The High Protein Soup Diet- is it all that healthy?

The High Protein Soup Diet, is it all that healthy?

Losing weight is no picnic, and as a result, people are trying all kinds of alternatives. Some of those alternatives are just not healthy. Although the Dr. Atkins diet of high proteins and low carbs is still very popular, many have switched to the South Beach diet that allows for more fruits and vegetables.

Dieters are always searching for recipes, and if you’re on a high protein diet, you may be looking for a high protein soup diet. Most of these types of recipes can be found in the Dr. Atkins cookbook. They can also be found in cookbooks written by other authors promoting a high protein soup diet in combination with high protein foods.

What’s wrong with a high protein soup diet?

Just like any high protein diet, a high protein soup diet, eaten for long periods of time, can increase cholesterol. A high intake of saturated fats can promote heart disease and cancer.

In a high protein soup diet you’re likely to have lots of meat, butter, and even eggs in the soup. Weight loss from a high protein diet only comes because the body is losing a lot of water quickly. But if the goal of the dieter is to lose fat, a conscious effort of eating healthier for the long haul, should be the goal. Rapid weight loss can be very dangerous to the body because it makes the kidneys work extra hard, especially on a high protein diet.

Even though people on a high protein soup diet, or even the Atkins diet, lose large amounts of weight, and are even known to lower their blood cholesterol, sugar and triglycerides, the method is very unhealthy. Sometimes such a diet causes nausea, constipation and stomach problems.

If you’ve made your mind up to be on a high protein soup diet, despite the controversy and warnings, be sure not to do it for long periods of time. Most people on a high protein diet eventually get very tired of it and actually long for “healthier” foods. The body begins to crave those fruits and vegetables of which it has been deprived. If you’re coming off of a high protein soup diet, or the Dr. Atkins diet, study up on ways to introduce more fresh fruits, vegetables and friendly carbs into your system.

If you’ve lacked energy, it’s probably because of the fact that you’re not eating enough carbs. Friendly carbs include whole wheat breads and muffins, beans, carrots, and fruit. Although dieters on a high protein soup diet are allowed some carbs, the fact is, they often need a better variety of carbs.

If you’re interested in trying an alternative to high meat proteins, switch to tofu and other soy products. A good soy shake is healthier than a hamburger by far. Many vegetarian recipes provide wonderful soy-based meal ideas. Check in the library, bookstore or online for a high protein soup diet right for you. Without the extra fat and cholesterol found in meat, a high protein soup diet based on soy and vegetables will be a great alternative.

Trish "Ariala" Williams is a freelance writer and marketing consultant who has published numerous articles in magazines and newspapers across the country. She also works on web design, web content, graphics, promotions and copywriting.