Many people, when considering ways to lose weight and become healthy, will decide to change their entire way of eating or will consider dieting. One of the most commonly asked questions of nutritionists is whether or not vegetarians lose weight faster than those that eat meat. Unfortunately the answer is not as easy as yes or no.
Some studies show that if a person eats a healthy vegetarian diet they will typically consume about 500 less calories than those that eat meat products, while actually eating more food. This is because most vegetarians eat diets that include larger than normal amounts of vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates, all of which are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber which helps individuals feel full.
Some of the best foods to eat while following a vegetarian diet include:
• Oats
• Whole Wheat
• Peanut Butter
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Nuts/Seeds
• Brown Rice
• Legumes/Beans
• Soy
• Tofu
• Low-fat Dairy Products
• Eggs (some vegetarians eat eggs and some do not)
A point to remember is that not all fruits and vegetables have the same nutrient value and it’s best to concentrate on eating the ones with the lowest calories and highest nutrient content.
Some high nutrient content vegetables and fruits include:
Vegetables
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Lettuce (other than Iceberg)
• Green Beans
Fruits
• Apples
• Berries
• Bananas
• Oranges
Another way to help in feeling full while eating a vegetarian diet is to make sure that you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Many times people confuse the sensation of thirst for hunger and eat when they are actually thirsty. Also, drinking water can make you feel full so it’s a good idea to drink a glass of water 30 minutes before eating a meal which will typically help you eat less.
Although you can lose weight by dieting alone it works much better if you incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Not only will it speed up the weight loss it will also make you feel better and is good for your health. Eating healthy, engaging in light aerobic exercise as in walking, and staying hydrated will help you lose weight and maintain your health.
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