How to Lose Way Eating a Vegetarian Diet

Obesity is a growing problem in the world today. Countries which embraced the Standard Western Diet, such as the United States, find that at least one third of their residents struggle with maintaining optimal weight. Two thirds of Americans are obese and more people are searching for a natural weight-loss option in order to avoid taking prescription medications or exercising for four hours a day. For many people the vegetarian lifestyle fits the bill exactly.

Although the commercial market is overflowing with the number of diet supplementation and weight-loss options available for individuals to try, researchers and primary care physicians well understand that natural weight-loss options are the safest and most successful way that people will lose weight and maintain that weight loss. As well as meeting these criteria, a vegetarian lifestyle also helps individuals to improve their overall health and increase their intake of essential nutrients.

Researchers have found that people who have a higher level of raw fruits and vegetables in their diet are at less risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke and immune mediated diseases, such as lupus. An added benefit to this is the weight-loss, which individuals who practice a vegetarian lifestyle will experience, occurs almost effortlessly. Almost all of the weight-loss programs available to people today allow individuals to eat as many vegetables as they desire and only limit fruits, nuts and seeds as they rank higher in calories and fat.

People whose search for a lean healthy body are also usually interested in improving their overall health. While eating the right foods and getting regular exercise should be included in this regimen, drinking enough water is also essential.

One big question that most new vegetarians ask is, "How will I get my protein?" Like any other weight-loss program, large helpings of high fat sources such as peanut butter, nuts or cheese can cause people to gain weight. So, instead of using peanut butter or nuts as a snack, people who are interested in weight-loss should turn to whole-grain snacks, fruits and vegetables during the day.

Unfortunately, while it is easier to lose weight eating a vegetarian diet, it is not automatic. Because of the high density calories and fat in nuts, seeds and high carbohydrate meals people who practice a vegetarian lifestyle must also keep track of the calories they eat. What makes it easier than most other programs is that your energy level increases significantly and you can become much more full eating as many vegetables as you like than trying to severely limit calories and suffer through hunger pangs all day long.

As in all other weight-loss programs people should plan their choices during the day because last-minute grabs for the candy bar are usually higher in calories. Even though chips, cookies, power bars and candy are still meatless they all contain sugar, fat and processed calories. Do not resort to junk foods and convenience foods in the grocery store or to fill in the gaps. Instead, use a daily multivitamin and fill up on apples, bananas and fruit smoothies.

Vegetarian trail mix can be made at home and stuffed in premade bags to grab on the go. Because you are including your own raw almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for a nutritious healthy snack you aren't including other high calorie nuts or chocolate chips that some of the prepackaged trail mixes include.

Preparation of the foods can be just as important as the foods themselves. For instance, vegetables which are cooked to mush, microwaved or unwashed will do just as much harm (or at least not any good) as eating a diet of processed foods and meat. Heat will distroy the natural living enzymes in the food that deliver the vitamins and minerals, while leaving pesticides on the vegetables will increase the amount of toxins you ingest each day.

Eating a vegetarian diet will provide a natural and healthy weight loss option when followed and combined with decreased calorie intake and regular exercise.

Jane Morrison enjoys writing about health and wellness for her readers. She also writes for Plus Size Swimsuits

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