Looking for a plant-based diet for weight loss? A dietitian weighs in
If you are looking for an effective way to slim down, it’s worth considering a plant-based diet for weight loss. Scientists are increasingly convinced that vegetarian and vegan diets may be a particularly effective approach in the fight against obesity, as stated in a review recently published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine .
If you want to switch to a plant-based diet, but aren’t sure where to start, check out our article on the plant-based diet for beginners for useful tips and advice. And if you are struggling to get enough protein, supplementing with the best vegan protein powder can help you easily top up your intake.
Rosie Martin, BSc, MSc, RDRosie Martin is a U.K. registered dietitian and health coach. She has worked as an NHS dietitian for four years in varying roles in acute and community hospitals. She continues to do so in her role as Employee Health & Wellness Dietitian for NHS staff. Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates, and exceptionally high in dietary fiber. These include leafy greens, such as kale, spinach and lettuce, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, leeks, celery and cucumbers.
3. Get enough good quality proteinWhen following a plant-based diet for weight loss, make sure you get enough good quality protein. Cutting down on energy-dense vegan foods like beans, peas, nuts and seeds helps decrease the overall calorie value of your diet. At the same time, these foods are particularly rich in protein. Without enough of them, it may be more difficult to get enough of this crucial nutrient.
One of the downsides of following a plant-based diet for weight loss is that it may be very time-consuming, particularly if you have to peel and cut your vegetables. To avoid the temptation of a takeaway and to stay on track no matter the circumstances, keep some prepared meals and snacks in your fridge at all times. For example, develop a habit of meal prepping and batch cooking on certain days of the week.