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Vegetarian vs. Vegan vs. Eating meat..to lose weight?
Replies
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When I first joined MFP about 4 years ago I lost weight easily still eating meat and dairy. I eventually put the weight back on (my own fault) and started again cutting out meat and dairy and still losing weight. So neither have effected my weight loss (I've given up meat and dairy (except fish) for health reasons though not for ethical reasons)0
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In my opinion the "best" diet is simply choosing the foods that for you personal have you satiated when in a caloric deficit while maintaining good general nutrition. That is it. Doesn't matter if it is meat or not.
Given what I personally find satiating I think it would be silly of me to avoid meat if I wanted to lose weight...but that is me personally and I recognize that different people find different foods satiating.4 -
I lost weight eating a whole food plant based vegan diet, but it wasn't sustainable for me. I was losing weight too quickly because I wasn't eating enough, and I ended up binging on panda express after 2 months and struggling to come back from that for almost 6 months. I never felt satisfied and had cravings all of the time. It also put me back into a really bad place with food that I had worked through previously in weight loss and maintenance and it was a real big blow. I had some very disordered and unhealthy thoughts and feelings about food that set me back a bit. But, I'm now eating a balanced, omnivorous diet, and feeling much better about food and exercise and everything. I wouldn't switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet for weight loss.
You can be healthy in any diet, you can lose weight eating whatever you want as long as you're in a calorie deficit. Vegetarian and vegan diets are better suited for those with very strong ethical or health convictions, in my opinion - I had meager ethical convictions that were simply not strong enough to keep me at it. 10 years off and on vegetarian and vegan diets, and I've accepted it's just not for me. I feel much healthier where I'm at now.4 -
I wish I could go vegan but meat is like an addiction for me. And there's no rehab for meat addicts and if there was it would be over run. It would be like living with a bunch of vampires craving for blood. Probably start eating one another haha. What a scary thought1
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Wow what a great discussion, thanks!0
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I'd recommend making sure you understand what you'll eat before making any sort of diet change. There are a variety of ways to look for recipes and dishes at local restaurants you can eat with with a vegetarian or vegan diet. I personally know several people who've gotten good results from switching to a vegan and I know that one of the biggest factors that contributed to their success is cutting out dairy from their diets.5
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Rabbit1295 wrote: »Heyo! Hope everyone is well
Something I've been wondering about. What form of diet do you think is better to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight? I'm really curious about REAL (hopefully unbiased lol) testimonials. Do you have to switch diets and commit to it for the rest of my life or what?
I personally LOVE my meat and fish. Especially ocean caught fish and organic chicken. But let me know what you guys think.
I haven't read other replies, and I will get to that. To answer this question, the best diet is the one you will stick to. Some people have success completely changing their diet. Personally, this never worked for me. I needed to learn to eat what I wanted in portions that allowed me to reach my goals. Changing my mindset, made progress much less painful.
As for the healthiest content to diet, that depends on balance. Plant-based, vegan, keto, and any other diet can be healthy or unhealthy depending on the macros and micros one chooses to aim for. If you are getting everything your body needs, then it's healthy. If you are allowing treat items (whether that's cake, or booze, or anything else) to crowd out the nutrition you need (and this can happen on all types of diets as well) then it is unhealthy.1 -
Rabbit1295 wrote: »I feel like the responses did answer that question, but... oh, well.
The pros and cons will be different for different people. You need to find the right way for YOU to eat - what fills you up, what tastes good to you, what gives you energy, what weighs you down, what is practical for your lifestyle, what fits with your ethics and priorities. No one can answer that for you. Sounds like bad news, but the good news is you don't have to eat food you don't like to lose weight or be healthy.
A lot of MFP veterans replied to your posts - people who have already lost their weight and are maintaining successfully. And we all have different ideals, activity levels, and lifestyles and all eat pretty different diets.
It's not really a question that I'm asking. I was only curious what people had to say. Especially when you read online and some sites say "go vegan for a healthier lifestyle!" or "why meat is destroying our bodies!" etc. I live in an area where people are vocal about what form of diet or rather lifestyle is better than the rest. (and they get very defensive as well...) I don't know. Was just looking as just trying to make conversation is all. I will always eat meat. I'm just very conscious about where my food comes from. I try to support the local farmers.
Btw..I'm probably going to sound extremely stupid for asking this but..what does MFP stand for?
