If you’re looking to lose weight, and you’re trying to find the perfect diet, you are about the hear the best news you’ve heard all day! A plant-based diet for weight loss may be the way to go for not only assisting you in your weight loss goals but also helping to improve your health all around, and is much different than any other “fad” diet. The great news is that a plant-based diet has a complementary approach to weight loss and can be a natural way for you to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sounds like a win, win right? Let’s jump in and get you started on your weight loss journey by eating plant-based foods.

Already know about the benefits of a plant-based diet, but don’t know where to get started. Purple Carrot to the rescue!

5 Steps to Starting a Plant-Based Diet for Weight Loss

1. Eliminate Meats and Find Plant-Based Replacements:

Here’s the thing about meats, they are inflammatory, and inflammation causes weight gain. Try legumes such as beans, and lentils, tempeh, organic tofu, and of course veggies. These are rich in protein and much higher in fiber which means they help to keep you full longer and prevent overeating.

2. Snack Smart:

When you eat plant-based you naturally eliminate some of the junk food items you find in packaged foods found in stores. This is because more times than not these products contain things like dairy or eggs. Try adding some nuts, avocados, and plant-based smoothies into your diet for healthy weight-loss and plant-based friendly snacking options. 

3. Don’t be Afraid of Grains:  

When you’re eating plant-based, it’s important to include certain whole grains into your diet such as buckwheat, and quinoa that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are also an abundant source of B-vitamins which are required for energy. Start by swapping out things like pasta for a quinoa veggie stir-fry for a healthy meal to keep you full and assist you in your health and weight loss goals. 

4. Skip the Faux Meat Products:

Keep in mind that just because something is labeled “vegan” or “meat-free” doesn’t make it a health food. Certain faux meats contain additives and artificial ingredients that can be detrimental to your health and halt weight loss. Skip them all together and focus on whole food sources.

5. Start Slow:

The final step is to start slow. If you are looking to start plant-based diet for weight loss, try experimenting with plant-based foods by eliminating animal products one at a time throughout each week until you are eating primarily plant-based.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, that’s why there’s Purple Carrot.