Protein Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF) as the name suggests is a kind of partial fasting method. Fasting is sustaining yourself on either no food or a very less amount of food. This diet mainly derives calories from protein and very fewer calories from carbohydrates and a minimal amount from fats.
With the increase of obesity due to derangement in the dietary and lifestyle pattern, a number of diets have become famous and are being widely practiced around the world. But out of the many diets, PSMF is more useful for people who are obese with a BMI of more than 30. Let’s understand why.
PSMF is basically a long-term diet that has two different phases:
Intensive Phase
This phase extends for about four to six months. It is a restrictive phase which should be followed under the strict guidance of a physician and a registered dietician. Foods rich in lean protein such as egg whites, fish, chicken, tofu etc. provides most of the calories needed for the body. The measure of the amount of protein per day is around 1.2- 1.5gram/protein/kilo of body weight.
The carbohydrates should not exceed 20-50 grams per day which approximately is equal to two fruit pieces. Also, fat should be totally restricted except the ones that come from lean proteins.
As the total amount of water consumed will be reduced when adapting to a protein-rich diet, the patients are advised to take more water, reduce exercise to a minimum and take supplements of multivitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. However, this intensive phase period should not last for more than six months.
Re-Feeding Phase
This phase includes re-introducing fats and carbohydrates and also reducing the amount of protein intake. Fruits, vegetables, high fiber cereals, and low-fat foods are allowed during the refeeding phase. It is usually followed for around six-eight weeks.
The reason people tend to lose fat is that their bodies lose fat by utilizing the stored fat in the form of energy. Interestingly, the muscle mass is retained due to an intake of excess protein. Hence, it is mostly a kind of ketogenic diet designed to help morbidly obese individuals to lose weight rapidly, with minimal exercise. However, it is important that people should simultaneously adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle style patterns in order to maintain all that lost weight.
Source: Bpositive Magazine
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