Vegetarian Diet for Weight Loss
written by: Priya Haribhaskar
Vegetarian diet for weight loss
Vegetarian foods are the food got from the plant base. Weight loss through vegetarian diet is an easy way as vegetables and fruits are basically source of low cholesterol. A well balanced vegetarian diet loaded in nutritional helps to reduce weight loss gradually.
My friend wanted to shed some weight to look slim for his marriage. He was looking obese and that dented his confidence. He is a pure vegetarian and required a solid diet plan to reduce his weight. He subscribed to the following vegetarian diet for weight loss.
Whole grains
Whole grains with goodness of husk are a good choice for a nutrition enriched breakfast. They are rich source of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are a combination of carbohydrates and goodness of fiber. The carbohydrates provide energy for the body. The fiber in the husk helps to burn the carbohydrates slowly and steadily. Fiber helps to reduce the weight off the body. They burn the body fat fast. Further fiber helps in easy bowel movement. A healthy bowel movement clears the body of waste pile ups and aids healthy weight loss. Cereals like oatmeal porridge, whole grain cereals and whole grain bread are rich source of complex carbohydrates.
Fruits
Fruits form a key constituent of a healthy vegetarian diet. Most of the fruits are rich source of fibers. Fruits have high vitamin and mineral contents. Oranges, apples, berries, papayas are loaded with fiber and aid the fat loss in the body. Consuming one greenish yellow banana everyday, which is partially ripened help to lose body weight. Fruits should be taken along with their peels as they are the source of fiber. Further whole fruits should be eaten rather than drinking fruit juice. Juice increases the sugar content of the body.
Vegetables and greens
Vegetables and greens can be included in a weight loss diet without worries. They are low calorie food with richness of vitamins and minerals. Some vegetables like beans (thin and broad), carrots and greens like spinach are rich source of proteins and fiber. Proteins help to burn body fat. Adding large portions of vegetables and greens in soups and salads in the food improves the metabolism of the body.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices add flavour to the food and improve the taste. They have a lot of medicinal values attached to them. Herbs and spices increases the metabolism rate of the body. They improve the digestion of food and hence reduces the excess fat deposition on the body. Physillium helps to lower body cholesterol. Basil leaves improve digestion power of the body. Further adding spices like chilly, cardamom, clove, ginger, mint and garlic to the diet reduces blood cholesterol levels and act as digestive enhancer.
Water
Drinking a lot of water cleanses the body of toxins and chemicals. Further water helps to fill the stomach and aids in digestion and transports the nutrients to different part of the body. Drinking water after every meal increases the metabolism.
Pulses and legumes
Pulses and legumes supplies proteins and fiber to the body. Kidney beans, soya beans, green peas, green grams, lentils and sprouts are good for a healthy weight loss.
Nuts
Nuts are best alternative snacks to junk food. Nuts like almonds and chestnuts improve the cholesterol of the blood.
In summary, vegetarian diet is a healthy option to lose body weight without risks of side effects.