Can eating too much protein make you fat?

Popular protein diets

Many diets suggest cutting out carbs and replacing them with protein. But like anything else, eating too much of one thing isn't always good.

Yes, you'll lose weight cutting out carbs, but eating too much protein isn't good for your body or your health.

Chances are, if you're eating a protein-based diet, you're eating a lot of fatty animal foods. Too much red meat leads to all sorts of health problems, including high cholesterol and an increase in heart disease risk.

And we already know that processed high fat foods tend to lead to weight gain.

How much protein is too much?

One serving of meat, poultry or fish protein shouldn't be bigger or thicker than the palm of your hand, or take up more than a third of your plate.

It's recommended that you don't eat more than two palm-sized servings of meat a day.

If you're vegetarian or on a plant-based diet, try aiming for something similar.

For example, don't pile your plate full of beans, but keep it to a third of your plate as well – and fill the rest with veggies or healthy fats and carbs.

Recommended reading: Are you eating protein the wrong way?

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