Low-Protein Diet : Foods To Eat & Avoid And Recipes

Protein is one of the macromolecules that is one of the building blocks of life and essential for healthy growth and vital bodily functions. However, a low-protein diet is not for everyone, and you should not follow it solely for the sake of appearance or cosmetic reasons.

Only under certain clinical conditions like poor kidney function, a liver condition, or inborn metabolic abnormalities should you consider following this diet. Even then, you need to do it under the supervision of a doctor and a nutritionist to follow the appropriate guidelines for this diet.

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about a low-protein diet. Scroll down for more information.

At A Glance: Low-Protein Diet

• Principle: A protein-restricted diet where protein constitutes 4-8% of the total daily calorie (about 20-50 g of protein per day).
• Purpose: To manage or improve impaired kidney function, liver issues, or inborn metabolic abnormalities, which often interfere with protein metabolism.
• Who It Is For: Individuals with inherited metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria, maple syrup urinary disease, and those with liver and renal conditions, high uric acid levels, and protein sensitivity.
• Duration: Short-term
• Who Should Avoid: All individuals without the health conditions specified above.
• Cons: May lead to muscle loss, increase the risk of infections, cause tooth decay and edema, and may affect wound healing and immune response.

What Is A Low-Protein Diet?

An average healthy individual needs 10-15% (>0.8 g/kg body weight/d) of calories from protein, depending on the activity level (1).

But in a low-protein diet, only about 20-50 g of protein (which is 0.5-0.6 g/kg body weight) per day is allowed, which amounts to 4-8% of the daily calorie requirement (2).

Though protein is extremely vital for bodily functions, improving metabolic rates, and maintaining weight, a low-protein diet with a balanced dietary approach can also have a better effect on health conditions if you have any clinical disorders.

Who Should Follow A Low-Protein Diet?

People with certain metabolic disorders like phenylketonuriaⁱ  XA disorder that causes an amino acid buildup in the blood which can result in mental retardation, movement problems, and seizures. (PKU), maple syrup urinary disease, homocystinuriaⁱ  XAn inherited disorder causing a harmful buildup of substances in the blood and urine during which the body is unable to process amino acids. , liver disorders, renal conditions, high levels of uric acid, or sensitivity to proteins need to follow a low-protein diet under proper supervision.

Why Is A Low-Protein Diet Important?

Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, says, “A low protein diet can help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, it’s important to also adequately meet your nutritional needs to avoid being malnourished. It’s best to consult with a registered dietitian to help design an appropriate plan.”

A low-protein diet is effective in certain medical conditions rather than to stay healthy. Here are the benefits of a low protein diet:

1. Reduces Load On Kidneys

A low-protein diet is important for giving your kidneys rest and preventing toxic build-up in the body. When your protein intake exceeds the daily requirement, the excess protein is metabolized by the liver to produce the nitrogenous compound urea, which puts a burden on your kidneys (3).

Your kidneys have to work 24/7 to flush out the urea load. Soon, your kidneys get stressed and become unable to metabolize proteins. As a result, urea gets accumulated in the body, leading to toxic results (4).

2. Effective For Inborn Errors Of Protein Metabolism

A low-protein diet slows down the degradation of protein metabolism, which helps to minimize symptoms of phenylketonuria and homocystinuria, genetic disorders associated with improper protein metabolism (5).

3. Improves Longevity

Foods high in protein, especially animal protein, impact protein metabolism and put a burden on your organs.

Studies have found that foods low in protein and amino acids are strongly associated with improved longevity and metabolic health and reduction in the prevalence rates of cancer, cardiovascular disordersⁱ  XA condition that affects the heart or blood vessels and results in abnormal blood flow, which may cause multiple blood clots. , diabetes (6), (7).

4. Reduces Uric Acid Synthesis

A low-protein diet is important for the treatment of painful gout (inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid synthesis). A study conducted on diabetic rats on a low-protein diet showed a significant reduction in the formation of uric acid (8).

How Much Protein Should Be Taken In A Low Protein Diet?

Normally, your body requires about 40-60 g of protein every day (or 0.8 g of protein per kg body weight, depending on activity level). So, if you weigh 60 kgs and do very little to no physical exercise, you will need 48 g of protein per day (9).

In cases where a low-amino acid/protein diet is needed for medical reasons, you must reduce your protein consumption to 0.5-0.6 g/kg body weight based on the condition of your kidneys and requirement (2).

Kayley Myers, RDN, says, “It is important to note that all our calories come from either carbohydrates, protein, and fat. If you lower your protein intake, you will need to increase the amount of carbs or fat that you eat. Protein is important for maintaining muscle mass, so low protein diets are usually only recommended to people with chronic kidney disease.”Consult your doctor for any clinical conditions.

