Vegetables & Negative Calories: A Dietary Winner

by Carrie Hartson on February 25, 2010 · diet

in diet

If you are wary of supplements to lose weight and are unsure of a good diet plan one option to consider is eating vegetarian to lose weight. Because this requires more than just omitting meat it will teach you how to watch what you eat. Weight loss becomes easier with lower consumption of fat and cholesterol but can be tricky if you\’re not getting the right nutrition. Determining your class of vegetarianism will help you in your goal of weight loss.

Vegans are the most devout eating no meat or animal by-products (including gelatin). Below them are lacto vegetarians who omit meat but still drink milk and eat dairy. Dairy and egg products are acceptable to lacto-ova vegetarians but meat, fish or poultry are still omitted. Eat no meat products, dairy products or eggs. Lacto-vegetarians omit meat, fish and poultry and eggs from their diet but will still consume dairy products. Semi-vegetarians will occasionally indulge in meat, eggs, or milk.

Those concerned with nutrition while eating vegetarian cuisine can turn to their doctor, dietitian, or the vegetarian food pyramid. The vegetarian food pyramids breaks down the categories of fruits, vegetables and other plant products making suggestions on proportions and quantities good for most vegetarians.

One of the major parts of having a healthy vegetarian diet is that you will have to learn about substitutes. The body still needs fat, protein, and other minerals that are not commonly found in vegetables. Foods like soy milk, rice milk, tofu, or egg substitute are all examples of vegetarian options to replace more common dietary supplements.

Since vitamin B-12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, vegetarians must find cereal or soy products fortified with B-12 or take a nutritional supplement. B-12 is vital in the production of red blood cells and prevention of anemia. Protein can be found in soy, legumes, lentils, and nuts and seeds. Dark, leafy green vegetables are key to adequate iron, and consuming foods rich in vitamin C in the same sitting will help the body absorb iron from non-animal sources.

To make the switch to a vegetarian diet begin with the meals that are meatless, such as spaghetti, and incorporate meals that can easily be made vegetarian, such as stir fry using tofu instead of beef or chicken. Eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies to keep your palate happy and increase your level of exercise once your body has had a chance to adjust to eating vegetarian to lose weight.

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