Proteins are the basis for the construction of new cells in the body. But sometimes, for medical reasons, it is necessary to reduce protein intake. With a lack of building material, albumin synthesis slows down, and the body uses muscles to maintain basic functions. For a healthy person, you can consume protein-free foods for no more than one week, otherwise health problems will arise.
Principles of a protein-free diet
Protein restriction allows you to reduce weight or relieve excess stress on certain organs. Reducing protein intake is the principle of a protein-free diet. Products containing building materials for the body should be consumed in small quantities.
The diet is not intended for quick weight loss. During this period, it is not recommended to increase physical activity, since protein will be required to replenish muscle energy. A protein-free diet includes a large amount of carbohydrates, which also do not contribute to weight loss.
The daily amount of calories is about 2000. There is no point in using such a diet for weight loss for a healthy person. It is better to have protein-free days a couple of times a week.
Basically, protein restrictions are imposed by doctors for kidney or liver disease. The diet is therapeutic and allows the body to independently remove nitrogenous compounds, which play a negative role in diseases of internal organs.
List of products for weight loss
The list of products that promote weight loss is huge, most of them can be combined with each other, inventing new ones or using proven recipes.
Probiotic food products occupy a special place - these are products with live bifidumbacteria and lactobacilli. It is very important that these bacteria are present in high concentrations and in a living state. Pharmacy medications contain dry, lifeless bacteria that do not take root in the intestines, and a week after stopping taking such medications, all problems associated with disruption of the intestinal microflora return. For this purpose, we have created a clinically tested, effective fermented milk product bifilact BIOTA, which is obtained as a result of direct fermentation of milk with bifidumbacteria and lactobacilli. In the finished bifilact BIOTA, high concentrations of living and active bifidumbacteria and lactobacilli accumulate, which effectively take root in the intestines and perform their irreplaceable functions. Then dysbiosis is eliminated, excess fluid and fat leave the body, metabolism and digestion are restored (“Removal of toxins and waste”). Bifilakt BIOTA contains only 1% milk fat, which makes it a tasty and healthy dietary product (“Recipes”).
Meat products. Poultry and chicken are excellent sources of animal protein that do not contain carbohydrates. But it is worth paying attention that a high protein content in the diet negatively affects the liver and kidneys. You should also avoid eating fatty meats, beef and pork. Duck, turkey, chicken, lean pork and beef are allowed in small quantities.
Cereals are the main component of proper nutrition and a source of slow carbohydrates. In addition, cereals include a large amount of fiber and some vegetable protein. Cereals have a low glycemic index, so they can be included in any meal. Allowed: millet, brown rice, oatmeal, pearl barley and buckwheat, but white rice and semolina should be excluded from the diet.
Cereals contain a large amount of useful substances due to the presence of sprouts. Good for weight loss: brown rice, green buckwheat, wheat and rye.
Legumes are slow carbohydrates, contain a large amount of vitamins, and also perfectly saturate the body, which is necessary when losing weight. Preference should be given to: chickpeas, green peas, beans and lentils.
Vegetables are tasty and vitamin-rich foods that quickly fill you up and are low in calories. Vegetables also contain fiber, which cleanses the intestines of toxins, which promotes weight loss. Fiber also promotes the colonization of bifidumbacteria and lactobacilli in the intestines. Including fiber in the diet along with taking Bifilact BIOTA will speed up the process of restoring normal weight (“Diet during dysbacteriosis. Products for children and adults. Bifilact BIOTA”). Preference should be given to: cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, eggplant, etc.
Berries and fruits are foods with a medium glycemic index that quickly fill you up and give you energy. Fruits and berries give youth and beauty due to their high content of nutrients; in addition, they are an excellent alternative to sweets.
Seafood and fish are sources of protein, but due to their high cost, they are less often used as food. Fish contains fatty acids necessary for women's health, beauty of nails, skin and hair. It is best to steam the fish or bake it in the oven; it goes well with vegetables.
Eggs – contain carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When losing weight, it is advisable to consume only egg whites, since the yolk contains a large amount of fat.
