With many lean diets to chose from, it is difficult to find one that is not only effective, but also practical. It is also important to find a diet you can adopt as a lifestyle, or a way of eating. One lean diet that is often successful is a raw diet, followed by a vegan diet. A vegan diet, eliminating meat and dairy, has shown to lead to quick results that last. One method of starting the diet, and jump-starting weight loss, is by beginning with a raw diet. The raw diet results in fast weight loss, and the vegan diet leads to consistent, healthy weight loss. Most importantly, eating raw and vegan is known to be a very lean diet, due to the fact that both diets lack saturated and trans fats.
Start Raw
A raw diet will promote quick weight loss. By consuming only raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, your body will quickly absorb nutrients. This will aid in regulating your digestive system and is a good platform for beginning a vegan lifestyle. The raw food diet should only last for seven days, but some people, also known as "raw foodists," only eat raw foods. Cherie Soria, Vesanto Melina, R.D., and Brenda Davis, R.D., are authors of "The Raw Food Revolution Diet" and claim that a raw food diet will lead to quick weight loss that can be maintained, along with added energy and improved health. According to "The Raw Food Revolution Diet," those who follow a raw diet of primarily fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds lost an average of 10 lbs. in two to three weeks. However, it is crucial that you follow this diet with a vegan diet, or you will gain the weight you lost.
Follow with a Vegan Diet
A vegan diet should be used after the raw food diet to maintain weight loss. A vegan diet is filled with fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, soy, nuts and seeds. It eliminates meat and dairy from your diet, leading to a lean diet that lacks unhealthy fats. In a recent study from Imperial College in London, two groups were studied -- vegetarians and non-vegetarians who maintained a low calorie diet. It was found that the vegetarians lost more weight, even though they consumed more calories than the non-vegetarians.
Expert Insight
A study from "The Journal of Nutrition, Metabolic Diseases and Dietetics" showed that participants who followed a raw diet lost a lot of body weight, but researchers recommended that a raw food diet not be used over a long period of time. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., and MayoClinic.com contributor, explains that vegetarians typically have a lower body weight. Lastly, the American Dietetic association says that an appropriately planned vegan diet is healthful, nutritionally adequate, and contributes to effective weight loss.
What to Eat
During your raw food cleanse, consume only raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. When the cleanse has ended, proceed to begin the vegan diet. Consume only fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, soy, nuts and seeds. An example of a daily menu would be grapefruits and a vanilla soy milkshake for breakfast. Lunch could be a large walnut salad with avocados and balsamic dressing. Dinner could be whole wheat pasta with garlic and onions, and a side salad. Desserts could be either tofu ice cream or sorbet. Eat nuts and seeds throughout the day to consume healthy fats and protein that will keep you energized.
Considerations
If you are having difficulty withdrawing from meat, then choose from one of the many imitation-meat products. These products are naturally made from soy or tofu, so they are healthy and filling. There are imitation products for burgers, hot dogs, steaks, sausage and bacon. In addition, there are many imitation products that can be used as cheese, eggs and milk. Please consult your physician prior to commencing a new diet, and be sure to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
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