Local Doctor Weighs In On New High Protein Diet
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A lot of people make New Year's resolutions to lose weight.
So, should you focus on calories, carbs or protein?
A new study is coming out that looks at that very question.
The Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, is one of the most trusted medical publications out there.
However, a local doctor is questioning a new featured study, set to hit newsstands.
"I would pretty much disregard this study because it was too small and it only involved healthy patients," Dr. Marc Itskowitz from Allegheny General Hospital said.
The study included only 25 men and women. It looked at calories, carbs, and protein and which one really makes people gain weight.
Dr. Itskowitz said the findings will likely just confuse people and stir up debate over fad diets.
"I think the best long-term approach is a balanced diet. So, 15 percent is considered a moderate protein amount in your diet, that's what you should stick to," Dr. Itskowitz said.
Dr. Itskowitz also said although people may drop a few pounds with fad diets, they won't keep the weight off.
"If you want to jump start your diet and try something like that, that's okay. But over time, the body craves protein if you go on a real low protein diet or it craves carbohydrates if you restrict carbohydrates," Dr. Itskowitz said.
So, the bottom line is that there is no real secret trick. Just focus on portion control and make heart-healthy choices.
"The majority of your calories should come from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eating red meat should be restricted to a couple times a week. Try to eat more fish, more poultry, less red meat," Dr. Itskowitz said.
Something else to keep in mind when trying to drop weight is to set realistic goals.
"If you are 50 pounds overweight and you decide you have to lose 50 pounds in a short period of time, I think you are setting yourself up for failure," Dr. Itskowitz said.
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