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Protein Power

Protein Power

The High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate Way to Lose Weight, Feel Fit, and Boost Your Health — in Just Weeks!
by Michael R. Eades 1996 429 pages
3.89
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Insulin and glucagon: The master hormones controlling metabolism

Insulin and glucagon are the primary hormones involved in the storage and release of energy within the body.

Hormonal balance. Insulin and glucagon work in opposition to regulate blood sugar, fat storage, and energy utilization. Insulin promotes storage of nutrients and lowers blood sugar, while glucagon promotes the release of stored energy and raises blood sugar. The balance between these hormones is crucial for metabolic health.

Insulin's dark side. While essential for life, chronically elevated insulin levels can lead to numerous health problems:

  • Increased fat storage, especially around the abdomen
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Increased cholesterol production
  • Thickening of artery walls
  • Increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Glucagon's benefits. By promoting the use of stored fat for energy and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels, glucagon counteracts many of insulin's negative effects when in excess.

2. Carbohydrate restriction: The key to metabolic control

To achieve metabolic control, your tasks are simple—reduce the amount of insulin circulating in your blood during the day and restore the sensitivity of your tissues to insulin.

Carbohydrate impact. Carbohydrates have the most significant effect on insulin levels. By restricting carbohydrate intake, especially refined and processed carbs, you can dramatically reduce insulin production and improve insulin sensitivity.

Two-phase approach:

  1. Phase I Intervention: 30 grams of carbohydrate or less per day
    • For those with significant metabolic issues or more than 20% overweight
  2. Phase II Intervention: 55 grams of carbohydrate per day
    • For those needing less aggressive intervention or transitioning from Phase I

Food choices. Focus on:

  • Protein sources: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese
  • Non-starchy vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers
  • Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, nuts

3. Protein power: Essential for lean body mass and health

The cornerstone of any good nutritional program is an adequate amount of high-quality protein.

Protein requirements. Calculate your daily protein need based on lean body mass and activity level:

  • Sedentary: 0.5 grams per pound of lean mass
  • Moderately active: 0.6 grams per pound of lean mass
  • Active: 0.7 grams per pound of lean mass
  • Very active: 0.8 grams per pound of lean mass
  • Athlete: 0.9 grams per pound of lean mass

Benefits of adequate protein:

  • Preserves and builds lean muscle mass
  • Supports metabolic rate
  • Provides essential amino acids for various bodily functions
  • Helps control appetite and blood sugar levels

Protein sources. Include a variety of complete proteins:

  • Animal sources: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy
  • Plant sources: Tofu, tempeh, and combinations of legumes and grains

4. The myth of low-fat diets: Why they fail and what really works

The low-fat, high-complex-carbohydrate approach has proven a failure.

Low-fat fallacy. Despite decades of promotion, low-fat diets have not delivered on their promises:

  • They don't significantly reduce cholesterol levels unless followed to extreme
  • They make blood sugar control difficult for diabetics
  • They have a poor success rate for long-term weight loss
  • They often lead to increased carbohydrate consumption, which can exacerbate metabolic issues

Fat's role. Dietary fat is essential for:

  • Hormone production
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Cell membrane integrity
  • Satiety and flavor in meals

Effective approach. Instead of focusing on fat restriction, emphasis should be on:

  • Controlling carbohydrate intake to manage insulin levels
  • Consuming adequate protein to support lean body mass
  • Including healthy fats for satiety and nutritional benefits
  • Avoiding trans fats and excessive omega-6 fatty acids

5. Exercise: The antiaging formula for optimal health

The single best exercise you can do to improve your health is to lift weights.

Benefits of resistance training:

  • Increases muscle mass and strength
  • Improves bone density
  • Enhances metabolic rate
  • Stimulates growth hormone production
  • Improves insulin sensitivity

Growth hormone boost. Resistance training, especially when performed with high intensity and short rest periods, stimulates the release of growth hormone, which:

  • Promotes fat burning
  • Enhances muscle growth and repair
  • Improves overall body composition

Exercise guidelines:

  1. Start with light weights to strengthen connective tissues
  2. Focus on large muscle groups first
  3. Use proper form to maximize benefits and prevent injury
  4. Increase protein intake to support muscle growth
  5. Perform workouts on an empty stomach to maximize growth hormone release
  6. Incorporate aerobic elements for cardiovascular benefits

6. Eicosanoids: The microhormone messengers that control your health

You can view eicosanoids as the biological glue that holds together the human body. In that regard they are the most powerful agents known to man, yet they are totally controlled by the diet.

