Does Eating Vegetarian Guarantee Weight Loss?

Mind is All

You've probably seen the popular weight loss books that claim that the best way to lose weight is to go vegetarian. Have you wondered if these claims are trustworthy?

You probably think vegetarians eat only fresh produce, and you probably imagine them all to be stick-thin waifs who munch on carrot sticks with delight. Unfortunately, eating vegetarian just means avoiding meat products, which means there is still plenty of space in a vegetarian diet to eat unhealthy, high-calorie foods. Perhaps you think tightening the perimeters such that you go vegan, which means not eating meat, eggs, or dairy products, will solve the problem, but that still doesn't eliminate fudge, Snickers bars, or muffins.

For most people, meat is not the reason why they are overweight. Sure, those who eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains have better digestion and eliminate more often (that’s a nice way to say they have more bowel movements), but not all vegetarians eat as much fresh produce as they should. In fact, many well-intentioned “vegetarians” are actually “carbotarians”, meaning they may not eat meat, but they live on muffins, bagels, high sugar cereal, and other not-so-good-for-you foods.

In fact, protein is good for weight loss and overall satiation. Protein consumption supports muscle and helps stave off cravings. Of course it's very possible to eat plenty of protein as a vegetarian, but it's easy to neglect this essential when eating vegetarian for the first time. If you're just thinking about weight loss, you probably shouldn't blame meat for your troubles (unless you regularly eat huge fatty steaks).

However, you’d do well to eat more vegetables and fruit than the average American, that’s undeniable. The benefits of eating fruit and vegetables are undeniable, and most Americans don't eat nearly enough of either. They are usually lower in calories than other food choices, and calorie control combined with exercise is the safest bet for weight loss.

You want to see results? You won't have to convert to being a vegetarian to see weight loss results. Just increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, and forego the processed foods and high calorie meats. You’ll find success with a moderate diet plan that includes exercise.