But I'm a Vegan... So Why Can't I Lose Weight?
If plant-based meals are the key to great health, why do some people still struggle to shed the extra pounds? Here are a few possible reasons.
Vegan or healthy?
It’s quite possible to be a very unhealthy vegan. Potato chips, cake mix, and plenty of other calorie-laden foods contain no animal products. So they would technically satisfy the requirements of a vegan diet. But if you’re a vegan, instead of simply filtering out animal foods, think in terms of whole, plant-based foods. Whole foods are minimally processed or not processed at all. Choose potatoes instead of potato chips. Or whole wheat instead of white. Consider fruit instead of dessert and crunchy vegetables instead of crackers.
Plants have calories too.
A plant-based whole foods diet will give you much fewer calories. But you’ll still want to limit portion sizes and stop when you’re full (but not stuffed). Also, go easy on concentrated calorie sources like nuts and avocados. Nuts can be enjoyed 5 or 6 at a time – a fistful is too many. And skip snacks. The food that slips into your mouth while you’re setting the table, cleaning up or working at your computer, can add more calories than you might think.
Individual calorie needs vary
It could be that your body simply doesn’t need many calories to operate. Your body style could be energy efficient – like a Prius instead of a Ford F-150. The largest single determinant of metabolic rate is lean body mass. So age, gender, and size all play a role in dictating what your metabolic rate will be. To lose weight, you may need to drop your calories a bit more than someone else would.
Habits can be tough
I love Isaiah 59:19. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood (overwhelming temptation), the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (flag that an army carries into battle) against him.” Ask a trusted friend to pray with you and hold you accountable. God will give you the victory.
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