3 tips to lose weight on a plant-based diet
There are dozens of reasons health-conscious people transition to a plant-based diet. Fruits and veggies are jam packed with nutrients and are naturally low in calories. A plant-based diet can also help fend off disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and even some cancers!
But there’s another reason you may want to consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily menu: a plant-based diet can help you lose weight in a safe, healthy way! Are you looking to shed a few pounds before swimsuit season? Here’s how to lose weight with a plant-based diet.
1. Begin by adding, not subtracting.
There’s a common misconception about dieting, and that is this: you’ll only lose weight when you subtract foods and calories from your nutritional plan. Now, you’re only going to lose weight if you consume fewer calories than you expend. However, that doesn’t mean you have to feel hungry all day!
Do cut out sugary drinks, do limit your alcohol consumption and do add exercise to your day if you’re physically able. But don’t deprive yourself. Add colorful, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to your plate and to your snack routine. Produce is naturally low-calorie and high in fiber, meaning you’ll consume less, while still feeling full!
2. Focus on fiber.
Fiber is like nature’s miracle nutrient. When you consume a healthy amount of fiber each day, you’ll find that your digestive tract will function more smoothly, your heart will be healthier and your blood sugar will be more regulated. You may even find that your skin is smoother and clearer.
Of course, we’ve already mentioned that fiber will help keep you feeling full. See, some types of fiber are indigestible by your body. They’ll act as a bulking agent in your digestive tract, then will pass right through. And soluble fiber, like the type you’ll find in beans and nuts, slows your digestion, making you feel fuller for longer! It’s true: adding plant-based fiber to your diet could be one of the best things you do to help you lose weight!
Read more about high fiber foods you can snack on.
3. Eat a balanced diet.
At times, people begin a plant-based diet with the assumption that they’ll automatically lose weight. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Failing to get a balanced diet of proteins, grains, fruits and veggies is unhealthy – and can hinder your weight loss.
You can get all the protein your body needs from plants! You’ll find plenty of protein in beans, nuts, tofu and more. Your carbohydrates will come, in part, from fruit and vegetables but also from whole grain products like brown rice and quinoa.
Again, the key is to add healthy foods to your diet rather than taking food away. With that said, however, do strive to cut out sugary foods that are full of empty calories as well as unhealthy drinks like soda and large amounts of alcohol.
Read more about protein-packed veggies.
Losing Weight on a Plant-Based Diet
As with any diet, losing weight is going to require a mindfulness of what you’re consuming. But simply by transitioning to a balanced diet comprised mainly of fruits, veggies and whole grains, you’ll be doing your body a huge service! Weight loss, heart health and improved general well-being are just a few of the benefits of making the switch!
Read more about plant-based foods that help you lose weight.
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