The Protein Diet


	This diet is usually prescribed by a doctor or dietician, and can work out to be expensive. Two main meals are replaced with protein bars, soups or drinks, which makes it very easy to keep your calorie count below 1500 a day. Because there are barely any fats or sugars involved, the body burns its fat stores for energy, leaving you leaner. Sample day's food: Breakfast: -150g fat-free fromage frais or yoghurt -Piece of fruit -Tea or coffee Lunch and Dinner: -1 meal substitute, which will leave you feeling full and is rich in vitamins, minerals and above all, protein

	Meal substitutes are normally perfectly balanced, to provide your body with everything it needs, including vitamins, minerals and trace elements. However, a protein-rich diet will not help you to lose muscle mass. Meal substitutes are also a great way of grabbing a healthy snack, which is low in calories.

	Weight loss is very fast, but it is hard to keep it off afterwards. It is not a good idea to stay on the diet for a long time, as it changes the metabolism - eating small amounts for long periods of time forces the body into 'starvation' mode, when it burns less calories to conserve energy, and holds them in reserve until it returns to normal nourishment.