Pasta - only products made from durum varieties are good for your figure. Pair with stewed or steamed vegetables.
Seeds and nuts are allowed during weight loss, despite their high calorie content, only in small quantities, since they contain a large amount of fat. It is recommended to consume no more than 30 g per day.
Bakery products and bread – even during weight loss, these products are allowed to be included in the diet. It is necessary to choose bran or rye bread; a few pieces will not harm your figure. Bakery products made from white flour, as well as yeast and sugar products are strictly prohibited.
Vegetable oils are a high-calorie product, but they are classified as healthy fats, which in moderate quantities cannot be deposited in problem areas.
When losing weight, it is necessary to limit the consumption of whole milk due to its ability to provoke the appearance of cellulite and edema due to fluid stagnation. The diet should include cottage cheese, cream, sour cream, fermented baked milk, unsweetened yogurt, and kefir. Special dietary products with high nutritional value and probiotic activity include bifilact BIOTA, which, when included in the diet of any diet, when choosing a healthy diet, will contribute to weight loss and overall health. It is enough to use Bifilact BIOTA 2-3 times a day, 150-200 ml 30 minutes before meals or instead of meals (second breakfast, afternoon snack, dinner) for high efficiency in restoring normal weight and health (“Dysbacteriosis and why it should be treated”)
Indications for diet
Protein-free foods are necessary when the following diseases are detected:
- uremia;
- liver failure;
- renal failure;
- glomerulonephritis;
- various liver or kidney tumors;
- urolithiasis disease;
- oncology;
- phenylketonuria;
- to relieve swelling;
- diabetes;
- amyloidosis;
- pyelonephritis.
When these diseases appear and a protein-free diet is abandoned, the kidneys cannot remove urea, which aggravates the course of the disease. Protein can be consumed no more than 20 g per day. However, you cannot completely give up animal protein. But you can make up for the deficiency with milk and fermented milk products.
Protein in the canned food aisle
Anchovies
Protein content: 24 g per 85 g serving
Compared to other foods, these tiny swimmers are the surprise winners when it comes to canned protein. Due to their small size, they do not accumulate toxins, as large fish species do.
Good to know.
To prevent anchovies from being so salty, soak them in their own juice for 30 minutes; then drain the water and dry gently.
Corned beef
Protein content: 24 g per 85 g serving
The impressive protein content of this salted beef is sure to strengthen your muscles. And no, it's not the same as canned meat!
Good to know.
Try sautéing corned beef with chopped vegetables and serving it over rice, or use it as the main ingredient in sandwiches.
Light tuna
Protein content: 22 g per 85 g serving
Frugal shoppers take note: Cheap canned light tuna actually contains more protein than more expensive canned white tuna.
Good to know.
To reduce calories from junk oil, choose tuna in its own juices instead of seafood in oil.
Chicken
Protein content: 21 g per 85 g serving
For a quick injection of high-quality protein into your sandwiches and salads, rely on white meat chicken.
Good to know.
Compare products from different manufacturers, choosing those that contain less salt.
Sardines
Protein content: 21 g per 85 g serving
Canned sardines are often overlooked, although they are not only rich in protein, but also provide the body with omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Research shows that in high dosages, vitamin D can stimulate testosterone production.
Good to know.
Look for tasty and convenient sardines in cans.
Dark blue beans
Protein content: 20 g per glass
Beans are a fantastically cheap source of protein, and among the most affordable canned legumes, blue beans hold a firm lead. One glass contains an impressive 13 grams of dietary fiber.
Good to know.
Some manufacturers do not use the stabilizer bisphenol A in production.
Dried lentils
Protein Content: 13 g per ¼ cup
Cheap dried lentils, often categorized as canned proteins, will boost your protein intake while also providing fiber and a variety of essential vitamins.
Good to know.
Unlike dried beans, lentils do not require annoying soaking. Just soak it in water for about 20 minutes until it becomes soft. For a nutritious breakfast, combine lentils with turkey or chicken breast, vegetables and lemon dressing.
Benefits of the diet
When using a protein-free menu, you can reduce acidity in the body and control the amount of protein in the presence of certain diseases.
