A nonrestrictive, weight loss diet focused on fiber and lean protein increase.

We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a non-restrictive diet that was focused on increasing dietary fiber and lean protein intake for weight loss. Dietary intake was assessed using three randomly selected 24-h dietary recalls. Fifteen obese adults enrolled in a 12-wk study that included six biweekly individual dietary counseling sessions to attain a daily goal of higher fiber (35 g/d) and lean protein (0.8 g/kg/d of individual's ideal body weight) intake. Feasibility was determined by retention and attendance and dietary adherence was measured. One participant dropped out of the study before the 12-wk assessment visit. Fourteen participants completed all six counseling sessions and one participant completed five sessions. At week 12, 93% of participants approved of the diet and 92% of participants did not feel hungry while on the diet. Mean fiber intake increased by 6.8 g/d (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2 to 10.5 g/d) and total protein intake increased by 5.7 g/d (95% CI, -3.7 to 15.0 g/d). The mean change in energy intake was -265.5 kcal/d (95% CI, -454.8 to -76.2 kcal/d). The dietary quality score as measured by the Alternative Healthy Eating Index increased by 6.1 (95% CI, 1.5 to 10.7). The mean change in weight was -2.2% (95% CI, -3.6 to -0.7%). A diet that promotes increased fiber and lean protein intake demonstrates feasibility and high acceptability ratings, which resulted in calorie and weight reductions and an improvement of the dietary quality.