QuestionAmirah
I have made the following observation. I would like to have your opinion.
I am a 52 year old guy that has always had a slw metabolism. I have also always been a big meat eater, even eating low carb for may years to lose weight (didnt work).
At the start of the year I went vegetarian. I slowly began losing weight, and some of my other health issues began to slowly resolve. I also think my metabolism got a boost as I would feel warmer when before I would need a sweater.
A few weeks ago I decised to go back to meat, and it wasnt long before my health started to get worse again and my belly especially got bigger.
So, I am now back to being a vegetarian again (lacto to curb protein cravings) and feeling better once again. Again, my temperature is back up-its cold and rainy here and I am quite warm in a tee shirt-usually would be wearing fleece.
I think that eating meat slowed down my already slow metabolism. Maybe I am a 'natural' vegetarian?
Could this be gemetic or my body type? I have a friend that is an Indian from northern Canada. He swears he gains weight eating carbs. The diet of his ancestors was mostly wild meat fish, and some wild fruit.Thanks for your opinion!
AnswerHi Barry!
Congrats, congrats, congrats on your recent transition to a plant-based diet!! The answer to this question is actually quite simple. There are several aspects of the human body that point to us being herbivores from the size of our canines to the length of our intestines. What you are experiencing also points to this, specifically your lack of energy when you consume meat. Meat takes longer to digest than vegetables. The body has to exert more energy to digest meat than it does vegetables. Moreover, less energy and nutrients are extracted from meat than vegetables so the body needs more of those foods to meet its nutritional needs. All of this results in a lower metabolism as well as weight gain and fat retention. In other words, its both genetics and body type because both speak to the design of the human body.
I hope that this helps and again congrats on making this life-altering transition!!
Sunflower Smooches!!
Amirah Bellamy (aka "The Sunflower Vegan")
Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Transitional Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans and Healthy Eating eBook or to INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to www.AmirahBFit.com
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