5 reasons to try a vegetarian diet

Even if you’re not interested in becoming a vegetarian or vegan there are plenty of reasons to up your intake of plant-based meals. In my private practice more of my clients are experimenting with meatless cuisine than ever before, and they’re reaping the rewards. Here are five powerful benefits to embracing your inner herbivore–even part-time. 

Weight loss

In an Oxford University study of nearly 38,000 adults, researchers found that meat-eaters tended to have the highest body mass index (BMI) for their age and vegans the lowest, with vegetarians and semi-vegetarians in between. Another published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared over 10,000 vegetarians and nonvegetarians, and found that BMI values were higher in nonvegetarians in all age groups for both genders. In addition, weight gain over a 5-year period was lowest among people who adopted a diet containing fewer animal foods. 

The reason? Plant-based meals tend to be richer in antioxidants and fiber, which are both tied to weight loss, and researchers have seen an increase in calorie burn after vegan meals. Just be sure your veggie-derived meals are made from whole, nutrient-rich foods, not processed “junk food” like vegan versions of hot dogs, cookies, and donuts.

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