High-protein diets have been getting a lot of press lately. It's hard to deny that people who follow a high-protein/low-carb diet usually lose weight rapidly when they first start. However, most people find it difficult to keep the weight off long-term.

Also, no matter how much weight you may or may not lose on this diet, the most important thing to consider is your health. It's not healthy to consume the amount of fat that is usually advocated with this type of diet. And, eventually, your body and your palate will be screaming out for fresh fruit and vegetables. At the end of the day, it's almost impossible to get enough vitamins and minerals from this diet.

So, although some people will benefit from increasing the protein in their diet, you can take a good idea too far and go overboard to the detriment of your health and well-being.

"I have been on the Atkins Diet for eight months and I feel great. I have lost 30 pounds, no longer have problems with energy and my cholesterol has gone down. It has been the easiest diet to stick to that I have ever tried, and I plan to continue to eat this way." -- An iVillager

"I'm doing the six-week Body Makeover (by Michael Thurmond) and I feel light-headed right after eating a meal and well into the rest of the day. I'm also starving all the time! What a waste of $200! I did lose five pounds the first week, but I'm not about to jeopardize my health to look good." -- iVillager chevygal

See what other iVillagers have to say and weigh in with your own comments and stories on our Message Boards:

• Atkins Diet
• Losing Weight
• Real Advice: Diet Success