When following such a diet, patients who have problems with the health of the liver or kidneys have the opportunity to improve the body’s metabolism, cleanse themselves of nitrogen compounds, improve the condition of chronic diseases and reduce the manifestations of symptoms in the acute stage.
Why do we need squirrels?
Proteins make up about half the dry mass of living organisms. They consist of amino acids, which, when strung together, form long and short threads like beads. Depending on the sequence of amino acids (there are 21 of them in living organisms), the structure of the protein also changes - there are millions of variations. Due to their complex structure, proteins in the body do an excellent job of serving as enzymes—molecules that enable chemical reactions. That is, organisms (including yours) need proteins in order to regulate chemical processes that ensure life.
Read also: How much exercise do you need to keep your arteries healthy?
Proteins are also responsible for your immunity (perform a protective function), and also solve other problems, for example, they serve as material for the construction of cells. Among other things, they help you actually lose weight. When you eat protein foods, your brain receives satiety signals.
Disadvantages of the diet
The disadvantage of using protein-free products in nutrition is that they cannot be used by athletes, as well as people with difficult physical working conditions. Great physical exertion and increased activity require a constant supply of proteins. Therefore, it can be used only at the stage of exacerbation of the disease, with a decrease in strength loads.
Protein deficiency is stressful for the body, and a long-term diet is difficult for some people. Therefore, before using a protein-free diet, consultation with a doctor is required to avoid complications after dietary restriction.
Authorized Products
When using a protein-free diet, the list of foods allowed for consumption is quite large. Depending on your doctor's prescription, you can eat 20-40 g of protein per day. Based on these data, the amount of protein and protein-free foods eaten is determined.
List of foods allowed on a protein-free diet:
- Turkey, beef, chicken, veal. The serving is no more than 55 g per day. The dish can be fried or baked.
- Weak tea, coffee.
- Herbal decoctions, compotes.
- Juices.
- Milk and fermented milk products, cottage cheese in limited quantities.
- Fruits can be eaten raw if there are no other contraindications. Otherwise you can bake it.
- In small quantities you can eat pasta dishes, porridge, peas, beans, beans.
- Butter and vegetable oil.
- Egg white (no more than 1 piece per day).
- Raw or cooked vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes.
- Protein-free bread in the amount of 300 g per day.
- Vegetable broths.
- Soups on the water.
- Low-fat fish, no more than 60 g per day.
When following a diet, salt is prohibited or its minimum amount is allowed. The list of products may vary depending on concomitant diseases.
Foods high in animal protein
1 eggs
Long before the invention of synthetic protein, eggs were indispensable in the diet of athletes. However, in terms of protein content, any meat steak will surpass an egg, since this figure does not exceed 7 grams. The secret of success is this:
- Egg protein is 95% digestible,
- The egg contains a minimum of fats and carbohydrates,
- Easy to prepare.
They are also full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants necessary for vision, and nutrients necessary for brain activity, which we do not get in sufficient quantities.
A whole egg is a source of protein, and egg white is protein in its purest form.
1 whole large egg is 6 grams of pure protein, 78 kcal.
2 Chicken breast
Chicken breast is a very famous product with the highest protein content and is considered a dietary product due to its low amount of fat (below 8%). But the protein content per 100 g of meat exceeds 24% . Thanks to this, the body receives 130 kcal.
Chicken breast is very easy to prepare and incredibly tasty if you make it following simple cooking rules.
Foods High in Iron
3 Turkey breast
Turkey breast is very similar in its characteristics to chicken breast meat and is simply irreplaceable for those who want to lose weight without reducing muscle mass.
It is extremely tasty and low in calories.
Boiled turkey contains selenium, which is extremely important for maintaining hormonal levels.
100 g of turkey contains 19 g of protein, which provides the body with 84 kcal.
4 Red meat
Beef is an important and incredibly appetizing source of protein. Moreover, it contains a large amount of vitamins B3 and B12, iron and zinc.
100 g of lean beef contains 16 g of protein and 150 kcal.
