People with diabetes even lost weight twice as fast by eating vegetarian! Want to try eating less meat too? Read on!
This comes from a study published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
In the study, 74 people with type 2 diabetes were examined. Those who followed a vegetarian diet lost weight twice as fast, had better metabolism, and lost more fat—especially the kind under the skin, between, and on the muscles. Since people with diabetes often struggle with weight loss, this is a significant outcome.
The Dutch Health Council has long advised reducing the intake of red and processed meats. These foods increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Now, a meatless lifestyle also appears to support weight loss—yay!
How do you start eating less meat? Try adding a fixed vegetarian day to your week. You can then proudly call yourself a “flexitarian.” You can replace meat with other protein sources like legumes, nuts, eggs, or soy products.
Or ask your BenFit coach to create a menu with only fish and vegetarian options. Someone who eats no meat but does eat fish is called a pescatarian. Prefer to go fully vegetarian? Try BenFit’s vegetarian menu! And for those ready for the next step, the vegan menu will be available soon!
Will I miss out on nutrients if I eat vegetarian?
Not necessarily. Just make sure you get enough protein, iron, vitamin B1, and B12. These nutrients are found in eggs, fish, and some ready-made meat substitutes. Nuts and legumes don’t contain B12, but they do provide B1, protein, and iron.
Also check out this month’s vegetarian recipe for kitchen inspiration!