List Of Low-Protein Foods

The bottom line during low-protein dietary management is to avoid consuming high-protein dietary sources and have foods that have low-protein content. What are they? Here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid on a low-protein diet.

Foods To Eat

Barbara Kovalenko, a nutritional consultant, says, “If you’re looking to design a low-protein diet, it’s important to focus on plant-based sources of protein, such as legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can also incorporate non-meat sources such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan which are good sources of protein. Some foods that do not contain protein include fruits, vegetables, and grains.” You must consume foods that are low in protein and have good nutritional value. Here’s the list:

Low-Protein Foods

• Veggies – Kale, spinach, carrot, beetroot, scallions, radish greens, radish, turnip, parsnip, and pumpkin.
• Starches – Bread, pasta, cereals, croissants, bagel, muffin, rice cakes, noodles, and popcorn. (preferably whole grain unrefined starch variants that may also help people with kidney problems and diabetes).

These foods contain the lowest amounts of protein.

• Fruits – Apple, banana, papaya, melon, peach, plum, grapes, oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit, dried fruits, fruit juice, and frozen or canned fruit.
• Fats – Butter, margarine, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, olive oil, and salad dressing.
• Sugars – Candies, cake, marshmallow, lollipop, Danish, and granola bars. (though we recommend minimal consumption of these sugars).
• Beverages – Green tea, non-dairy beverages, soda, and water.
• Condiments – Vinegar, powdered garlic, powdered onion, fresh and dried herbs, and pepper.

Foods You Can Eat In Moderate Amounts

You will be allowed to consume the following high-protein foods, but only in very small amounts.

• Animal Protein – Fish, meat, and eggs.
• Dairy – Milk, pudding, cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt.

Tip: Consider having non-dairy milk products if you have already consumed the allowed amounts of dairy products for the day. In addition, always read the nutrition information provided for each product as some products have a higher protein content than others (like soy milk, which has 8g/serving Vs. almond milk, which has 1.3g/serving).

Foods To Avoid

• Bacon
• Tartar sauce
• Meat tenderizers
• Ketchup
• Cooking wine
• Soy sauce
• Steak sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Chili sauce
• Seasoned salt
• Sea salt

Tip: Avoid consuming high-sodium foods or sugary foods. Talk to your doctor to decide the allowed amount of each food.

There are some foods that you can eat in moderate amounts. These include beans, soya, lentils, tofu, nuts, and nut butter.

Now, let me tell you how you can plan your diet depending on the foods that you are allowed to eat.

Sample Low- Protein Diet Plan

Kovalenko says, “As for breakfast, a low-protein breakfast can include options, such as oatmeal with nuts and seeds, whole grain toast with nut butter, or a vegetable omelet made with tofu.” Here is a sample diet plan that you can follow to help with your meal planning:

You can follow this sample diet plan and the tips listed in the next section to eat normally and without feeling deprived.

How To Easily Integrate A Low-Protein Diet Into Your Routine

Initially, going on a low-protein diet may seem like a drastic change. But if you know how to tweak your diet plan, it will only get easier to stay away from this essential macronutrient. Here’s what you can do.

• Consume thin slices of meat – this cuts down the protein content.
• Consider the veggies in your salad as the main dish; the small amount of meat can be the high-protein source.
• Mostly use non-dairy products.
• Decrease the meat when you make a casserole.
• Consume vegetable lasagna.
• While making wraps and sandwiches, avoid using shrimps and big chunks of meat.

Quick Tip

Center your meals around green leafy vegetables, fruits, and unrefined whole grains instead of meat, fish, and beans.

Calorie Boosters

These are foods that will help you maintain a healthy weight when you are on a nutritional restriction. Here’s what you can eat:

• Fats – Consume olive oil, mayonnaise, and rice bran oil.
• Sugar – Add sugar to your diet in the form of jellies, jelly beans, jam, jelly, syrups, gummies, and hard candy.
• Frozen/Canned Foods – Canned or frozen fruits and veggies are high in calories and can act as calorie boosters when you are on a low-protein diet.

Using these foods will not drastically drop the number of calories you consume, thereby protecting you from weak immunity and fatigue. Also, consult your doctor regarding the quantity of intake to prevent overconsumption. Now, let’s talk about the most exciting part. Scroll down to find out what it is.

Did You Know?

Adding extra virgin olive oil to their diet was found to reduce body fat and significantly improve blood pressure in women (10).

