What is a vegan diet?
Vegan diet is another term for vegetarianism. This is a natural way of losing weight and staying healthy. However, when one says that he is on a vegan diet, it does not necessarily mean that he no longer eats animal foods. Although some people do, in some cases, doctors still recommend some modifications on this diet. That is why before you go on this kind of diet, you have to note its subtypes to know which one is suited for you.
What are the four subtypes of vegan diets?
Vegan diets are subdivided into four subtypes known as semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, and lacto-ovo vegetarian. Although all of these focus on vegetables as the main part of your diet, in some subtypes you may be allowed to eat animal products and by-products. In semi-vegetarian, for example, you can still eat poultry and fish, however you are restricted from eating all kinds of red meat such as lamb, beef, and pork. Meanwhile, in pesco-vegetarian, you are allowed to eat fish and other seafood, but restricted from all animal products. This is almost the same with lacto-vegetarian, except that in this, you may be allowed to enjoy milk and dairy, but not eggs, poultry, and meath. Lastly, in lacto-ovo vegetarian, you cannot eat animal meat but can still enjoy its by-products like dairy, eggs, animal oils, and milk.
What are the benefits of vegan diets?
Just like in health food raw diet, the two main benefits of vegan diets are also weight loss and good health. Try to eat more vegetables and no or very little meat every meal and you will notice a change in your weight after a certain period. Why is this possible? Because vegetables are rich in nutrients, but less in fat and cholesterol unlike meat products. So, the more you consume veggies, the less you are likely to become obese. And with a vegan diet, of course you'll feel healthier. Why? Because having normal weight means you are also not prone to diseases related to excessive weight gain like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. With the antioxidants present in vegetables, your body is able to eliminate free radicals that are the leading causes of cell death and diseases.
Indeed, it's true that eating healthy and eating right is easier said than done. But if you keep this important information in mind about health food and vegan diets, you will come to realize that it is not as difficult as you think. Now, why don't you try to learn more about eating right and staying healthy? David Wolfe, a known nutrition expert, has a lot to share to you about raw foods, vegan diets, and sunfood nutrition.