TEMPE, Ariz., Sept. 24 (AScribe News) -- What's the best way to lose weight - going on a high-protein diet, counting calories or upping your exercise level?

Carol Johnston, professor of nutrition, and Pam Swan, associate professor of exercise wellness, both at Arizona State University East, are conducting a six-week weight-loss study with three study groups, each of which will follow one of the regimens described above, and a control group.

The subjects are men and women between 25 and 65. The high-protein, low-carbohydrate group will eat meals similar to those of Barry Sears' Zone diet.

Johnston said little has been written in scientific journals about high-protein diets. She has conducted two one-day studies which showed that the high-protein menu had beneficial effects on insulin and glucose levels.

"This may be a beneficial diet for people at a high risk for diabetes who want to lose weight," Johnston said.

All subjects in the ASUE study are given blood tests prior to the study and bloodwork will be done following the study, measuring glucose, insulin and trigylceride levels.

Body fat, body metabolism, calorie expenditure and kidney function also will be assessed.

For more information about the study, call Johnston at 480-727-1713, or e-mail her at carol.johnston@asu.edu.

Sample breakfast menus:

High protein, reduced calories: 1/2 cup cantaloupe; 1 cup egg beater scrambled with 1 ounce ham, 1 ounce cheese; 1 cup skim milk.

Standard, reduced calories: 1/2 cup cantaloupe; blueberry bagel and 1 ounce cream cheese; 1 cup skim milk.

　　From Healthy.net