Prohibited Products
For those who are recommended to eat protein-free foods, the list of foods allowed for consumption is quite large. But there are still dishes that cannot be eaten at all or with restrictions.
List of prohibited products:
- broths from meat, fish, poultry;
- alcohol;
- carbonated drinks;
- animal fats, lard;
- confectionery;
- baking
Products that are partially prohibited or limited in quantity:
- meat, poultry;
- fish;
- legumes;
- porridge;
- pasta;
- if you have kidney disease, salty foods are prohibited;
- There may be restrictions on fruits containing potassium and phosphorus.
Potassium is found in apples, bananas, beets, tomatoes, soybeans, and lentils. Therefore, their use should be agreed with a doctor if you have kidney disease. It is also worth clarifying the permissible amount of milk, legumes, fermented milk products, and nuts, which are limited in some kidney pathologies.
Summarize
- Products containing lean protein of animal and plant origin are numerous. That's why you don't need to exceed your daily fat or calorie intake to meet your protein needs.
- White fish and skinless white poultry are among the leanest sources of animal protein. However, you can also find lean red meats such as beef and pork tenderloin.
- Many dairy products are low in fat and are good sources of protein. These include low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) and milk.
- Plant proteins such as legumes, low-fat tofu, and ground low-fat peanuts also provide the body with sufficient protein.
- Take a look in your kitchen—you probably already have a few lean protein items on hand!
The article was prepared by experts for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a guide for treating medical conditions and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of illness or any symptoms, you should always consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Tags: Protein
About the author: Anastasia Sheveleva
Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category, therapist, registered dietitian, nutrition consultant. More about the author.
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Diet according to Andreas Moritz
Andeas Moritz is a developer of alternative medicine. He recommends using protein-free foods to cleanse the liver and kidneys.
In his opinion, for a full healthy life you need long-term healthy sleep, an active lifestyle, proper nutrition and timely cleansing of the body. To cleanse the whole body, you must first clear the intestines of toxins, then the liver, kidneys and lymph. Thanks to this, toxins are removed and hormonal levels and enzymes are restored.
In his opinion, it is necessary to give up meat and dairy products, giving preference to rice, fruits, vegetables and berries.
According to this method, the intestines are cleansed using an enema, then for 1 day only fruits are consumed to cleanse the kidneys. The next day, oatmeal is eaten in the morning and you can eat only plant foods for 6 days.
Reviews from doctors about this method of alternative medicine are mixed. It is assumed that this method may worsen chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, when choosing the Andreas Moritz method, you must first consult with a gastroenterologist or therapist.
As a result of using this method, you can obtain the following results:
- restoration of intestinal function;
- restoration of vital energy;
- pigmentation and skin rashes are reduced;
- increasing immunity.
Diet recommendations
When using the diet, you should follow some recommendations to eliminate the risk of unpleasant reactions in the body:
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. This recommendation does not apply to kidney pathology. The drinking regime is chosen in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
- The amount of protein per day should not exceed 20% of the amount of food eaten.
- Before using the diet, consult a doctor.
According to reviews from patients undergoing treatment and using a protein-free diet, weight loss occurred insignificantly. In the absence of salt, weight loss in the first days occurred due to the removal of excess fluid from the body. In the absence of protein, the feeling of hunger returns quickly, so patients are forced to increase portions. Accordingly, more calories did not allow weight loss.
Limiting salt makes dishes tasteless, so this diet is difficult. But at the same time, diet foods are inexpensive.
