This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
This type of diet should lead to your healthiest weight
I wonder how it is possible if you’re eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, and I can ask this question from experience.
I’ve practiced vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian diets for an extensive time. And whenever I stuck with these diets, I lost considerable weight without even trying because my diet was so clean.
However, I’ve also been around the block and seen how some people hide unhealthy habits behind these dietary restrictions.
Here is something I noticed about the diets of some people who fall into this category:
They eat a lot of sugar.
They eat a lot of carbs.
They eat out too frequently.
They are not eating enough.
They are not eating wholesome foods.
They consume more calories than they burn.
1. They Eat A Lot Of Sugar
I’ve come across vegans and vegetarians that spend their days eating “vegan” cookies or desserts.
If you think a “vegan” label makes a dessert healthy, I’m here to keep it honest with you; this label is often a trap. These desserts often are packed with sugar.
And what does sugar do?
Primarily, it just converts to fat – especially when you aren’t that active.
2. They Eat A Lot Of Carbs
Sugar. Carbs. It’s all the same. Bread, crackers, chips, pasta, and desserts are great – in moderation.
But once you start overconsuming these food types, you will notice a difference in your physical appearance.
The thing about vegetarian and vegan diets is that they tend to have less protein. If you don’t have that much protein, what’s left? Fat and carbs.
A way to help eliminate the cravings and need for as many carbs is to ensure you still get protein from vegan/vegetarian sources such as non-animal and dairy protein powder.
Avoid getting all of your nutrition from carbs. Beans are also a great source of protein; they’re high in carbs, but fiber and protein help balance it out.
3. They eat out too frequently.
Just because you’re a vegan or vegetarian doesn’t give you an excuse to eat out whenever you like.
Processed food is still processed food.
If it’s processed, it’s more likely to have less nutrition and additional calories (aka weight) due to the additives.
4. They are not eating enough.
You still have to eat, and you might have to eat more – depending on your diet – to ensure you get all the nutrition your body requires without animal sources.
Surprisingly, not eating enough can lead to becoming overweight because your metabolism slows down.
You also become more susceptible to binges because you’re starving yourself long-term.
5. They are not eating wholesome foods.
As I said in #3, if you’re eating out, you’re not eating healthy foods.
The more you can control your diet by eating at home and cooking your own meals, the better your physical outcome will be, not to mention your energy levels, skin, and overall health.
6. They consume more calories than they burn.
There is no way around this fact: if you’re eating more than you’re burning, you will gain weight.
You’d be surprised how many calories are packed into certain foods, which is why you should always check the labels of the food you’re eating, so you have a solid idea of how much you should eat if you find yourself susceptible to weight gain.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.