Low-Protein Recipes

1. Vegetable And Salmon Salad

Ingredients

• ¼ cup baby spinach
• ¼ cup rocket spinach
• ¼ cup collard greens
• 1 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt to taste

How To Prepare

1. Toss all the greens and salmon into a bowl.
2. Mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle it over the salad.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

2. Flat Rice Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients

• ½ cup of flat rice
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup raspberries
• 1 small banana, sliced
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup

How To Prepare

1. Wash the flat rice. Drain the water and toss the flat rice into a bowl.
2. Add milk and top it with the fruits.
3. Add a generous amount of maple syrup and cocoa powder. And it’s ready!

3. Low-Protein Egg And Avocado Toast

Ingredients

• ½ boiled egg
• 1 slice of wheat bread
• ½ avocado
• 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper

How To Prepare

1. Slice the avocado and boiled egg.
2. Place them on top of the wheat toast.
3. Drizzle a little mayonnaise, season, and it’s ready!

Risks Associated With A Low-Protein Diet

• Following a low-protein diet on a continuous basis affects the vital functions of cells, such as wound healing and immune response (11).
• A low-protein diet can lead to muscle loss (11).
• Finally, this diet is low in iron, calcium, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3) – and hence, you would need nutritional supplements to sustain normal body functions. But, speak to your doctor before taking any supplements.
• Increases the risk of infections (12).
• It can harm the heart if sugar and fat sources are not monitored.
• May lead to tooth decay.
• The low-protein diet reduces serum albumin levelsⁱ  XAlbumin is a protein produced by the liver. Albumin levels refer to the amount of albumin present in the blood. , which causes edema (accumulation of water in extremities) (12).

You must talk to your doctor before you start a low-protein diet. Kovalenko adds, “It’s important to note that a low-protein diet may not be right for everyone, and it’s always best to consult with a doctor or dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet. With the right guidance, you can ensure that you’re getting the right amount of protein for your individual needs and reap the benefits that come with it.” Also, take the following precautions.

Precautions To Be Taken On A Low-Protein Diet

• A low-protein diet should be followed under strict medical guidance from a dietitian who is familiar with liver and kidney diseases.
• The diet should be designed in a way to meet the nutritional and dietary needs of the individual and cut down the workload on the kidneys.
• The diet should not eliminate protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, and cheese.

Infographic: Foods To Eat And Avoid In A Low-Protein Diet

Although protein is one of the essential components of life, sometimes, people with medical conditions like poor kidney function or liver function have to follow a low-protein diet. Therefore, you should follow this dietary plan only under the strict supervision of a doctor or a nutritionist. For additional guidance, check out the infographic below to learn about the foods to eat and avoid in a low-protein diet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which foods do not contain protein?

Eva De Angelis, a dietitian-nutritionist, says, “All kinds of fruits and veggies, except for peas, fresh beans, and corn, and healthy fat sources like avocado and olive oil are pretty much protein-free. We have some grains like rice, oats, bread, pasta, and barley with moderate amounts of protein, so they are also ok for a low-protein diet.”

What is a low-protein breakfast?

Jen Hernandez, Registered Dietitian and board-certified in renal nutrition, says, “An example of a low-protein breakfast could include coconut yogurt topped with fresh berries and granola. Another example could be gluten-free avocado toast with preferred spices and seasonings on top, paired with a side of fruit.”

Why do kidney patients need a low-protein diet?

A moderate- to high-protein diet produces waste products that need to be eliminated by the kidneys. To reduce this load on the kidneys, a low-protein diet is suggested to kidney patients.

Are potatoes low in protein?

Potatoes are starchy vegetables that have comparatively lesser protein (13). Thus, they can be added to a low-protein diet plan.

Can you lose weight on a low-protein diet?

Yes, but that might happen through a loss of muscle mass, which is not recommended. Consult your doctor before you start a low-protein diet exclusively for losing weight.

Will a low-protein diet help with inherited metabolic disorders?

Yes, a low-protein diet is recommended for those with phenylketonuria and homocystinuria. Consult a doctor to find out the amount of protein you can have per day.

Do tomatoes have protein?

Yes, 100 g of tomatoes contain only 0.88g of protein. This makes them an excellent addition to your low-protein diet (14).

Start your day right with some delicious and nutritious low protein breakfast! Watch this video for quick and easy recipies for a filling and enjoyable first meal of the day.

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Bulelani MakapelaRD

 

Bulelani Makapela is a registered dietitian based in East London, South Africa. She has an interest in clinical and community nutrition and food service management. She is passionate about nutrition education as she believes it is one of the fundamental parts in the treatment of individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.   Bulelani completed her studies at...more

• Eva De AngelisRDN

  Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.
  
  Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.

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Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master's in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,...more

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