If you want to lose weight, you might have thought about going vegan. People who are vegans don't eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. For their food, they don't eat meat at all but instead eat things like fresh fruits and vegetables. They also drink milk made from plants and other non-dairy foods.
Even though some people choose to be vegan because they care about animals, the diet itself can have some health benefits. Even if you don't eat meat, going vegan may help you lose a lot of weight.
Even while more research is needed, it's possible that going vegan could help you eat less high-calorie meals. When following a vegan diet, you may find substituting these meals for high-fiber options that are lower in calories and keep you feeling filled for longer.
Is a vegan diet healthy?
When you eat a diet rich in nutritious foods, going vegan can have a positive impact on your health. Type 2 diabetes and numerous types of cancer are less common in those who consume a plant based protein , which is supported by lower cholesterol, a lower BMI, lower blood pressure, and other health benefits.
What are the health benefits of a vegan diet? One strategy to reduce saturated fat intake is to eliminate red meat and dairy products from your diet. As an added bonus, a plant-based diet is rich in satisfying fiber, necessary vitamins and minerals, and a variety of disease-fighting plant components (such as antioxidants).
Vegan Diet for Weight Loss
Additionally, prior studies have shown that those who adhere to a vegan diet have a lower BMI. In addition, previous research has demonstrated a substantial connection between a vegan diet and weight loss.
A study that was done in 2016 looked at people who ate vegan, vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, and omnivorous diets for six months. During the study, it was found that people who went vegan lost more weight than people who didn't.
There was also a study done in 2016 that found that plant-based diets were better for weight loss than omnivorous diets. People who took part in the study also saw other changes, such as lower cholesterol and a lower risk of cancer.
Vegan Diet Tips for Weight Loss
1. Count Your Calories
It's all about getting your money's worth when it comes to dieting and losing weight. Low-calorie, high-nutrient foods should be your goal. This is a great way to stay energized and satisfied all day long, and you won't have to worry about calorie counting. Most vegetables offer the fewest calories while delivering a wide range of nutrients, with fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils following closely after. The bulk of your meals should include these foods, with the exception of nuts, seeds, which should be consumed in moderation.
2. Get More Fiber
Constant hunger is a major contributor to diet failure. Because fiber is a slow-digesting nutrient, eating a lot of it will help you feel full for longer. Leafy vegetables, legumes (including beans and lentils), and oatmeal are examples of high-fiber foods.
3. Eat more Protein
If you want to build muscle or lose weight in a long-term way, you need to eat a lot of protein. Protein makes you feel full. It also raises the levels of hunger hormone ghrelin, which makes you crave less, which helps you lose weight. Then, if you keep thinking about how to lose weight and stare at your bloated stomach, vegan protein powder rich foods are the best option.
4. Avoid Processed Food
It's possible that these vegan snacks include some fiber, but they're also likely to be high in calories and other unhealthy ingredients. Because there are so many vegan options available, it's a fantastic thing, but it doesn't mean that we should engage in non-dairy ice cream or vegan grilled cheeses on a daily basis. Only eat these vegan treats on special occasions.
5. Avoid Fresh Juice
We all know that water is beneficial to our health, so make sure you're getting in your daily recommended intake.
Pure fruit juice, in specific amounts, can be beneficial as well, but if you're trying to lose weight, you shouldn't be spending your calories on what you consume! Juice, even when made entirely of fresh fruit, can include a significant amount of calories that are not required for optimal health.
And for those who consider smoothies to be a beverage, you should reconsider. Smoothies are delicious, but they should be drunk as a meal or as a snack, depending on the amount of ingredients and the size of the glass. Don't think of it as a simple drink.
6. Check Ingredients
Veganism doesn't imply that it's good for you. Check the ingredients list and pay attention to the calorie count for each serving size. Don't be deceived by the serving size, which may be extremely small in order to appear to have fewer calories. The ingredients should also be free of oils or added sugar. Sugar is often listed as something else on ingredient lists, and you may not even be aware that it is sugar.
7. Timing is Everything
Trying to lose weight by constantly snacking is a bad idea. The best way to increase your metabolism and develop good eating habits is to plan your meals ahead of time.
People in general should try to eat their meals at the same time each day to get their minds and stomachs used to the same thing over time. Breakfast should be bigger than the other meals you eat during the day. This might mean having your lunch a little earlier and eating less for dinner.
8. Pass on Vegan Desserts
Sugar can actually mess with your metabolism and cause health problems that go beyond weight gain, like high blood pressure, inflammation, and high blood triglycerides. If you want to make a healthy vegan dessert that's low in calories and doesn't have added sugars or fats, try fresh fruit.
Take Away
Vegan processed foods and too many refined carbs can make you fat, even if you don't eat many of them. If you want to change your eating habits for the long term, you should eat more fruits and vegetables.
To lose weight, you might want to eat a plant based protein. Then again, you should always talk to your doctor before making big changes to your diet. You should talk about how you'll get important nutrients, like protein and B vitamins.
Your doctor may also give you other ideas for how you can lose weight, like keeping a food tracker or going to the gym every day.
Author Bio:
I am Shreya Sharma , a post-graduate in Health and Nutrition, and an inquisitive person who loves writing. I’m working for VeganWay and my forte is digital marketing and everything that has to do with phones and screens. My belief is that one person can make a difference, and that's why I've taken up writing, which is the best means to communicate these days. I have a decade of experience in writing and marketing, and I still find myself learning new things about it, which I want to share with my readers.