Menu for the week
When creating a protein-free menu, you should take into account nutritional principles. The number of permitted foods is sufficient for a varied diet. Sample menu for 7 days for patients without additional restrictions:
| 1 day | breakfast | buckwheat porridge with milk, fruit, tea |
| snack | grapefruit | |
| dinner | vegetable soup, pasta with chicken | |
| afternoon tea | kefir | |
| dinner | zucchini and stuffed with vegetables | |
| Day 2 | breakfast | oatmeal with jam |
| snack | stewed carrots | |
| dinner | noodle soup, sautéed vegetables, compote | |
| afternoon tea | curdled milk | |
| dinner | carrot cutlets, apple juice | |
| Day 3 | breakfast | pumpkin casserole |
| snack | orange | |
| dinner | semolina soup, zucchini pancakes, compote | |
| afternoon tea | Ryazhenka | |
| dinner | fresh vegetable salad, rice porridge | |
| 4 day | breakfast | oatmeal porridge with milk, tea |
| snack | baked apple | |
| dinner | puree soup, rice with vegetables, fish | |
| afternoon tea | kefir | |
| dinner | millet porridge, tomato | |
| 5 day | breakfast | pumpkin casserole, tea |
| snack | vegetable salad | |
| dinner | buckwheat soup, stewed vegetables, compote | |
| afternoon tea | Ryazhenka | |
| dinner | fruit pilaf, jelly | |
| Day 6 | breakfast | zucchini pancakes, cheese, tea |
| snack | apple | |
| dinner | buckwheat with chicken, vegetable soup, compote | |
| afternoon tea | kefir | |
| dinner | mashed potatoes, carrot cutlets | |
| Day 7 | breakfast | oatmeal with jam, compote |
| snack | pear | |
| dinner | cabbage soup, baked potatoes with pollock | |
| afternoon tea | yogurt | |
| dinner | cabbage rolls with vegetables, juice. |
Table of protein content in food
The average protein requirement in the daily diet of an adult is 100-120 g.
The table shows the protein content per 100 grams of product.
| Protein products | Proteins, g | Protein products | Proteins, g |
| Beef liver | 17,4 | sunflower seed | 20,7 |
| Lamb Liver | 18,7 | Hazelnut | 16,1 |
| Pork liver | 18,8 | Almond | 18,6 |
| Heart | 15 | Walnut | 13,8 |
| Turkey | 21,6 | Rye bread | 4,7 |
| Chickens | 18,7 | Wheat bread made from 1st grade flour | 7,7 |
| Chickens | 20,8 | Butter pastries | 7,6 |
| Rabbit | 20,7 | Buckwheat core | 12,6 |
| Beef | 18,9 | Rice | 7 |
| Pork lean | 16,4 | Millet | 12,0 |
| Pork is fatty | 11,4 | Oatmeal | 11,9 |
| Veal | 19,7 | Whole peas | 23 |
| Diabetic boiled sausage | 12,1 | Soybeans | 34,9 |
| Dietary boiled sausage | 12,1 | Beans | 22,3 |
| Doctor's boiled sausage | 13,7 | Soy meat | 52 |
| Krakow raw smoked sausage | 16,2 | Milk | 2,8 |
| Minsk raw smoked sausage | 23 | Whole milk powder | 25,6 |
| Boiled-smoked Cervelat | 28,2 | Natural yoghurt 1.5% fat | 5 |
| Far Eastern shrimp | 28,7 | Low-fat kefir | 3 |
| Tuna | 22,7 | Low-fat cottage cheese | 18 |
| Chum salmon | 22 | Cow's milk cheese | 17,9 |
| Pink salmon | 21 | Dutch cheese | 26,8 |
| Salmon | 20,8 | Poshekhonsky cheese | 26,0 |
| Small saury | 20,4 | Peanut | 26,3 |
| Halibut | 18,9 | Pollock caviar, punched | 28,4 |
| Squid | 18 | Sturgeon caviar granular | 28,9 |
| Herring | 17,7 | Mackerel | 18 |
| Pollock | 15,9 |
Diet for illnesses
Protein-free foods for patients with phenylketonuria play an important role for neuropsychic development. The protein contains phenylalanine, which has a detrimental effect on the patient. For this reason, all foods containing large amounts of protein are excluded from the diet. Such patients are recommended to take multivitamin preparations to compensate for the deficiency of essential microelements.
In case of acute renal failure, a diet is prescribed with a protein limit of up to 20 g per day. The patient has to keep track of the amount eaten in order to avoid sad consequences. As you recover, the amount of protein is increased to 40 g per day.
In liver cirrhosis, additional amounts of protein lead to encephalopathy. For this reason, its quantity is also reduced.
