Weight control on a veggie diet
Research shows vegetarians tend to eat fewer calories, weigh less, and have a lower body mass index (a measure of body fat) than their meat-eating counterparts. If you’re doing it right—eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains—you’ll probably feel full on fewer calories than you’re allowed each day. With that “calorie deficit” and a little physical activity, you’re bound to shed some kilos.
When you plan to lose weight, you should limit all types of carbohydrates like pasta, rice and bread and focus on fresh, green salads instead, Al-Saeed said. If you fancy a cooked vegetable stew, aim to eat it with a fork rather than dipping some bread in. “Eating with bread makes you feel full, but there aren’t any real benefits to it. If you must have a small amount of rice or bread, make sure they are brown so you get some nutrition out of them,” she added.
Being on a diet should be about losing weight a healthy way and a food pyramid can be a helpful tool to guide you through the types and amounts of foods you should eat during every meal, according to Al-Saeed. The Vegetarian Diet Pyramid proposes which types of foods and how much the body requires in order to stay healthy. “Your vegetarian diet pyramid should include whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables as well as moderate amounts of nuts and seeds, soy, egg whites, dairy products and plant oils,” she said. The pyramid is divided into daily, weekly, and monthly periods, but does not recommend serving size.