Weight Loss

When it comes to eating healthy we all have our ups and downs. Even the most fit and health conscious people admit to falling “off the wagon’ during the holiday season. But the good news is that you can just as easily get back on track by incorporating more healthy foods that will not only help you shed excess weight but also improve your health. Simply incorporate these “fat-burning” foods into your diet by substituting them for your normal “fattening” foods. These foods are healthy and low in calories which can be eaten all the time as part of a wholesome, plant-based diet.

Many people are concerned about their intake of saturated fats from vegetarian foods such as nuts and seeds, coconuts, and avocados. While it is true that a high intake of saturated fat is linked to increased risk of heart disease and arteriosclerosis, it is important to understand that there is a difference between saturated fats from animal sources versus saturated fats from vegetable sources.

The Holiday season is here again and right along with it are all the tasty goodies and home-cooked meals that are such a part of our lives during this time. To the dismay of many of us however, these delectable indulgences tend to leave behind some undesirable extra pounds on our bodies. Is it possible to enjoy hearty meals and sweet treats without the extra pounds? We at Down to Earth say, “yes!” Read on for some ideas to help you maintain a healthy weight during the holidays...

A low-fat vegetarian diet abundant in whole foods, combined with regular exercise, is the basis for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Below are ten tips to keep in mind while trying to achieve your optimal weight:

1. Replace animal products such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and whole fat dairy with whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.

According to a 2004 report by the Institute of Medicine, the past three decades have seen the childhood obesity rate more than double for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and more than triple for children aged 6-11 years. Currently, approximately nine million children over 6 years of age are considered obese.

There is little shock in the fact that America has become a “fast food culture.” The abundance of fast food restaurants across the nation is leading many people to clogged arteries and added pounds. So, while fast food restaurants can not be blamed for the whole obese epidemic in the United States today, they certainly can take responsibility for being a big part of the problem.

Many people are concerned about their intake of saturated fats from vegetarian foods such as nuts and seeds, coconuts, and avocados. While it is true that a high intake of saturated fat is linked to increased risk of heart disease and arteriosclerosis, it is important to understand that there is a difference between saturated fats from animal sources versus saturated fats from vegetable sources.

There are many diets on the market that turn people away from all fats because they are considered bad. But good fat is a necessary part of a healthy diet. Your body needs fat to maintain its vibrancy. Fat protects your body, keeps your cells properly functioning, and is critical for the absorption of many essential vitamins and minerals. The goal is to incorporate beneficial fats into your diet and eliminate the harmful fats. A low-fat vegetarian diet, rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, is the perfect option for health and wellness.