Low Protein Diet Plan

Protein is vital to healthy growth and development, tissue repair and immune-system functions, but some individuals must carefully monitor their intake due to certain health conditions. For those individuals, too much protein can be dangerous or even deadly. Low-protein diet plans are often prescribed for individuals suffering from kidney or liver disease, as well as certain types of genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Understand Your Plan

Only attempt to follow a low-protein diet under the advice and care of your physician. Consult a nutritionist if necessary for help understand your diet's guidelines. Your doctor will tell you the amount of protein you are allowed to eat daily and a nutritionist can help to ensure that you choose foods that will meet all of your nutritional needs. You will need to keep a chart of protein amounts in common foods handy and track your intake for each meal. Use a kitchen scale to help you measure protein amounts accurately.

Foods

Foods from both plant and animal sources contain protein, but those from animal sources are higher overall. You will need to carefully monitor how much meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products you eat, as those foods are all considered high-quality, complete proteins and contain about 7 to 8 grams of protein per ounce.
Significant amounts of protein also are found in some plant foods; for example, two tablespoons of peanut butter, a half cup of beans or dried peas, and 3 ounces of tofu each contain about 7 grams of protein.
Grains and starches are relatively low in protein, but must still be counted. One slice of bread or a half cup of grain, cereal, or starchy vegetable contains about 2 ounces of protein.
Most vegetables contain about one gram of protein per serving, and fruits contain only trace amounts.

Menu Planning

When following a low-protein diet, base your meals around complex carbohydrate foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Use meat and other protein foods as condiments rather than main dishes. Slice meat thinly for sandwiches and substitute vegetables and grains for some of the meat in soups, stews and casseroles. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables and use vegetarian recipes for most of your meals. Explore Indian and other Asian cuisines that are traditionally low in meat and other high-protein foods. Purchase special low-protein pastas, breads, baking mixes and baked goods at health food stores or online (see resources).