Weight Loss for Vegans: Often Very Difficult
Whether vegans are more healthy than meat eaters is not the issue in this discussion. No doubt, overall they are less overweight with lower blood pressures, triglycerides and cholesterol than meat eaters. Whether they live longer has not been proven. A 2003 study of British vegetarians, including vegans found similar mortality rates between "vegetarians" and other groups. The best weight loss might be a little more balance foods.
A 1999 meta-study of five studies comparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian mortality rates in western countries found the mortality rate to be highest among vegans and those who eat meat regularly followed by vegetarians and those who eat meat infrequently. The lowest mortality rate was demonstrated by those who eat fish, but no other meat. So I leave it to others to decide if vegan-ism will prolong life. The answer certainly is not in. My feeling (unproven, of course) is that man evolved eating meat and meat products and the true vegans I have seen seem to be missing something. They are not the really skinny people.
Despite all of the low calorie foods, obesity does exist in the vegan population. Few weight loss diets have been tailored for vegans. Although not a vegan diet, Weight Watchers can be adapted to the vegan lifestyle. Since the emphasis is on fruits and vegetables with low points, there is a lot of food. However it really is not the best choice.
Dr. John McDoughall, a medical doctor from Santa Rosa, Calf. advocates a low calorie, vegan weight loss plan.(www.drmcdougall.com). Probably, the best plan of it's type. The emphasis ia on low-fat, whole foods. The basic rules are that you are allowed all the vegetables, beans, and whole, unprocessed grains that you need to satisfy your hunger. However, you are limited to two fruit servings a day. The problem often arises from the fact than no flour products, or oils are permitted. Refined soy products are not permitted. Sugar and salt are allowed on top of the foods, but not to be cooked into the foods. Often dairy and eggs are eliminated as a way to speed up the process. A normal rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week.
For most,vegans the biggest down fall is the bread, fruits and pasta limitations. If you are considering such a plan, here are the "Eats" and "Don't Eats" of the plan. (Please note they are Dr McDougals's ideas):
Dr McDougall's Vegan Weight Loss Plan :
"Don't Eat": Possible substitutes:
Cow's Milk (for cereal or cooking) Low Fat soy milk, rice milk, fruit juice, water, use extra when cooking hot cereal or pour over
cold cereal
Cow's Milk (as beverage) None; drink water, juice, herb tea, or cereal beverages
Butter None
Cheese None; after 12 days you may substitute soy- and nut-based cheeses
Cottage cheese None; after 12 days you may substitute crumbled tofu
Yogurt None
Sour cream None
Ice cream Pure fruit sorbet, frozen juice bars; after 12 days you may substitute Lite Tofutti
Eggs (in cooking) Ener-G Egg Replacer
Eggs (for eating) None
Meat, poultry, fish Starchy vegetables, whole grains, pastas, and beans; after 12
days you may substitute tofu "meat" recipes
Mayonnaise Tofu mayonnaise
Vegetable oils (for pans) None; use Teflon, Silverstone, or silicone-coated (Baker's Secret) pot and pans
Vegetable oils (in recipes) None; omit oil or replace with water, mashed banana, or applesauce for moisture
White rice (refined) Whole grain (brown) rice or other whole grains
White flour (refined) Whole grain flours Refined and sugar-coated cereals Any acceptable hot
or cold cereal
Coconut None
Chocolate Carob powder
Coffee, Decaffeinated coffee, and black tea Non-decaffeinated herb tea,cereal
beverages, hot water with lemon
Colas and un-colas Mineral water or seltzer (flavored or plain)"