"Amazing weight loss as woman loses 10 kilos in two weeks!"

We've all read articles like this and been bombarded by the so-called success of high protein diets. It is time that we lifted the lid and brought out into the open the real story behind this fad diet.

The high protein or Atkins diet restricts your total intake of energy from carbohydrates to only 20% - which means no fruit, no starchy vegetables, breads or cereals. When the body is starved of carbohydrates, it starts to break down protein and muscle. Water is released from the breakdown of muscle and this translates onto the scales as weight loss.

A toxic by-product of muscle breakdown, called ketones, is produced and released by the kidneys and the body is now in a state of ketosis. People following high protein diets often report bad breath and may develop diarrhoea, kidney damage and kidney stones. Calcium absorption can also be affected, increasing the risk of poor bone health and osteoporosis.

This way of eating cannot be maintained and although weight loss is achieved, in most cases it is regained in a short period of time.

The confusion lies in high protein vs moderate protein. Doctors and dietitians now agree on the health and weight loss benefits of moderate protein eating plans. This means slightly increasing your protein intake, while still maintaining healthy levels of good quality carbohydrates.

This is not the traditional Atkins diet, but a healthy alternative focusing on the quality of the foods you are eating. For example, when choosing carbohydrates, choose those with a low Glycaemic Index (GI). Foods with a low GI release slowly into the bloodstream, keeping your blood sugar at lower levels. They also keep you feeling full for longer and are usually lower in fat.

Is Lite n' Easy moderate protein? Most Lite n' Easy dinner meals fall into the moderate protein category. We also design our breakfast and lunch menu to include low GI carbohydrates.