Liz has a friend in her dance company named Silvia. Silvia was always a little pudgy, but now she's tighter than Liz has ever seen her. Yesterday, even their teacher commented on how great she looks! After class, Liz asked her secret and she said she's been on a high-protein diet for 2 months. Silvia said it's pretty easy to stick to-you just have to avoid starches like bread and pasta-oh, and most sweets, too, though you can still have ice cream. She said she never feels hungry anymore, that the meat and eggs and cheese keep her feeling full. Liz is thinking to herself, "Heck, I'm hungry all the time!" So Liz asked Silvia to bring her book about the diet so she can try it for herself.
One issue that has been a major controversy for many years is the use of high-protein diets for weight loss. Popular diets such as the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet, and the Sugar Busters diet support the use of high-protein or low-carbohydrate meals to achieve weight loss. The Highlight on High-Protein Diets features a detailed discussion of this controversial topic.
1. What do you think of Liz's idea of trying the diet?
2. Do you think Liz requires more protein? Explain your answer.
3. How could this new diet affect her dance performance?
4. What would your opinion of this diet be for Liz if you learned that her father suffered a heart attack last year at age 49?
5. Silvia states that she "never feels hungry anymore." Describe two reasons why she feels full all the time.