Could it be that this cruelty-free, eco-friendly diet can also help us achieve the body we’ve always wanted?
Although it may not have been the initial motivation for the lifestyle change, many people find that it is not only their conscience that feels lighter after they have become vegan.
While in all definition vegans could still eat poorly, most opt for a diet made up of a variety of whole foods (see here for more about whole foods) to make sure they are getting all the proteins and nutrients they need. Luckily for them, these eating habits also guarantee a healthy body composition!
And unlike most eating plans, veganism is actually good for your health. According to experts, by living off a plant-based diet you not only lower your risk of developing diabetes or obesity, but are also reducing your cholesterol intake – which means a happier heart.
‘When I went vegan I lost about 15kg,’ says long time vegan Jodi Allemeier. ‘I could also run faster, felt improvement in my joints and all sinus problems and migraines vanished!’
According to plant-based nutritionist Amelia Mulder, vegans can eat as much as they want without gaining weight. This is because plant foods – things like vegetables, fruit, grains, and nuts – are much higher in fibre than animal foods, meaning vegans are bound to feel fuller on fewer calories.
‘But it is important to eat as varied a diet as possible to make certain you’re getting adequate amounts of all nutrients,’ she adds.
Remo Belluco, Health Food Consultant at Health Nation also praises fibres role in helping vegans lose weight.
‘The key to any successful body composition plan is to balance blood sugar and one of the best ways of doing this is by increasing dietary fibre,’ Remo says.
He explains that because fibre also work to help the body get rid of toxins safely, the body will be less likely to store these toxins in the form of fat.
‘Here at Health Nation we favour dietary plans that are mostly plant-based because we recognise the incredible healing potential of unprocessed plants,’ he says.
But Remo believes that, as with all dietary preference, when it comes to the vegan diet there is potential for imbalance. He advises that all those new to veganism do the proper research beforehand, making sure to eat enough of both macro and micro nutrients.
Even if you are not planning to cut all animal products just yet, we can all learn a thing or two from those skinny vegans. It turns out that an easy way to help maintain a great figure is to simply eat more fibre in the form of foods such as vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. Who knew?!
If you want to learn more about the health benefits of veganism as well as how to stay healthy on a plant-based diet, check out the Vegan Health website here.
Also useful is this free 21-Day Vegan Kickstart eating plan.
