subject: Tips on Keeping a Vegetarian Diet [print this page] Tips on Keeping a Vegetarian Diet Tips on Keeping a Vegetarian Diet
Are you interested in a low calorie diet? If you want to lose weight then you have to start eating foods that are low in carbohydrates and calories. Many individuals have found that if they switch to a no-meat diet, they cut out a great portion of fat, carbohydrates, cholesterol and calories. Beef, poultry, fish and ham are usually high in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. By switching to an all vegetarian diet, you may be able to eliminate some of your greatest "foes" when it comes to unwholesome ingredients.
Susan Berkow, PhD, CNS, and Neal Barnard, MD, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) recently performed some studies that suggest a vegetarian or no meat diet may be advantageous to individuals who are trying to lose weight. The two doctors discovered that based on the results of 87 studies, people with vegetarian tastes were less likely to be obese and that greater weight loss was experienced by individuals who refrained from eating meat.
Of course, it must be explained that these studies featured individuals who were on low fat or low carb diets. Naturally, there are many products that are vegetarian and yet unhealthy. Because vegetarians typically eat diets lower in calories, protein, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, and because they each higher amounts of dietary fiber and carbs, weight loss comes easier. Nevertheless, dieters must be careful to eat "good carbs" and avoid excessive sugar or sodium. The results speak for themselves as 6% of the vegetarian studies were considered obese, compared to non-vegetarians, who scored between 5-45%.
Losing weight is possible through dieting and exercise, and the absence of one will slow down the results. Veganism is another option, though perceived as a difficult one by some; veganism involves the avoidance of meat products as well as dairy or egg products. Veganism, when practiced carefully, can be even more effective for weight loss, considering that dairy products are among the most fattening food items you can find. However, if vegans are not careful their diet could contribute to poor health if they do not get nutrients and vitamins from other non-dairy sources.
If you are interested in losing weight or improving your quality of diet, then look into the option of vegetarianism. If you need some motivation surf over to the PETA website and watch some graphic footage of animals being slaughtered for meat harvesting. It's not pretty, but it can make one lose his or her appetite in a hurry!
