Trying to lose weight can be a confusing business.
There are so many different diets and theories out there that it’s difficult to know where to start.
There isn’t a single, simple solution that applies to everyone - successful weight loss depends on many factors. So it's important to choose a plan that you believe is achievable and sustainable for your lifestyle and circumstances.
Can Spirulina help with weight loss?
When people want to lose weight fast they often turn to high protein, low-carb diets that help the body to burn off stored fat.
The superfood Spirulina can help with low-carb diets because it’s exceptionally high in protein, which satisfies your appetite, reducing hunger and cravings.
Spirulina can also aid fat-burning exercise by providing energy and reducing fatigue, and it’s a source of many vitamins that accelerate the metabolism.
Spirulina - a natural algae that can be bought in tablet or powder form - can be taken as a supplement or used in smoothies, salads and cooking.
Other high protein-foods include meat, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, cheese, milk and yoghurt.
Which high-protein diets are popular?
It’s believed that, when carbs are lowered and proteins are increased, the body starts to burn its own fat for fuel.
The best-known high-protein diets will generally recommend getting 30-50% of your daily calories from protein.
Popular high-protein diets include:
The Atkins diet
This diet became famous for its reliance on fats for energy in the initial phase by eating meat, fish, cheese, oils and non-starchy vegetables (with carbs and sugar almost totally eliminated). Some carbs are eaten later in the process.
Dukan diet
Originating in France, this diet is strict in terms of “banned” foods. There are just 72 high-protein foods to choose from in the first few days and all carbs are out of the question. Carbs in vegetable form are slowly reintroduced after the first stage with some fruit and dairy coming later.
Paleo diet
This entails eating as naturally as possible with the aim of consuming food in a similar way to our pre-historic ancestors. The diet comes in various forms but, overall, it advocates lean proteins, fruit, vegetables and “healthy fats” from nuts, seeds, olive oil and grass-fed meat. It discourages grains, potatoes and dairy on the basis that humans have not evolved to process those foods well.
While there are endless weight loss tips out there, it's vital not to forget the importance of a getting the balance right, combining regular healthy meals with plenty of water and exercise.