Protein sparing modified fast (PSMF) is a type of diet that is used for rapid weight loss, typically for people who are obese or morbidly obese.
The diet is very low in calories and carbohydrates, and high in protein. The idea behind the diet is to preserve muscle mass while the body is in a state of starvation, hence the name “protein sparing.” This is achieved by providing the body with enough protein to maintain muscle mass, while restricting other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and fat. The diet is usually used as a short-term solution, as it is not considered a sustainable long-term diet.
To follow a protein sparing modified fast, the basic steps are as follows:
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Consult a healthcare professional before starting the diet, as it is a very low-calorie diet and may not be suitable for everyone.
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Calculate your daily protein needs based on your body weight and activity level. Aim to consume at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
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Keep carbohydrate intake very low, typically less than 50 grams per day. This means avoiding most fruits, grains, and starchy vegetables.
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Fat intake should also be kept low, and come mostly from healthy sources such as nuts, seeds, and avocado.
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Eat enough protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy to meet your protein needs.
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Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
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Monitor your progress and consult your healthcare professional regularly.
It’s important to note that this diet should be only under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as it can cause nutrient deficiencies and other health problems if not followed correctly. It’s not recommended for long-term use and it’s important to discuss with a professional about a tailored plan for you and your goals.
Strength and Hypertrophy training
Strength training is an important component of a protein sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet, as it can help to maintain muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. When combined with a sufficient protein intake, strength training can help to preserve muscle mass and prevent muscle loss.
Strength training can include exercises such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, resistance band exercises and many more. It is recommended to perform exercises that target all major muscle groups, including the legs, chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Aim to do exercises that use multiple muscle groups at once, such as squats, deadlifts, and rows.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional or a certified personal trainer before starting a strength training program, as they can provide guidance on proper form and technique, and help design a program that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Strength training should be done regularly, ideally 2-3 times per week, in conjunction with a sufficient protein intake. This will help to maintain muscle mass and prevent muscle loss, which is important not just for appearance but also for overall health and function.
Expected weight loss
The expected weight loss on a protein sparing modified fast (PSMF) will vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s starting weight, calorie intake, and activity level. However, as it is a very low calorie diet, it is possible to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. Some people may lose several pounds per week while following the diet.
It’s important to note that rapid weight loss, especially in a short period of time, is not always sustainable, and the weight may be regained once normal eating habits are resumed. Additionally, the weight loss from PSMF is mainly due to a calorie deficit and not from a specific macronutrient, some muscle loss may occur if not properly monitored by a healthcare professional.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting this or any other diet, as it may not be appropriate for everyone. They can provide guidance on calorie and macronutrient needs, and monitor your progress to ensure that you are losing weight safely and healthily.
It’s difficult to give specific examples of expected weight loss on a protein sparing modified fast (PSMF) because it can vary so much depending on the individual. However, here are a few examples to give you an idea of what might be possible:
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A person who weighs 250 pounds and is following a PSMF diet with a daily calorie intake of 800-1000 calories, might expect to lose about 2-3 pounds per week.
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A person who weighs 150 pounds and is following a PSMF diet with a daily calorie intake of 800-1000 calories, might expect to lose about 1-2 pounds per week.
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A person who weighs 200 pounds and is following a PSMF diet with a daily calorie intake of 800-1000 calories, might expect to lose about 1.5-2.5 pounds per week.
It’s important to note that these are just examples and your actual weight loss may be different. Additionally, as previously mentioned, it’s important to keep in mind that this diet is only intended as a short-term solution and that rapid weight loss may not be sustainable in the long-term.