Chemistry:Ideal Protein

Ideal Protein is a four-phase carbohydrate-restricted weight loss plan composed of premade meals, lean protein, vegetables, and water. It is designed to target fat loss using ketosis while maintaining muscle mass and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Ideal Protein was developed by Tran Tien Chanh.

Diet

The diet consists of a four-phase plan to lose weight and maintain weight loss. Sugar and carbohydrates are restricted. Participants work with a qualified weight loss coach and are taught healthy food choices to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Ideal Protein produces a line of foods, shakes, snacks and dietary supplements to facilitate the dietary plan.

The first phase of the plan is the majority of the weight loss portion and consists of breakfast and lunch from Ideal Protein, a dinner of whole protein and vegetables, and one Ideal Protein snack. Phase two allows for lunch flexibility sticking to the protein and vegetable guideline. Phase three introduces a healthy breakfast of fruit and grains. In Phase four, the participant learns to balance carbohydrates with proteins and fats to avoid weight gain.

Phase One

In phase one three Ideal Protein packets a day are consumed for breakfast, lunch and snack. At lunch time the Ideal Protein packet is supplemented with two cups of vegetables and at dinner you also eat two cups of vegetables along with eight ounces of real (not powered form) protein. Ideal Protein foods packets are classified as either restricted or unrestricted, only one restricted packet per day is allowed.

Vegetables are restricted to those that are listed for the program and these vegetables are subdivided into three categories: unlimited (eat as much as you want), select (2 cups per meal) and occasional (maximum 4 cups per week).

Phase Two

Phase two lasts two weeks and two Ideal Protein packets a day are consumed for breakfast and snack. The lunch packet is replaced with 8 ounces of real protein. Phase two has the same vegetable restriction,supplements and water consumption requirements as phase one.

Phase Three

Phase three also lasts two weeks and an Ideal Protein packet for snack is consumed along with an optional meal replacement for breakfast. A select restricted portion size of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fruit are now allowed for breakfast. Phase three has the same vegetable restriction, supplements and water consumption requirements as phase one and two.

Phase Four

Phase four is the final phase of the diet referred to as the maintenance phase and lasts for an indefinite period of time. Purchasing Ideal Protein packets or supplements is no longer necessary and the carbohydrate restriction is lifted. The consumption of two litres of water per day is still recommended. Although restrictions are lifted it is recommended to have meals that are either high in carbohydrates or high in fat but not both.

Studies

Amy Krie composed a study on Ideal Protein, presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in 2013, which showed dietary intervention resulted in significant weight loss despite the participants' endocrine therapy, which typically results in weight gain.

Aspirus Heart and Vascular conducted a study based on its employees and found that after participating in the Ideal Protein weight loss protocol, the average healthcare cost and claims received for those employees decreased. The study was presented at Obesity Week 2016.

Company

The company that owns and manages the Ideal Protein diet is Laboratoires C.O.P Inc. founded in 2003 and based out of Gatineau Québec.

Criticisms

It is considered to be one of the more expensive diet options with an up front cost of about $100 in vitamin supplements and a cost of about $100 a week for the Ideal Protein packets.

The requirement for two multi-vitamins and four calcium tablets daily is considered excessive by some.