Tips For Losing Weight On A Plant-Based Diet

On average, vegetarians and vegans tend to weigh less than individuals that regularly eat meat; this is likely because plant-based diets are lower in fat, calories, and highly-processed foods. The vegan diet is also very low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it one of the healthiest diets of all!

Having said that, vegan diets can potentially be unhealthy, too; it all depends on the individual. If your meals are packed with vibrant plant foods, then you're more than likely going to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. However, if you binge on an excess of vegan processed foods, sugary foods, and fatty foods, you may find yourself struggling with your weight—just the same as with any other diet.

Many people experience weight loss a few weeks or months after going vegan, often without trying (including myself). So here are some of my super easy tips to help you shed the pounds on a vegan diet that will seem effortless within a few weeks. 

Vegetables are among the greatest weight loss-friendly foods you can eat, particularly the cruciferous kind and leafy greens, as they're packed with fibre and essential nutrients. Vegetables are lower in calories, salt and fats than animal products, and of course, they're cholesterol-free. Not only will you likely lose weight after incorporating more veggies (and fewer animal products) into your diet, you'll also live a longer and healthier life. Here are some vegetable-heavy vegan recipes to inspire you:

Highly processed foods include fast food, sugary drinks, processed meats like hot dogs and deli meat, convenience foods like sausage rolls, etc. It may come as a surprise, but the vegan diet has its fair share of highly processed foods, such as plant-based meat products and sugary snacks. So if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s probably sensible to limit your consumption of these indulgent treats.  

Exercise should be a part of your routine, regardless of whether you're trying to lose weight or not. Not only does it improve your mental health, but it's also a sustainable, healthy way to keep fit. Breaking a sweat and getting your heart racing burns calories and fat while boosting your metabolism!

Isn't it enough that we are bombarded with fast food advertisements whenever we're on our devices? We don't always need that kind of temptation when we're scrolling through our social media feeds too, Try not to torture yourself by drooling over burgers and sugary treats on Instagram, and curate your feed into something inspiring, healthy and vibrant, instead.

On the other hand, it’s important to establish a happy medium. You should never follow accounts that make you feel bad about your diet or your body. Social media shouldn't be toxic and guilt-inducing - balance and positivity are best, always! 

Soluble fibre promotes weight loss by boosting your metabolism, feeding good gut bacteria, and helping you to feel fuller for longer. High fibre foods like fruit and vegetables also tend to be lower in calories, too. Plant-based sources of fibre:

Many people succumb to the convenience of takeaway food or ready-meals when they've reached the point of hunger where they don't have the patience to cook something from scratch. To avoid this happening to you, keep your fridge full of prepared meals and healthy snacks!