little amount of nitrogenous wastes, thus exceeding the limits found out in the past).
At present there are tasty sweet or savoury preparations, ready-to-eat or easy to be prepared, including a wide range of flavours, that can be used to replace main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and possible snacks.
“The standard protocol – the specialist continues – consists of a first strict phase implying the replacement of all meals with selected protein and vegetable preparations, followed by the progressive reintroduction of usual food in the next phases, according to the doctor’s schedule, until the planned weight is achieved. Right from the start there is a significant decrease of adipose mass (included the localized one) and the quick results certainly represent a thrilling aspect for the patient who feels strongly encouraged to carry on with his diet plan.”
This diet results to be perfect for many conditions concerning not only the mere loss of body weight. For instance, to prepare one’s body to liposuction and achieve a result optimization; to reshape one’s body combining physical activity with a specific diet; or, at different times in the life of a woman (like menopause or after a pregnancy), to restore her body’s armony and proportion. And also to fight and prevent – especially from the inside, too – troublesome aesthetic imperfections like cellulitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The proteinated diet is substantially suitable for everybody but – like all diets – it has some contraindications to be considered.
In fact, it is not recommended during pregnancy and breast feeding, as well as in case of insulin dependent diabetes or serious renal or hepatic insufficiency. Besides, in the field of pediatrics and adolescence this diet requires a particular attention.
The proteinated diet offers excellent results in a short time on condition that it is followed under the control of a doctor specialised in this methodology who evaluates the patient’s suitabiliy and adjust the protocols to his real needs. All this in order to guarantee the best support throughout the alimentary program (that implies to go back progressively to a natural diet) and, not less important, to maintain the results in the course of time.
Further information can be found under: www.pentadiet.it