The diet industry makes millions of dollars every single year through this kind of BS marketing. Keeping people confused has been very lucrative for them. The internet has some great things going for it, but it seems that people have lost their ability to critically think when reading this stuff and they just believe everything. I think the only thing that irritates me as much as the diet industry is Dr. Google.1 -
I'd recommend making sure you understand what you'll eat before making any sort of diet change. There are a variety of ways to look for recipes and dishes at local restaurants you can eat with with a vegetarian or vegan diet. I personally know several people who've gotten good results from switching to a vegan and I know that one of the biggest factors that contributed to their success is cutting out dairy from their diets.
I'm curious: Why do you think that's so (the bolded)?
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OP: For me, it's not a diet at all. I lost 70% of my overall weight loss to date (circa 30+ lbs) whilst eating meat. I then cycled between Pescatarian. Vegan, and Vegetarian. The amount I ate was the defining factor, not that I was a meat eater or not. So it always boiled down to calories in, calories out, irrespective if I ate meat or not. Good luck on your journey.4
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For me, I HAVE to have meat. Without meat, I am ravenous and end up eating way too many calories to feel satisfied. (around 3000)1
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VeggieBarbells wrote: »OP: For me, it's not a diet at all. I lost 70% of my overall weight loss to date (circa 30+ lbs) whilst eating meat. I then cycled between Pescatarian. Vegan, and Vegetarian. The amount I ate was the defining factor, not that I was a meat eater or not. So it always boiled down to calories in, calories out, irrespective if I ate meat or not. Good luck on your journey.
OP - this pretty much sums it up for me (80 pounds lost) except I am the omnivore that cycles between counting calories (the majority of the time), keto (sometimes), low fat/high carb (sometimes) because - pasta :-), and borderline vegetarian (sometimes). This allows me to consume pretty much anything my heart desires with the only catch being making sure my CO>=CI. The variety keeps me interested and going strong.
I have been doing this a long time, been in maintenance a long time, and no longer log anything except weight loss/gain.
Also - I modify my diet (fuel) for a week or so prior to whatever endurance event I am entering (running, cycling, Sprint-Tri, etc.)1 -
You can still eat crap on a vegan diet5
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romeandrylan wrote: »I wish I could go vegan but meat is like an addiction for me. And there's no rehab for meat addicts and if there was it would be over run. It would be like living with a bunch of vampires craving for blood. Probably start eating one another haha. What a scary thought
Out of curiosity, how does a "meat addiction" manifest itself?7 -
I’ve been on MFP now for 3 weeks, to track my macros on my vegan lifestyle to make sure I’m getting them right. I posted that I didn’t believe in CICO and all that mattered was eating healthy. I’ve now had a 180 degree reversal in my thinking. After much more research and my personal tracking of my calories and nutrition I’m a complete believer in the amount you eat and not what you eat is the only tool you’ll need to either loose or maintain your weight.8
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Rabbit1295 wrote: »Heyo! Hope everyone is well
Something I've been wondering about. What form of diet do you think is better to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight? I'm really curious about REAL (hopefully unbiased lol) testimonials. Do you have to switch diets and commit to it for the rest of my life or what?
I personally LOVE my meat and fish. Especially ocean caught fish and organic chicken. But let me know what you guys think.
The best diet is the one that you enjoy and makes it easier for you to be on a caloric deficit. Your mindset is wrong, no diet will cause you weight loss directly...A caloric deficit does. Once you know that, you simply pick a diet that will make you less miserable in your fat loss journey. A diet is only a tool, but a lot of people treat it bigger than it is.0 -
As a lifelong veggie I have to say that I do think foods like salads are made more filling with meat, and also that meat can be a very good source of protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbs, but overall veggie and vegan food is more healthy generally. Meat eaters are either eating slowly decaying or highly and artificially preserved flesh, and that can't be good for anyone...not to mention the studies on meats contribution to so many illnesses. Fruit and vegetables are natural and they contain all that is needed for a healthy lifestyle naturally, balance them right and there really is no need for meat - just a bit of practice and education.
In summary, I think meat can be more filling but the damage it causes to humans (not to mention the environment and unnecessary suffering of animals) doesn't justify being full when you can just eat a few more berries to get the same result.23 -
A vegan and a keto-er walked into a bar...9
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You can eat an awful lot of vegetables for very little calories.
