Best Vegetarian Weight Loss Diet

The Best Vegetarian Weight Loss Diet

The good news is that vegetarian diets are often low in calories and fat because individuals consume no red meats or fatty animal products. And, the overall rates of obesity are much lower with individuals who are vegetarians.

However, despite these clear benefits, there are plenty of vegetarian “junk foods” that can be just as fattening as regularly consumed foods. Depending on how many dressings and condiments the meal contains, some vegetarian menu items can contain more fat than lean meats.

Vegetarian foods to avoid

Even though they may seem innocent, try avoiding these foods. It may be tempting to indulge when you don’t consume fatty foods like pepperoni pizza, hamburgers, or steaks, but try to avoid these foods altogether. You’ll be in much better shape—literally!

Try avoiding:

Mayonnaise – Over 80% of mayonnaise products are pure fat!
Dressings – It is fine to use dressings sparingly, but try opting for vinaigrette, balsamic, or Italian dressings which are less fatty than other dressings such as ranch or Caesar.
Heavy dependence on starch – It may be convenient to consume a great deal of pastas, rice, and breads, but try replacing these starches with complex carbs such as broccoli, spinach, and kale.
Cheese – Don’t overdo it in the cheese department. Sure, cheese is delicious, but it’s also high in fat, especially saturated fat. Avoid cheese and opt for tofu-cheese instead.