The vegan diet craze is not slowing down and is actually more getting traction constantly. More and more major celebrities are joining in the realization of how beneficial going fully vegan can be. Beyoncé, the Williams sisters, Carrie Underwood, Ellen DeGeneres, Joaquin Phoenix, and many more all stopped eating animal products in favor of a more healthy and enjoyable life. But can vegan diet help with weight loss?
Going vegan out of respect and love for animals and to keep with your world views is fair and well, but many people want to know is there a practical use for trying to switch to this diet. Those looking to lose some weight have been wondering how much vegan options can help their cause, which is why in this article we decided to tackle this important topic. Make sure to fully read it to learn about all the benefits of a vegan diet for losing weight, and check out Vegan Liftz for even more on the subject.
1. Vegan Food is higher in Fibers
Various studies, some from as early as the 1980s show that vegans consume more fiber than omnivores and vegetarians. On average, their intake contains 24 grams more per day. Furthermore, vegans have healthier digestion tracts and more frequent bowel movements, both of which are immensely important in weight loss. Today, about 95% of the population of the USA do not eat enough fiber, one of the reasons why the country has so many problems with obesity.
Except for healthy digestion and bowel movements, fiber keeps our bodies full and satiated until the time for the next meal arrives. Therefore, no need for snacks in-between meals. Blood pressure is better regulated with more fiber, and cholesterol levels are consistently lower. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of fiber-rich vegan diets improve the general health of humans.
2. Vegan Junk Foods and Whole Foods
Regular junk food bears such a name for all the right reasons since it is some of the unhealthiest types of food a human being can put inside their mouth. People on a vegan diet get all of their calories from whole foods like fresh produce, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. However, some also eat vegan junk food which includes vegan breakfast burritos, various pasta options, and vegan burgers. All of these, while still technically vegan, contain low amounts of vegetables and a lot of processed vegan ingredients.
Therefore, they are not nearly as healthy as whole foods. They should instead be viewed as indulgence and comfort food, similar to their traditional counterparts. Even though you are vegan, stick to true vegan food and not junk vegan food, the same way non-vegans consume healthy options instead of regular junk food.
3. Vegan Diets are Low in Saturated Fats
WHO advises everyone to consume more than 10% of calories from saturated fats, which comes down to about 22 grams per day if your calorie intake follows the average of 2,000 daily calories for a grownup. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, and mortality all benefit from higher doses of saturated fats. In America, 70% of the population consumes way more than the prescribed 22 grams of fat per day. Vegans have much less fat in their diet because they cut ties with all animal products, which typically come with high doses of fats.
Plant-based whole food diets focus on unsaturated fats and good carbohydrates from the right sources which also offer vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, and minerals. Therefore, in order to lose weight, start a vegan diet with lots of whole foods like fruits and vegetables. This lack of fat you would usually get from animal products like meat and dairy treats will be enough for you to notice a considerable weight loss.
4. Less Calories
By taking into account much of what has already been said above, you can easily conclude that since there is less fat, more fiber, and a better overall state of the body, fewer calories are being consumed through vegan diets. Plants contain much lower amounts of calories than any animal product, no matter how healthy it is. Beans, leafy greens, whole grains, and fruits are all enough to fill up on without actually consuming many calories.
Remember that 4 tablespoons of oil contain the same amount of calories as a plate full of fruits and vegetables than a grown person would have trouble finishing. Filling up on whole foods mentioned in this article is a great way to not be hungry but lose weight in the process.
5. Vegan Diets for More Energy
More and more athletes are introducing vegan-like diets into their lives. Novak Djokovic and Kyrie Irving for example eat next to no meat but are still at the top of their game every season. If you consume enough calories and have a balanced diet no matter if it is vegan, you will have more than enough energy to spend on your activities even if you are a professional athlete. Our bodies work harder to process animal products than they do to process seeds, beans, nuts, and grains.
However, they get the same amounts of carbohydrates to use during physical activity. All of these are richer in carbs than most animal products and this is the main reason why athletes are actively switching over to less meat-focused diets. Starting a plant-based diet in favor of a low-carb diet will give you more energy to exercise and lose more weight than ever.
6. Vegans Weigh Less on Average
If you look at modern professional athletes, you will see that they are much leaner and lighter than their older colleagues. However, they are still strong and fast and they do not have to sacrifice their achievements and success in favor of healthier food. On average, vegans have a lower body mass index by 4.7% than omnivores, despite consuming the same amount of calories. Better digestion, more fiber, less fat, and more nutrients all contribute to this, making people healthier, leaner, fitter, and more energetic.
However, you still have to practice healthy lifestyle habits and be smart about other things except for your newfound vegan diet! Daily exercises are always crucial for weight loss, and so is breaking bad habits like drinking and smoking. Pair these with sleeping 7 to 9 hours every night and you will start losing some serious weight in no time!