It does obviously depend upon how you eat them, make a thick butter sauce or drench them in a gallon of olive oil and the benefit is reduced.
I find it a lot easier to stick to fairly strict calorie allowances when I am just eating plants.
I love meat and fish, but I tend to keep them for treats and eat once or twice a week. Being a lot more conscious about the quality of my meat and fish.0 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »As a lifelong veggie I have to say that I do think foods like salads are made more filling with meat, and also that meat can be a very good source of protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbs, but overall veggie and vegan food is more healthy generally. Meat eaters are either eating slowly decaying or highly and artificially preserved flesh, and that can't be good for anyone...not to mention the studies on meats contribution to so many illnesses. Fruit and vegetables are natural and they contain all that is needed for a healthy lifestyle naturally, balance them right and there really is no need for meat - just a bit of practice and education.
In summary, I think meat can be more filling but the damage it causes to humans (not to mention the environment and unnecessary suffering of animals) doesn't justify being full when you can just eat a few more berries to get the same result.
I hate to break it to you, but vegans are eating slowly decaying plant matter. That's just the way life is on Planet Earth - the edible things are organic, which means they mostly grow from poop and dead things.16 -
The type of food you consume is irrelevant for weight loss. Its all about calories and burning more than you consume. The most important thing is making choices that are easy for you to sustain for long periods of time. A "diet" will get you short term temporary results but a "lifestyle" will stick with you. Find a balance with your diet and fitness that fits your lifestyle. Everyone can't have 10% body fat and be shredded due to genetics or life. Everyone can give you pros and cons for any diet or workout and try to sway you into their way of life. It may work great for them but you may not achieve the same results. There isn't a one size fits all diet or workout routine so try them all and see what fits. Best of luck in whatever you choose.4
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Up until 6 months ago I was a confirmed meat eater and I lost 142lb while eating meat. Then around 6 months ago I transitioned to vegetarian (after discovering that my ibs was very much improved by not eating meat) and have maintained that loss. It's still all about energy balance though, I make sure I eat around the same amount as I burn (coming to the end of marathon training so I burn a lot). So for me I feel better and have more energy eating veggie (also lactose intolerant although I can eat cheese I can't drink more than a very small amount of cow milk or eat dairy ice cream or yoghurt without discomfort), but I do have to take care than I eat enough and get a good balance of macros along with some of the vitamins and minerals.3
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Eden_Goldie wrote: »As a lifelong veggie I have to say that I do think foods like salads are made more filling with meat, and also that meat can be a very good source of protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbs, but overall veggie and vegan food is more healthy generally. Meat eaters are either eating slowly decaying or highly and artificially preserved flesh, and that can't be good for anyone...not to mention the studies on meats contribution to so many illnesses. Fruit and vegetables are natural and they contain all that is needed for a healthy lifestyle naturally, balance them right and there really is no need for meat - just a bit of practice and education.
In summary, I think meat can be more filling but the damage it causes to humans (not to mention the environment and unnecessary suffering of animals) doesn't justify being full when you can just eat a few more berries to get the same result.
Many of the plant foods I'm eating are either slowly decaying or preserved. Why would it be harmful to eat meat that is in this condition but okay to eat plants?
(I'm not arguing there is a need for us to eat meat, I don't think that there is).6 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »As a lifelong veggie I have to say that I do think foods like salads are made more filling with meat, and also that meat can be a very good source of protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbs, but overall veggie and vegan food is more healthy generally. Meat eaters are either eating slowly decaying or highly and artificially preserved flesh, and that can't be good for anyone...not to mention the studies on meats contribution to so many illnesses. Fruit and vegetables are natural and they contain all that is needed for a healthy lifestyle naturally, balance them right and there really is no need for meat - just a bit of practice and education.
In summary, I think meat can be more filling but the damage it causes to humans (not to mention the environment and unnecessary suffering of animals) doesn't justify being full when you can just eat a few more berries to get the same result.
As a 43-years' veggie - probably longer than your lifetime
- I find it curious when people say it's "bad for us" to eat foods that evolution literally designed humans to eat.
