Lets take a look at Vegetarian Weight Loss Diets

Recently all the rage has been about low carbohydrate diets, however recently research has shown that the best diet plans use foods from all food groups.

A vegetarian weight loss diet is a good choice since it provides plenty of carbs, fats and proteins.  All these foods are important in successful weight loss plans.  The benefit of a plant based diet is the lack of fatty proteins which can slow down your weight loss goals.

Protein is very important

Protein is very important in a dietary plan, it keeps us full longer and is important in fueling our muscles.  Many long distance runners use protein to keep their energy level high throughout the race.  One of the greatest benefits of protein in the diet is that it keep you feeling satisfied longer.

A common fear with vegetarian weight loss diets is lack of protein.  This is a fear that has no basis since it is very possible to get plenty of protein without any meat.

Plenty of good proteins can be found in nut butters and nuts, meat substitutes, soy and low fat dairy items.  These proteins are actually better than those found in meats since they are a more complete protein and lower in saturated fats.

A well rounded vegetarian weight loss diet also needs lots of calcium.  Calcium has been proven in studies to burn fat and will help you shed those extra pounds quickly.

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Fats are Important

You may be asking yourself how can a vegetarian weight loss diet be good for you if it has lots of fats?  The fat food group is important in weight loss diets.  Fats like proteins make you feel full longer and keep eating binges under control.  The secret is a diet that avoids dangerous saturated fats and eats unsaturated fats which are heart healthy.

Keep in mind that all fats should be consumed in moderation, however unsaturated fats are important for cardiovascular health.  In the vegetarian diet these fats can be obtained from nuts, avocados and olive oils.

There are many health benefits of unsaturated fats including the ability to lower the level of dangerous cholesterol that can build up in the arteries.  Unsaturated fats can prevent heart disease and also have the power to even reduce plaque that builds up in the arteries due to high cholesterol.  The key benefit of unsaturated fats is their ability to increase the levels of good cholesterol in the bloodstream.  Good cholesterols have the important job of actually clearing away bad plaque from the arteries.

So as you can see fat is important in the diet.  If you attempt to go without fat you run the risk of building up strong cravings which can lead to binge eating.  So if you keep a moderate amount of good fats in your vegetarian weight loss diet you will find the weight comes off easier.

Vitamins and Carbohydrates

There are plenty of carbs in a vegetarian diet.  Avoid carbohydrates which contain white flour, starch and refined sugars.  These types of carbs will actually make you gain weight and have the bad side effect of leaving you hungrier than before!  However good carbohydrates are excellent for energy when you exercise.

When choosing good carbohydrate foods go with whole grains, vegies and fruits.  Try to avoid bread and pasta but if you just can’t do it then go with whole grain breads and pastas.  Whole grain food products are full of fiber which aids in fat loss and avoids the blood sugar spikes which come with white flour products.

The Dangers of Soy

Many vegetarian weight loss diets include alot of soy products, but it is important not to eat too much soy. Studies have shown that soy is linked to slow weight loss and some thyroid disorders.  If you enjoy eating soy there is no need to cut it out completely just eat it in moderation.

To find out the proper amount of soy to have in your diet consult your doctor or nutrionist.  They can make a recommendation based on your medical history.