Does going vegan help you lose weight?

[Anonymous]

I've been so tired and lethargic lately. I've done reading on the subject but was wondering if anyone had personal experience. Thanks!

[NearlyNapping]

Maybe, but other things would probably help more. Like cutting back soda would help more - better yet stop drinking it entirely. Cutting back junk food will help more. Overall you want to cut calories and exercise.

When I became vegetarian I didn't lose any weight. But I was at a good weight and good physical condition to start with. I've known people who actually gained considerable weight as a vegetarian.

You would basically be cutting out the animal fat, but are still getting other fats. Most likely fat is not as big a problem as other sources of calories. You really need to analyze your diet over a period of time and see where your main calorie sources are. Look at the ratios as well as the totals.

Some things have a surprising amount of calories. Sometimes you can identify those things and just quitting one or two sources can make a big difference. For example I used to eat microwave popcorn regularly. I was surprised when I realized it had 600 calories a bag. Things like chips also have a lot of calories and are easy to quit.

[dogbert444]

Are you trying to lose weight? If you have cut out ALL fats, you will feel tired and lethargic! There are websites that will tell you the ratios of carbs, protein, fruit and veg, dairy, and fats that you should be having. They will also tell you how much.

I think that being vegan will make very little difference. Certainly as a veggie that doesn't like milk or most milk products, I still struggle to keep my weight where it should be.

[Kiwedin]

It depends on how you intend on eating once you go vegan. When I went vegan, I hadn't done much research on the healthiest way to eat vegan, so I pretty much just ate junk food all the time. Lays potato chips, gelatin free gummies, vegan chocolate chip cookies, plenty of fat, plenty of refined sugar and processed foods. I ate this way for months and I felt like shit and also gained 20 pounds. After a lot of research, I found that a whole foods, plant based diet with a focus on low fat was the healthiest possible way to eat vegan. I'd recommend reading How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger, it was really helpful and easy to read. Many people call this way of eating High Carb Low Fat and it's suuuuuch a good diet. I've never felt as good as I have now in my entire life. I eat unlimited fruits and vegetables, I consume at least 2000 calories of food per day, and I've been losing weight. I've lost the weight I gained initially, and am still losing, so yes, a vegan diet done the right way will help you lose weight.

[Asker]

Thanks so much I'll have to check out the book! My brother is in the high carb low fat diet and also eats tins of fruit. He watches a lot of freelee the banana girl so now I've started watching also. He has lost so much weight and looks incredibly healthy. He's no longer lethargic which is a huge problem for me. I'm on day three of being vegan and already noticing a difference when I wake up and I'm not bloated today. Excited to make this change :) thanks!

[Asker]

Lol on the high carb**, tons**

[Kiwedin]

hahah I miss that feeling of being a new and healthy vegan. I remember feeling so amazed that the human body could even feel this good lmao. There's a lot of good information on YouTube. Check out Legit Nutrition Hawaii as well, she's really great and has a ton of information on everything about diet and nutrition, as well as lethargy and what might be causing it. :)

[MaiNameIsSunshine]

It'll help you lose weight but it may not contribute to you feeling more energetic.

[BertMacklinFBI]

calories in vs calories out bruh

but the ingredients also make a difference towards overall health

[Kiwedin]

Calories in vs. calories out is a tired old myth. A calorie of butter is not the same as a calorie of a carrot, one will result in weight gain and the other actually aids in speeding up one's metabolism.

[BertMacklinFBI]

@Kiwedin my second point should clear that up

[worldscolide]

Sure it helps with that. It Also decalcifies bones and contributes to arthritis.

[bcromartie]

Not necessarily.