Vegetarianism is a growing diet trend that appeals to consumers for many reasons, including its health benefits. While many people are choosing to consume vegetarian diets as a temporary weight loss option, there is not enough evidence to support its effect on weight loss. As with any major diet changes, consult your doctor before you begin a vegetarian diet to confirm that you are getting the proper vitamins and supplements.
Health Benefits of Vegetarian Diets
Roughly 40 percent of women and 19 percent of men claim that they are actively seeking methods to lose weight, according to a 2000 article in "Obesity." Motives for adopting a vegetarian diet range from person to person and may include religious beliefs, health, animal welfare and environmental reasons. In addition to reducing the amount of animal fat and cholesterol, a vegetarian diet can provide health benefits that contribute to weight loss. While the total amount of weight loss will vary from person to person, choosing vegetarian foods that are low in fat and calories can help you lose weight, especially when combined with moderate physical activity.
Choosing Meat Supplements
While there are different kinds of vegetarians that range from vegans who eat no eggs, milk, or cheese to pescatarians who eliminate most meats but still eat seafood, the biggest change that takes place when moving from a meat diet to a vegetarian diet is finding filling meat substitutes that provide the vitamins and nutrients that meats contain. While many pasta dishes can be prepared without meat substitutes, tofu and eggplant are two options that resemble the taste and texture of meat. Many grocery stores carry brands of frozen food such as veggie burgers, veggie corndogs and veggie sausages.
Two Weeks Worth of Vegetarian Meals
While vegetarians have been shown to eat a diet that is lower in dietary fat, it is often higher in carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrate-rich foods such as breads and pastas are popular additions to meatless meals. To lose weight when planning two weeks worth of vegetarian meals, it is important to limit the amount of carb-filled foods to certain meals. Combining a healthy amount of cardio exercise such as walking, swimming, or running into your daily routine will help burn these carbohydrates and help you lose weight.
Expected Weight Loss
The most effective and natural way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. Vegetarian diets often promote this change since eliminating meat usually decreases the amount of fat, cholesterol and calories consumed. Compared to nonvegetarians, vegetarians tend to consume lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, niacin and vitamins B-12 and D, so it is important to find cereals or vitamin supplements to replace these vitamins. On the other hand, vegetarian diets are usually higher in fiber and magnesium.
Member Comments