Does a vegetarian eating plan promote weight loss?

It is believed that adopting a vegetarian eating plan with a low fat content may promote weight loss.

Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian eating plan, on average, eat fewer calories and less fat than those who are non-vegetarian. In addition, they also tend to have lower BMIs (that is body weights relative to their heights), as compared to non vegetarians. To calculate your BMI, click here.

But does it mean that vegetarians do not gain weight? No. Vegetarians can also be guilty of making bad food choices that may contribute to weight gain. They may consume big quantities of foods that are high in fat and calories or those with minimal if any nutritional value, at all. They may also use more fats and oils in the cooking process.

If you do decide to adopt a vegetarian eating plan in the aim of losing weight, then try creating one that is low in fat and that provides all of the nutrients that your body needs. Seek assistance from a dietician if you need to, as vegetarian diets may sometimes lack important nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D and B12, zinc and protein. You can try to include some of the following foods into your eating plan: nuts, lentils, dairy products, broccoli, fortified foods and beverages including milk, bread and cereal, eggs, whole grains, leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce) and soy based products as they all contain important nutrients that are required by your body.

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