Eicosanoid basics. Eicosanoids are hormone-like substances that control virtually all physiological actions in the body, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood clotting
  • Pain perception
  • Immune function

Dietary influence. The balance between "good" and "bad" eicosanoids is primarily controlled by diet:

  • Insulin promotes the production of "bad" eicosanoids
  • Glucagon promotes the production of "good" eicosanoids

Optimizing eicosanoid balance:

  1. Follow a low-carbohydrate, adequate-protein diet to control insulin levels
  2. Consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements
  3. Limit intake of arachidonic acid, found in red meat and egg yolks
  4. Use olive oil and other monounsaturated fats as primary fat sources
  5. Avoid trans fats and excessive omega-6 fatty acids

7. Cholesterol: Understanding its role and how to control it naturally

Far from being a serial killer, cholesterol is absolutely essential for good health; without it you'd die.

Cholesterol's functions:

  • Essential component of cell membranes
  • Precursor to hormones and vitamin D
  • Crucial for brain and nervous system function
  • Necessary for bile acid production and fat digestion

Cholesterol regulation. The body tightly regulates cholesterol production:

  • 80% is produced by the body, mainly in the liver
  • 20% comes from dietary sources
  • When dietary intake decreases, the liver increases production, and vice versa

Natural cholesterol control:

  1. Reduce insulin levels through carbohydrate restriction
  2. Increase glucagon levels through adequate protein intake
  3. Consume healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats
  4. Exercise regularly, especially resistance training
  5. Avoid trans fats and excessive refined carbohydrates

8. Diseases of civilization: How insulin resistance drives chronic illness

The major diseases of Western civilization—obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, elevated blood fats, and diabetes—have a common bond.

Insulin resistance. The root cause of many chronic diseases is insulin resistance and chronically elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia).

Disease progression:

  1. Years of high-carbohydrate diets lead to chronically elevated insulin
  2. Cells become resistant to insulin's effects
  3. The body produces more insulin to compensate
  4. Excess insulin drives various metabolic disturbances

Consequences of hyperinsulinemia:

  • Obesity: Increased fat storage, especially around the abdomen
  • Hypertension: Increased fluid retention and arterial constriction
  • Heart disease: Increased cholesterol production and arterial plaque formation
  • Type 2 diabetes: Progressive loss of blood sugar control
  • Elevated blood fats: Increased triglyceride production

9. The power of diet: Reversing metabolic disorders without medication

You can lose fat, you can reduce your cholesterol and triglycerides, you can lower your blood pressure, you can normalize your blood sugar by changing the way you eat—and you can maintain these benefits for a lifetime.

Dietary intervention. By focusing on controlling insulin and glucagon levels through diet, many metabolic disorders can be improved or reversed without medication:

  • Blood pressure often normalizes within weeks
  • Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can drop significantly in 3-4 weeks
  • Blood sugar control improves rapidly for type 2 diabetics
  • Excess body fat is steadily lost over time

Key dietary principles:

  1. Restrict carbohydrates to control insulin
  2. Consume adequate protein to support lean mass and stimulate glucagon
  3. Include healthy fats for satiety and nutritional benefits
  4. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods
  5. Stay hydrated with water and other non-caloric beverages

Medication considerations. For those on medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, close monitoring by a physician is crucial as dosages may need to be reduced or eliminated as the body responds to dietary changes.

10. Transition and maintenance: Sustaining health for life

Good things have happened to you metabolically that will help you maintain more easily.

Transition process. Gradually increase carbohydrate intake:

  1. Increase daily carbohydrate by 10-gram increments
  2. Stay at each new level for 5-7 days before increasing again
  3. Continue until carbohydrate intake equals or slightly exceeds protein intake
  4. Monitor weight and other health markers to find your optimal level

Maintenance strategies:

  • Continue to focus on protein adequacy and quality carbohydrates
  • Allow for occasional planned "vacations" from strict eating
  • Use the "Recovery Guidelines" to quickly return to balance after indulgences
  • Regular self-monitoring of weight, measurements, and health markers
  • Adjust carbohydrate intake as needed based on activity level and health goals

Lifestyle integration:

  • Develop a sustainable approach that fits your life and preferences
  • Continue to educate yourself on nutrition and health
  • Be prepared for social situations and travel
  • Remember that metabolic health is a lifelong journey, not a short-term fix

Last updated:

FAQ

What's Protein Power about?

  • High-Protein Focus: Protein Power by Michael R. Eades and Mary Dan Eades promotes a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to aid weight loss, enhance health, and boost energy.
  • Insulin Resistance: The book highlights insulin resistance as a key factor in obesity and related health issues, explaining how excess carbohydrates elevate insulin levels, leading to metabolic disorders.
  • Practical Guidance: It offers meal plans, recipes, and dining tips to help readers easily adopt the dietary changes recommended.

Why should I read Protein Power?

  • Evidence-Based Approach: The book is rooted in scientific research and clinical experience, providing a credible resource for understanding diet's impact on health.
  • Comprehensive Program: It includes dietary changes, exercise recommendations, and motivation strategies, offering a holistic approach to long-term health benefits.
  • Success Stories: Real-life patient success stories are shared, inspiring readers to implement changes in their own lives.

What are the key takeaways of Protein Power?

