Plant Based Weight Loss
The facts behind a vegetarian diet, and whether or not it is a good solution for losing weight.
There are about 7 million people in the United States who classify themselves as vegetarian. That adds up to just over three percent of our overall US population. While that may not seem like a huge percentage, 7 million people is a fairly significant number. Most people are familiar with the idea of eating a vegetarian diet. This is a nutrition plan that eliminates animal-based foods. For vegetarians, this includes meat and fish. For vegans, who account for a smaller fraction of this vegetarian population, this means eliminating eggs, honey, and dairy products.
Many vegetarians adapt to this nutritional plan more as a lifestyle choice out of respect for animals. However, there are some who make the change for purely health-related reasons. There are even some rather big celebrities who have joined the ranks of the plant-based diet in the name of cardiovascular health and weight loss, including celebrity chef Alton Brown and former US President Bill Clinton.
Eating a plant-based diet can support weight loss, but it is not an ideal weight loss solution for everyone. There are some health experts who suggest that following a vegetarian diet can support weight loss efforts because it eliminates fatty animal proteins. Others cite the increased consumption of nutrient dense plant foods, like berries and leafy greens, and say that any diet rich in these foods is a healthy choice. While this is mostly true, the vegetarian diet plan is not foolproof. There are plenty of baked goods and fatty foods that qualify as vegetarian, so simply cutting out meat isn’t the answer. Furthermore, some meat, like grilled chicken, is actually a healthy source of protein and can easily be incorporated into any healthy dietary plan.
Data from the National Nutrition and Health Survey has identified a high intake of grains, fruits, and vegetables as factors that promote a healthy weight. Many people do not eat much meat while following the OPTIFAST weight loss plan, as the meal replacements are typically vegetarian. However, as you transition off of this medical weight loss diet, eliminating meat from your diet is not mandatory, and in most cases isn’t even recommended. Rather than focusing on eliminating a food source, it is a much better idea to focus on adding more plant based foods. You can even find local fruits and vegetables from your local vendors around Newton and other areas of Pennsylvania to support your healthy eating habits. If this means that you are cutting down on your meat consumption, then so be it. Total elimination of meat from your diet is not necessary to lose weight.
You don’t need to follow a vegetarian diet to lose weight. While adding more plant based foods to your diet is a healthy nutritional choice, you can lose weight eating a well-balanced diet, especially under the supervision of a medical weight loss doctor. When eaten in moderation and prepared appropriately, meat can be a healthy component of any weight loss plan.
