Go vegetarian to reach or maintain your goal weight

Start with a semi-vegetarian diet

Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain your goal weight, or live a healthier lifestyle, going vegetarian is a popular choice today.

However, if cutting out all forms of meat sounds impossible right now, try starting with a semi-vegetarian diet.

According to a Swedish study, women who are semi-vegetarian (who may include fish and chicken in their diets, but no red meat) had a lower risk of obesity and becoming overweight, compared to women who ate meat.

Researchers who studied data from 87 studies have also found that vegetarians had between three and 20 per cent lower body fat than meat-eaters.

Benefits of going vegetarian

Going vegetarian can be more economical, it's better for the environment, and if you get in the proper proteins by choosing the right meat replacements, it can be extremely beneficial for your overall health.

Plant-based meat substitutes have come a long way in terms of taste and texture over the last few years. This is mainly due to the increase in popularity of following a vegetarian diet.

Meat replacement ideas

• Tofu

• Black beans

• Soy beans

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Quinoa

• Eggs

• Cheese

You can also use certain vegetables, which have a 'meaty' texture, to replace meat...

• Mushrooms make great 'burgers'

• Eggplant slices make super 'steaks'

Recommended reading: Drop calories by eating more cabbage

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