Losing weight and vegetarianism

Research has shown that some health problems caused by  being overweight and clinically obese are:- respiratory problems, joint problems, diabetes and heart disease etc.

Far more people are now overweight and much bigger than they used to be in the fifties and sixties, why?  We consume much more fried food, crisps biscuits, and confectionery than ever before. The consumption of takeaways and  processed food has increased dramatically in the last decade.

Most processed food and drinks contain all or one of the following :- preservatives, sugar,salt, colourants, emulsifiers and Es.

Even bread is not exempt, as emulsifiers, flour treatment agents, mould growth retardants, preservatives and improvers are more often than not used..

Conventional farming methods have seen an increase in the use of chemical additives to promote weight gain in livestock

Who consumes the food with the additives? – Human Beings.

It’s hardly surprising that we have weight problems and we turn to so called diets

Conventional calorie controlled diets work initially but in many cases normal eating habits resume after initial success – and weight goes back on. This is why special diets and weight loss classes have survived so long and have been so commercially successful!!!

Losing weight has to be about rethinking one's entire attitude to food, what we eat and how we eat. There is no quick fix. 

Losing weight does not have to be painful, boring and hard work and  this is where a truly well balanced vegetarian way of eating will help.

A vegetarian way of eating can help because it is low in saturated fats, high in fibre and protein and contains the right carbohydrates for energy.  Moreover you will experience initial and gradual weight loss – but only if meat is not replaced with mountains of cheese and take away veggie burgers etc.

Remember the golden rules :-

Eat organic food whenever possible to reduce to risk of ingesting additives . They also have a better flavour and contain more vitamins.

Avoid processed food.

Meals should consist of one main meal a day and two lighter meals.   

Eat slower to help digestion. Chew your food, at least 20 times before swallowing, allowing time for your brain to tell you when your stomach is full. In time you will find you eat less.

If you must snack between meals eat fruit, raw vegetables, organic yoghurt, or a handful of sunflower seeds or dried fruit.

Try to eat at least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. (see Food portions ).

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, this helps flush the toxins from the system and prevents dehydration.

Keep consumption of alcohol to a minimum as this causes dehydration  and adds calories.

Take exercise. This speeds up the body’s metabolism and helps burn off calories.

It’s not rocket science but common sense. Changing the way we eat is not all about sacrificing one of the pleasures of life but rethinking the types of food we eat.

Choose carefully when planning meals. See menu plan1 and menu plan 2 and recipes  on this site for ideas on a healthy well balanced style of eating.  

Home  |  About this site  |  Helpful hints  |  Store cupboard  |  Menu plan week 1  
Menu plan week 2  |  Quick & easy meals  |  Recipes  |  Nutrition  |  Contact us  
  Links