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You may be thinking about going vegan/vegetarian because you believe animals should be treated ethically or because you want to reduce pollution. Quitting the meat habit can cut your carbon footprint by more than 5,000 pounds a year. Pounds of carbon won’t be the only thing that you’ll be shedding.
According to a recent study, you can shed about one pound a week without diet or exercise simply by sticking to a low-fat vegan diet. Only 0%-6% of vegetarians are obese.
Dr. Berkow: Lead Author of the Study
| Our research reveals that people can enjoy unlimited portions of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight without feeling hungry. There is evidence that a vegan diet causes an increased calorie burn after meals, meaning plant-based foods are being used more efficiently as fuel for the body, as opposed to being stored as fat. |
A different study, which focused on obese middle-aged women, found that the women on a low-fat vegan diet were able to lose, on average, 13 pounds in 14 weeks. While the women in the control group who were on a low-cholesterol diet only lost 8 pounds in 14 weeks.
The women on the vegan diet also found it easier to shed those pounds because they did not have to count calories or portions. They were, however told to stay away from seeds and nuts.
Meat-eaters are at higher risk of obesity. They are also at a higher risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. A vegan/vegetarian diet is healthy and beneficial to the environment. If you struggle with your weight, it might be time to switch to vegetarianism.
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