Should I Go Vegitarian To Lose Weight

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Get the facts about becoming vegetarian for weight loss

By Jennifer R. Scott
Flammkuchen with red cabbage, pears and non-dairy cheese
Westend61/Getty Images

The question is Frequently asked about going “vegetarian” so I found a post on VeryWell.com that can answer your questions. Personally, I believe that consuming large amounts of animal protein can cause you to add body fat. There isn’t anything wrong with eating meat but Americans overdose on animal protein and because 2/3 of American adults are overweight it’s only logical that animal protein is partly to blame.

Have you thought about going vegetarian to lose weight? Many healthy eaters choose to give up meat for ethical reasons, because of environmental concerns or to improve their health. But should you go vegetarian for weight loss? The answer depends on a few different factors.

Weight Loss Benefits

If you go vegetarian, you may lose weight. But weight loss won’t be a slam dunk if you give up meat. Whether or not you slim down depends on how many calories you consume, not necessarily on the source of the calories.

If you eat more calories than you need you will gain weight, whether you eat meat or not. Weight loss is possible on a meat-based diet and on a vegetarian diet. So you should evaluate the pros and cons of going meat-free before you make the change.

A potential benefit of going vegetarian to lose weight is that you may consume fewer calories. Research has shown people following a typical vegetarian diet consume, on average, around 500 fewer calories daily than their meat-eating counterparts. Interestingly, the research showed that they actually ate more food than non-vegetarians, another great benefit.

So how do you get to eat more food and take in fewer calories? A healthy vegetarian diet is often comprised mainly of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are starchy, fiber-rich foods that are naturally low in fat and calories. Examples of complex carbs are legumes and other vegetables and whole grains.

Remember, every 3,500 calories cut equals one pound lost. If you do the math, it’s easy to see that a 500-calorie daily deficit will lead to one pound of weight loss per week. Whether you’re a veggie or a carnivore, this deficit can create real results.

Weight Loss Drawbacks

Some people who go vegetarian for weight loss don’t lose any weight at all.

Why? Simply eliminating meat doesn’t necessarily lead to a calorie deficit. And you may eliminate meat but replace it with other higher-calorie foods, like fatty cheese or milk.

The trick to losing weight on a vegetarian diet — and all diets — is to plan your meals in advance. Whether you go vegetarian to lose weight or include small amounts of lean meat, you should always make sure that you include a variety of fruit, vegetables, and grains. Try to avoid foods that are heavily processed as these junk foods often provide too many empty calories and don’t boost weight loss results.

Vegetarian Diet Plan Tips

If you’re looking for convenience, there are plenty of healthy vegetarian-friendly meals in grocery stores. Meals like Amy’s frozen dinners are ready in minutes in your microwave. Veggie burgers by Boca or GardenBurger can also be microwaved, or for a “cooked-out” flavor, grilled. Try them as a burger with a bun and fixings, or, alongside other veggies as a replacement for a meat entree.

There are also many diet plans that help vegetarians lose weight. Veestro is a plant-based meal delivery program that provides healthy and delicious meals for dieters who don’t eat meat. And many of the popular commercial diets also provide a vegetarian option.

When I tried everything I knew to lose weight and ended up with the same fat belly, I finally decided to cut back on meat by only eating meat once a day and in small amounts like 3 ounces. I cut out dairy products and all drinks that had calories. How you prepare your food makes a big difference in calories. Another reason Americans can’t control their weight is that when you fill up on meat you eat less fruit and vegetables. Half of every meal should be vegetables and fruit, 1/3 should be grains, and only a small amount of lean meat.

Look for my podcast by searching “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight” on the podcast app that you use. You’ll see a piece of my book cover.

If you really want to lose your body fat look for my e-books at the websites listed below. You’ll get information on Healthy eating, exercise, and diet. Instead of spending hours on the internet reading dozens of posts, you can save time by picking up one of my e-books. 


There are two e-books. “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight?” is available at all the online bookstores selling for $3.99. Go to any of the websites below and search the title to find my e-book. This book gives you all you need to lose weight without spending money on gym memberships, diet plans, or meal plans.


Look for my book. at Amazon.com, bn.com, iBooks, Kobo.com, Scribd.com, or Gardner Books in the U.K.

My new e-book is available on Smashwords.com and other online bookstores. Just type “getting to a Healthy Weight” in the search box at the top of the home page. 





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