Vegan Diet for Fat Loss

Vegan Diet for Fat Loss
Photo Credit side salad image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com

Vegan diets can help you lose weight if you eat a healthy, low-calorie vegan diet. Like any diet, it depends less on what you eat, but how many calories you consume as opposed to how many you burn through exercise. Even though a vegan diet excludes fatty meats and dairy, it may still be high in refined breads, pastas and sugars, which cause weight gain.

Vegan Diet

The American Dietetic Association recommends eating a well-balanced vegan diet for optimal weight management. A well-balanced vegan diet includes foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, while legumes and whole grains are full of dietary fiber. Fiber can contribute to weight loss because unrefined carbohydrates help you feel satisfied for a longer time frame, minimizing your caloric intake. A vegan diet greatly decreases your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease -- all of which can be linked to obesity.

Raw Vegan Diet

A raw vegan diet is the diet that has the highest probability of health and weight loss. Although it is similar to a vegan diet because it does not include animal products, it also does not include cooked products, so that eliminates all pasta, breads and other baked goods, which are high in calories and may include refined carbohydrates. Carbohydrates change into fats as your body digests them into glucose, and because refined carbohydrates do not contain fiber, the glucose is absorbed quickly and can cause blood sugar instability. In a raw vegan diet, you can eat raw fruits, vegetables, along with sprouted grains and legumes and any of these products at a temperature lower than 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Some health food stores carry ready-made products that make raw vegan equivalent foods for normal foods you eat, such as a raw vegan hamburger, lasagna or tomato soup. This diet has been shown to be healthy for adults, as long as most of the nutrients are derived from foods rather than supplements. According to the book "Evie's Kitchen" by raw vegan expert, Shazzie, a 100 percent raw vegan diet, especially without supplements, may not be recommended for children's health.

Fruitarian

A fruitarian diet is a rare derivative of a vegan diet. Contrary to how it sounds, fruitarians do not only eat fruits. A fruitarian diet consists of eating vegetables and fruits and any plant that has a blossom. This is another option for efficient fat loss, but its health effects are less known. Always consult with your doctor before changing your diet.

Health Advantages of Vegan Diet for Fat Loss

The advantages of eating a healthy vegan diet for weight loss is that you are eating nutrient-dense foods that make you healthier while losing weight. Variety is key. Keep your focus on eating raw and slightly cooked vegetables with occasional fruits as desserts throughout your day . Eat proteins, such as tempeh, lentils, adzuki beans, and grains, such as quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat. Remember to take your supplements of vitamin B12 and flaxseed oil.

References

Article reviewed by Kaydee Lowrey Last updated on: Jan 21, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments