While some people get interesting in vegetarianism out of concern for the environment or animal rights, others see avoiding meat as a way to lose weight. If you're interested in vegetarianism because you want to shed a few pounds, there are a few things you need to know.
Advantages of Fruits and Vegetables
Whole fruits and vegetables are low in calories and good sources of fiber and water. MayoClinic.com reports these foods help you lose weight because they take up room in your stomach and take time to digest, both of which help you maintain a feeling of fullness.
Advantages of Vegetarian Protiens
Vegetarian weight loss involves more than just fruits and vegetables; you'll also need to make sure you're getting enough protein. Fortunately, many plants, including beans, nuts and soy products, are good sources of protein while containing fewer calories than meats. For example, 100 g of canned black beans have 86 calories, while the same weight of extra-lean ground beef have 137 calories, according to the USDA's food database.
Other Advantages of Vegetarian Diets
The American Dietetic Association reports vegetarians generally have lower bad cholesterol levels, are less likely to have high blood pressure, are less likely to suffer from heart disease, and are less likely to develop type II diabetes than people who eat meat.
Considerations
Just being a vegetarian isn't enough to ensure you'll lose weight. Weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you take in. You'll still need to plan healthy, balanced meals and avoid foods high in calories and saturated fat. For example, potato chips, tortilla chips, and some brands of cookies are all vegetarian, but they are hardly diet food.
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