  • Carbohydrate Restriction: Reducing carbohydrate intake is crucial for managing insulin levels and reversing insulin resistance, promoting weight loss.
  • Adequate Protein Intake: Consuming sufficient high-quality protein supports lean body mass and overall health, with guidelines provided for individual protein needs.
  • Exercise Importance: Resistance training is emphasized for enhancing metabolic health and promoting growth hormone release, essential for optimal health.

What are the best quotes from Protein Power and what do they mean?

  • “You can’t outrun a bad diet.”: Highlights the importance of nutrition in achieving health goals, suggesting exercise can't compensate for poor dietary choices.
  • “The problem lies in the biochemical structure of the low-fat diet.”: Critiques low-fat diets for increasing insulin levels and weight gain, advocating for a high-protein, low-carb approach.
  • “You can dig your grave with a fork and spoon.”: Illustrates how dietary choices significantly impact health, emphasizing the role of diet in overall well-being.

How does the Protein Power plan work?

  • Carbohydrate Reduction: Initial phase involves reducing carbohydrate intake to 30 grams or less per day to lower insulin levels and improve metabolic health.
  • Protein Focus: Emphasizes high-quality protein sources like lean meats and dairy to maintain lean body mass while promoting fat loss.
  • Meal Planning: Provides detailed meal plans and recipes to facilitate easy adherence to the diet.

What is insulin resistance, and why is it important in Protein Power?

  • Definition: Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and associated with obesity and diabetes.
  • Health Implications: It's a significant risk factor for chronic diseases like heart disease and metabolic syndrome, making it crucial to address.
  • Dietary Solutions: The book suggests carbohydrate restriction and increased protein intake to combat insulin resistance and improve health.

What are the recommended protein sources in Protein Power?

  • High-Quality Proteins: Lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy are recommended for essential amino acids and muscle maintenance.
  • Plant-Based Options: Tofu and tempeh are suggested for vegetarians, ensuring adequate protein intake regardless of dietary preferences.
  • Protein Equivalency Charts: Charts help calculate protein needs and serving sizes, aiding in meeting daily requirements.

How can I assess my risk for insulin-related disorders according to Protein Power?

  • Medical History Quiz: A quiz helps evaluate risk based on personal and family medical history, highlighting potential insulin-related issues.
  • Laboratory Tests: Recommends tests like fasting insulin and lipid profiles to confirm suspicions about insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
  • Monitoring Progress: Regular monitoring of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure is essential for tracking progress and adjusting the dietary plan.

What role does exercise play in the Protein Power plan?

  • Resistance Training: Emphasized for building muscle mass and promoting fat loss, stimulating growth hormone release for muscle repair.
  • Improved Metabolic Health: Regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, complementing the dietary plan.
  • Sustainable Lifestyle: Encourages enjoyable physical activities to maintain motivation and support long-term weight management.

How does Protein Power define hyperinsulinemia?

  • Excess Insulin Production: Defined as having excessive insulin levels in the blood, often due to insulin resistance.
  • Health Implications: Linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, addressing it through diet can improve health.
  • Dietary Management: Advocates a low-carbohydrate diet to lower insulin levels and combat hyperinsulinemia, restoring metabolic balance.

What are the phases of the Protein Power diet?

  • Phase I: A strict low-carbohydrate phase to kickstart weight loss and improve metabolic health, with around 30 grams of carbs per day.
  • Phase II: Gradually increases carbohydrate intake to about 55 grams per day, allowing more variety while promoting weight loss.
  • Maintenance Phase: Focuses on maintaining weight with a balanced diet, emphasizing long-term habits to prevent weight regain.

What are the potential challenges of the Protein Power diet?

  • Initial Adjustment: Transitioning may be challenging, with symptoms like fatigue or cravings as the body adapts to low-carb intake.
  • Social Situations: Navigating social events and dining out can be difficult; planning and communicating preferences can help.
  • Long-Term Commitment: Requires dedication and discipline, viewing changes as a lifestyle rather than a temporary diet for lasting success.

Review Summary

3.89 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Protein Power receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its scientific approach to nutrition and weight loss. Many found the book informative, explaining complex biochemistry in an accessible way. Readers appreciated the focus on low-carb, high-protein diets and reported successful weight loss. Some criticized the book for being outdated or promoting processed foods. Overall, readers found it helpful in understanding insulin's role in metabolism and appreciated the historical context provided. The book is recommended for those interested in low-carb diets and nutritional science.

Your rating:
4.38
28 ratings

About the Author

Michael R. Eades is a physician and author who co-wrote "Protein Power" with his wife, Mary Dan Eades. The book, published in the 1990s, advocates for a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Eades' approach combines medical knowledge with nutritional science to explain the effects of diet on health and weight loss. He emphasizes the role of insulin in metabolism and argues against the conventional low-fat, high-carb dietary recommendations. Eades' work has been influential in the low-carb movement, predating many popular diets like Atkins. His writing style is noted for making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience, often incorporating humor and historical context to engage readers.

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