Low carb diets are very popular these days however you should include food from all of the food groups to maintain your health.

A diet based on vegetables and fruits is sufficient to provide most of the nutrients your body needs but remember to somehow include protein, fats and carbs. All of these food groups play role a role in successful weight loss.

The Importance of Protein

Your muscles need protein to grow lean muscle mass. It is digested slower than carbohydrates, so it helps us feel satisfied longer. Without enough protein, you will find that your energy level drops quickly. Keeping their energy level is necessary for runners, such as marathon runners.

One criticism of vegetarian diets is that they don't provide enough protein. Meat is not the only source of protein so any fear that vegetarian diets do not include it care groundless.

You can get your protein from nuts and nut butters; along with meat substitutes such as soy low-fat dairy products. What is good about wegetable protein is that is has far less saturated fat.

In addition to protein, a good vegetarian weight loss diet should include plenty of calcium. It is a known fact that calcium has fat-burning qualifies and so it will assist with your slim down program.

The Importance of Fats

Fats play a big role in keeping our hunger under control. Fat is an important food group ond one we need on a daily basis. Fat adds flavor to our food but it is not good to eat trans fats or saturated fats so what can we do? Is there a way we can include healthy fat in a vegetarian diet?

While we do have to limit how much fat we consume daily, a moderate amount of unsaturated fat is actually good for us and can fit into a healthy diet program. These fats come from plant sources like olives and olive oil, avocados, and nuts, making them a perfect choice for vegetarians.

Strange as it may seem, unsaturated fats have been effective in lowering the risk of heart disease. Another good thing they do is to attack plaque that has formed due to high cholesterol. Raising the level of your good cholesterol is one thing that unsaturated fats accomplishes. The cholesterol makes its way through arteries seeking out and eliminating plaque. Unsaturated fats also lower levels of the bad cholesterol that accumulates in arteries.

Because of its ability to satisfy hunger and reduce cravings, fat is an important tool for dieters. If you go too long without it, you risk having strong cravings and feeling hungry most of the time – a recipe for weight loss disaster!

Carbohydrates and Vitamins

Vegetarian diets provide plenty of carbohydrates. Your body relies on carbs for quick boosts of energy so if you part of your routine includes a workout, carbs before and after are a good thing. There are simple and complex carbs and you must be selective. When you eat too many foods full of white flour, starch or refined white sugar, you may find you gain weight when what you want to do is lose it! Moreover, they may leave you hungrier faster.

Choose good carbohydrates found in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. You can still eat bread and pasta however you should try to limit your choices to whole grain and whole wheat. Besides avoiding the sugar spikes and falls associated with sugary, refined products, whole wheat and whoile grain offers you more fiber and that is good for you.

Is Soy dangerous?

While soy is definitely a good source of protein and popular on vegetarian diets, it also has its downside. Soy consumption has been linked to thyroid disorders and slow weight loss. That doesn't mean you should avoid it completely; just eat and drink it in moderation instead of with every meal.

How much is too much soy? Ask your doctor or nutritionist to make a recommendation. They can calculate the right amount based on your needs and medical history.

Robert Taylor