We all love food, that’s a guaranteed fact, however, if you are planning to kick-start your weight loss journey, well then, you’ll certainly need to look through some diet plans to make sure that you're on the right path. From a variety of plant-based options to the traditional dieting and exercise programs, there are plenty of ways on how you can get healthy.
We’ve come up with 6 tips on how you can find the perfect vegan meal plan intake for weight loss, that you should definitely try out.
Firstly, what is a plant based diet and how can it help you improve your well-being.
Firstly, anything which emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing or excluding animal-derived products are considered as a plant-based diet. So, ideally, a plant-based product should contain natural, minimally processed ingredients, which avoids artificial additives or excessive amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
When you cut out added oil from your diet, it should absolutely include cooking oils and oils used in food preparation, such as olive oil, canola oil, and others.
Protein is a crucial macronutrient that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including muscle building, tissue repair, enzyme production, and hormone synthesis. While, plant-based diets may be associated with lower overall protein intake compared to animal-based diets.
Here are some excellent plant-based protein sources:
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes are rich in protein and fibre. Plant based recipes for weight loss can include soups, vegetable stews, salads, or even delicious spreads like hummus.
As a complete protein source, quinoa is a versatile grain that can be used as a base for salads, bowls, or served as a side dish.
Almond, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of protein and other essential nutrients.
Protein powders derived from sources like pea, rice, or hemp can be utilized in smoothies or baked goods to supplement protein intake.
Although, these processed foods that may be marketed as vegan-friendly, it can still be high in unhealthy ingredients like refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
Dietary fibre provides numerous advantages such as promoting digestive health, aiding in weight management, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and supporting a healthy heart.
Highly processed foods, even if they are plant-based, can contribute to weight gain and may have negative effects on your health. While a product may be labelled as plant-based or vegan, it's essential to remember that junk food remains junk food, regardless of the labelling.
By embracing a plant-based diet, whether vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, you are making a conscious choice to prioritize your health and well-being. This dietary approach allows you to nourish your body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants found in plant-based foods.