Choosing to eat as humans have evolved is not a moral fault. Should lions and polar bears feel guilt? Would they be healthier if they stopped eating meat? (Rhetorical questions. ). 8 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »As a lifelong veggie I have to say that I do think foods like salads are made more filling with meat, and also that meat can be a very good source of protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbs, but overall veggie and vegan food is more healthy generally. Meat eaters are either eating slowly decaying or highly and artificially preserved flesh, and that can't be good for anyone...not to mention the studies on meats contribution to so many illnesses. Fruit and vegetables are natural and they contain all that is needed for a healthy lifestyle naturally, balance them right and there really is no need for meat - just a bit of practice and education.
In summary, I think meat can be more filling but the damage it causes to humans (not to mention the environment and unnecessary suffering of animals) doesn't justify being full when you can just eat a few more berries to get the same result.
News flash...your fruit and veg are slowly decaying as well...and if you're eating any of those meat substitutes, they are highly processed and full of preservatives.
Humans are omnivores...eating meat isn't "bad for us"...there are certain dietary needs that can't be met without meat unless you supplement. You can't get B12 without meat unless you supplement...so you can't just get it in your food. You can't get EPA/DHA omega 3 with the food you eat because you aren't eating fish and meat...you have to supplement.
Meats doesn't contribute to illnesses...a crappy diet does. Most of those studies are correlation studies and they don't account for the fact that a great many meat eaters also eat the SAD which is very low on veg and fruit and other nutrition.
Meat is as natural as any fruit or veg6 -
everything in moderation. I Stopped eating meat in Sept 2017 (i went vegan over night literally) and Ive been vegan and Ive lost a total of 20lbs. TO be honest, i find it easier to stick with, and its easier to hold myself accountable. I mean when people bring cookies or other junk into my work I always ask someone else to eat one for me. but My twin is a meat eater and is trying to do a no carb, sugar etc (which she had success with in the past). it all depends on what you are willing to sacrifice, etc. its a give and take honestly.1
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Yaaaaaawn. Knew I didn't want to get involved and I was right!
1. Look at your teeth...humans were not designed to eat meat.
2. So you've been a veggie longer than I have been alive, that doesn't make you more educated.
3. Put a freshly picked vegetable on the side for 3 days then put a fresh dead animal on the side for 3 days...see which one seems more appealing to you then.
The post isn't about morals. End of. I won't be replying again.27 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »Yaaaaaawn. Knew I didn't want to get involved and I was right!
1. Look at your teeth...humans were not designed to eat meat.
2. So you've been a veggie longer than I have been alive, that doesn't make you more educated.
3. Put a freshly picked vegetable on the side for 3 days then put a fresh dead animal on the side for 3 days...see which one seems more appealing to you then.
The post isn't about morals. End of. I won't be replying again.
And she wonders why people have issues with militant vegans... SMH15 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »Yaaaaaawn. Knew I didn't want to get involved and I was right!
1. Look at your teeth...humans were not designed to eat meat.
2. So you've been a veggie longer than I have been alive, that doesn't make you more educated.
3. Put a freshly picked vegetable on the side for 3 days then put a fresh dead animal on the side for 3 days...see which one seems more appealing to you then.
The post isn't about morals. End of. I won't be replying again.
1. I'm looking at my teeth in the mirror, and my teeth actually chew meat really well, so I'm not sure what your point is here?
3. A pickled veggie is preserved, so that really doesn't seem like a fair fight. Why do you get to preserve veggies but not meat? And does the speed of the rate of decomp change the type of food we are "meant" to eat? So if I leave a carrot and a strawberry out, and 3 days later the carrot is fine but the strawberry is covered in fuzz, does that mean I should not eat strawberries? You realize people managed to "naturally" preserve meat before we invented industrial food production, right?
I'm going to leave your point 2 alone, because that was rather poor form on your part.9 -
Eden_Goldie wrote: »Yaaaaaawn. Knew I didn't want to get involved and I was right!
1. Look at your teeth...humans were not designed to eat meat.
2. So you've been a veggie longer than I have been alive, that doesn't make you more educated.
3. Put a freshly picked vegetable on the side for 3 days then put a fresh dead animal on the side for 3 days...see which one seems more appealing to you then.
The post isn't about morals. End of. I won't be replying again.
Seriously? Human anatomy hasn't changed since pre-agricultural times. What on earth do you think hunter-gatherers ate? Humans weren't designed to eat anything in particular, hence our success as a species. We can and do eat whatever's available in our vicinity, flora or fauna.8
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