To correct the silhouette in strategic areas, reduce the appearance of cellulite, reduce fat mass and preserve muscle mass – these are the goals of the alloprotein diet, which involves a high protein content and a sharp restriction of carbohydrates and sugars. We tell you how it works. Important: this is not a diet for independent experiments.
This is not just another high-protein diet: if it is properly adapted to individual needs together with a specialist and followed for a certain period of time, the alloprotein diet can provide long-lasting results.
View this post on Instagram
How to lose weight effortlessly
Losing weight in a healthy way and without excessive effort over time is the goal of many people who have already tried various diets without a noticeable effect. Recently, there has been more and more talk about the alloprotein diet (not to be confused with the high-protein diet). This diet has received the unofficial name “food liposuction” due to the promise of correcting the silhouette, reducing fat deposits and even the appearance of cellulite and fluid retention. Without losing precious muscle mass and in a relatively short period of time. But how exactly does it work? Is it effective and safe? Let's figure it out together with a nutritionist.
Advertising.
View this post on Instagram
What is the alloprotein diet?
Developed in the 1970s at Harvard University by Professor George L. Blackburn, the alloprotein diet has become a nutritional protocol that should be followed under the supervision of a specialist. It is based on a high protein intake and shares features with the ketogenic diet. Like the keto diet, this regimen involves a sharp reduction in carbohydrates and sugars in order to force the body to use protein and fat as a source of energy. When followed correctly, the alloprotein diet can help reduce body weight by 7–10%, reduce fat mass, and preserve muscle mass.
View this post on Instagram
Three phases of the alloprotein diet
Phase 1: “attack”
It lasts 21 days and it is during this period that the main weight loss occurs. The diet consists almost entirely of proteins, and carbohydrates and sugars are limited as much as possible.
It is provided:
Protein: 1.2–1.5 g per kilogram of ideal body weight. 50% comes from foods (red meat, chicken, eggs, fish), 50% comes from protein supplements.
Carbohydrates: 10–20 g per day (only from vegetables).
Fats: about 10 g per day (usually a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil).
Snacks: supplements or raw fennel and cucumbers.
Individually selected supplements: vitamins, minerals, omega-3.
Phase 2: Transitional
Lasts about 10 days. This is a hypocaloric diet in which carbohydrates are gradually reintroduced in small amounts.
Phase 3 — support
A balanced, slightly hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, personalized by a specialist to maintain the achieved results.
View this post on Instagram
How is the alloprotein diet different from the ketogenic and high-protein diet?
Nutritionist and pharmacist Lisa Prossliner, who works in Berlin, explains: “The ketogenic diet is a broader concept. It significantly restricts carbohydrates to achieve a state of ketosis, when the body uses ketone bodies as its main source of energy. There are many variations: with normal or increased protein content, higher fat, hypocaloric or not, more structured or flexible. The alloprotein diet is a clinically controlled version of the ketogenic diet. It involves a precise calculation of protein according to muscle mass, strict calorie control and a gradual transition from ketosis to a gradual introduction of carbohydrates. Its goal is not to increase protein in an uncontrolled way, but to preserve muscle mass while losing weight.” A high-protein diet is any regimen with increased protein intake regardless of the amount of carbohydrates. It does not necessarily involve ketosis.
View this post on Instagram
Benefits of the alloprotein diet
- Rapid weight loss and reduction of local fat deposits (especially on the thighs, buttocks and sides)
- Reducing fluid retention
- Decreased hunger after the first 2–3 days
- Increased energy levels after 4–6 days
Possible side effects
- Weakness and mental fatigue in the first 3–4 days
- Headache in the first 2 days
- Bad breath
- Constipation
- Nausea
View this post on Instagram
Who is the alloprotein diet suitable for?
It can be useful for overweight or obese people who need a quick start in their weight loss process. For example, before surgery or to increase motivation due to quick first results. It is best suited to motivated people who are ready for regular monitoring, taking micronutrients and electrolytes and gradually returning to carbohydrates under professional supervision.
When should it be avoided?
The alloprotein diet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in case of eating disorders, renal or hepatic insufficiency, hyperuricemia, gout or in case of a history of kidney stones. In case of diabetes treated with insulin or sugar-lowering drugs, it can be used only under strict medical supervision due to the risk of hypoglycemia. Caution is also required in people taking diuretics, having arrhythmias or doing sports with a high glycolytic load.
View this post on Instagram
Does it help get rid of fat in “problem” areas?
No diet can “decide” which areas of the body will lose fat. The all-protein diet creates a stable energy deficit, and ketosis naturally reduces appetite, which helps maintain this deficit.
At the beginning, there is often a rapid reduction in volume due to glycogen and fluid loss. Over time, there is a real reduction in fat mass – evenly throughout the body. The waist usually decreases faster due to the metabolic activity of visceral fat, while the hips and buttocks respond more slowly due to genetic and hormonal factors.
Is the alloprotein diet really effective?
In the short term, yes: it reduces appetite, improves glycemic and lipid profiles, and provides clinically significant weight loss. However, the transition phase is crucial. Without nutritional education, a gradual return to carbohydrates, and the formation of conscious eating habits, the risk of weight regain remains high.
View this post on Instagram
Is the alloprotein diet safe?
Under clinical supervision, yes. It requires a careful history, up-to-date tests, hydration control, sufficient fiber (from low-carb vegetables or supplements) and properly selected micronutrients. Side effects are usually temporary: headache, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps, bad breath, mild hypotension. In susceptible individuals, uric acid levels may increase and the risk of stone formation may increase. Insufficient protein intake or lack of strength training may result in loss of muscle mass.
In conclusion, the alloprotein diet is an effective tool, but not a universal one. It must be personalized according to individual needs, lifestyle and goals, taking into account behavioral aspects for long-term results.
Based on material from: Vogue.it