Low Protein High Energy Diet

A low-protein, high-energy diet is one that is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein. It's important to choose the right types of foods on any diet, and a low-protein, high-energy diet is no exception. There are certain types of carbohydrates that you should focus on for optimal energy levels.

Low Protein

A low-protein diet consists of fewer meat and dairy products, which tend to be high in protein. However, it's important to make sure that you still eat some protein because it is an essential macronutrient that your body requires. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 10 percent and 35 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from protein. Since you're shooting for a low-protein, high-energy diet, stay on the low end of this range and get 10 percent to 15 percent of your calories from protein. For an average 2,000-calorie diet, this means that 200 to 250 calories should come from protein, which means consuming at least 50 grams of protein each day. Choose lean sources of protein like chicken, turkey and fish to get your minimal protein requirements. Keep in mind that a fist-sized portion of meat is around 3 or 4 ounces and usually contains between 20 and 30 grams of protein.

High Energy

Foods that provide energy for your body are high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are classified as either simple or complex. An example of simple carbohydrates is an apple or other piece of fruit, and an example of a complex carbohydrate is pasta. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are broken down by your digestive system and turned into energy that fuels your body. Simple carbohydrates are broken down quickly and provide quick bursts of energy, while complex carbohydrates---especially whole grain complex carbohydrates---are broken down slowly and provide a steady stream of energy. This is an important distinction because refined grains, which are complex carbohydrates that have been milled and stripped of their whole grains and nutritional properties, cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar levels. When you don't burn off these calories through exercise, these carbs are turned into fats in your blood stream. Eating a lot of refined carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance over time, which can put you at an increased risk of diabetes. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, have all of their nutritional properties intact, including a higher amount of fiber. Fiber can help keep your digestive system "normal" and helps regulate your blood sugar levels.
The bottom line when choosing high-energy, low-protein foods is that you should choose carbohydrates that are from fruits, vegetables or whole grains sources. All fruits and vegetables are good for you, so the more you eat, the better. Whole grain carbohydrates that are good sources of energy include whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa and cous cous. Beans, also known as legumes, are another excellent source of carbohydrates.