How does protein stand-up to a no carbohydrate diet? Realistically speaking the low or no carbohydrate diet lacks nutritional value. If carbohydrates were unnecessary components of nutrition, they most likely would not be included in the pyramid of foods to eat. Beans, whole grains, various vegetable and fruits all contain carbohydrates.

The components of carbohydrates are needed for energy and the production of serotonin (mood enhancer). Just like any other food, carbohydrates must be consumed in small doses. The same rule applies in the consumption of protein. Unfortunately, given the recent trend of eliminating and reducing carbohydrate intake, the United States Department has found that the average American consumes more than sufficient amounts of protein.

Although clinical studies have not evaluated the good versus the bad, excessive consumption of anything is generally never a good thing. Nutritionally-valued protein contains omega-3 fatty acids. It’s considered a ‘good’ protein because it is opulent with polyunsaturated fat which has been associated with healing agents for people afflicted with heart disease.

Moreover medical professionals recommend a diet well-rounded in a variety of nutrients. Usually, most foods naturally contain fat, protein and carbohydrates. As a result, it’s one of the reasons the low carbohydrate or no carbohydrate diet is unrealistic.

For instance, black beans are excellent sources of protein, 9 grams but they also represent 19 grams of carbs. Even though many people perceive rice as a carbohydrate, it contains five grams of protein. Carbohydrates are an inevitable aspect of most people’s diets. Use the following list as a guide to discerning bad protein from good protein:

Good Protein
White beans
Lentils
Red beans
Chick Peas

Bad protein
Bacon
Lentils
Fatty cheeseburger