Question about vegetarians????

Question

Okay quick question here. I just posted a ? about atkins, but was also considering going vegetarian. I was thinking about it, because I read a book, BUT...im very confused!!

Most vegetarians I know are thin, but if they dont eat meat, they eat fruits, vegs, cheeses, and breads (carbs) ... How do they stay thin when they are just eliminating protein?? Protein does not make you gain weight...but they are eating probably alot of breads, pastas, etc, which is full of carbs that do make you gain weight....Im so confused!!

Answer 1

what are you talking about? the whole point of being vegetarian is to show that we can still be healthy (even healthier) without meat. there is protein in more than just meat.

Answer 2

No, vegetarians don't ''eliminate'' protein at all. We just get protein from elsewhere, like beans, tofu, nuts, etc. And not every vegetarian relies on pasta (and other carbs). By the way, the Atkins diet is not something I would advocate.. because the logic behind it is just so flawed. Cutting out carbs is not something I would recommend to anyone, even dieters. Complex carbohydrates found in wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta are good for you. I'll explain why.

This thing about ''carbs are bad'' comes from the fact that *too much* causes excess glycogen stores which *can* be converted to fat. That's why chocolate can cause weight gain--simple sugars being stored as energy. refined white carbs may contribute (not cause) wieght gain.

However, wholegrain products are a great source of energy. They supply complex carbs, which are more desirable than simple sugars found in chocolate, etc.

OK so bottom line is this-- If you're trying to lose weight, cut down on the refined white products such as white bread, white pasta etc and go for healthier options such as wholegrain beead and wholewheat pasta. If you enjoy them as part of a balanced diet you should be fine. :)

Not to sound mean here but the Atkins diet is best avoided.

The World Health Organisation recommends that 50-70% of energy should come from complex carbohydrates. The exact amount of carbohydrate that you need depends upon your appetite and also your level of activity. Contrary to previous belief a slimming diet should not be low in carbohydrates. In fact starchy foods are very filling relative to the number of calories that they contain. A diet of nuts, pulses/ lentils, bread and cereals, soy, fruit, vegetables and grains is FAR healthier than a short term fad diet that has little carbohydrates. Enjoy foods that you like to eat, in moderation.

For example, if you like snacking on chocolate, by all means enjoy it, but of course be sensible with your portion sizes.

Hope this helps. :]

Answer 3

they aren't eliminating protein.

you ever really take the time to read up on what fresh fruits and veggies have?

protein makes you gain weight.    every 4 grams is one pound.

vegetarians do not eat dairy, eggs or any processed foods which contain animal product.

the vegetarians i know aren't thin.        matter of fact i know some vegans  (who are much worse off eating their junk foods)    who are obese.

not kidding...     everything has protein..    everything has calories.

Answer 4

We don't eliminate protein.  Protein is abundant in a vegetarian diet.  Nuts, beans, whole grains are all high in protein and almost all other foods have it too..  Carbs don't make you gain weight, too many calories and not enough exercise do.  Choose good carbs like fruit and whole grains.  Avoid white bread and regular "white" pasta and white rice.

2 slices of whole wheat bread have 7 grams of protein

A serving of beans have 7 grams of protein

A handful of peanuts have 7 grams of protein

A serving of whole wheat pasta has 7 grams of protein

A serving of broccoli has 3 grams of protein

A serving of brown rice has 4 grams of protein

Answer 5

You seem very confused.  Vegetarians don't eliminate protein; in fact, unless you're on a junk food diet, you're getting protein and probably more of it than you need.  And carbs don't make you gain weight; eating too much and exercising too little does.

You need protein to build muscle and tissue.  You need carbs for energy (ever heard that many Fatkins dieters feel low energy?  That's why).  And you even need some fat, preferably unsaturated, which appears in plant foods.  You also need fiber, something Fatkins sorely lacks, to move food through your system.

As others have pointed out, it's a matter of calories in versus calories out and, of course, family tendencies to fat or thin.

Answer 6

First of all, forget that Atkins stuff.  Complex carbohydrates are your body's fuel of choice and the only fuel your brain can use.  Low carb diets may work in the short run, but they are not a long-term diet plan.  Atkins himself was, by his own admission, on his "diet" for 30 years and died an overweight man.  Excess protein leaches calcium from your bones, burdens your kidneys and irritates the immune system.  Plus, vegetarians do NOT "eliminate protein."  We easily get all the protein we need by eating a variety of healthy vegetarian foods.

People stay thin by consuming fewer calories than they burn.  Period.

Here is some solid information of protein from doctors who are not trying to sell you a book: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/prote...

Answer 7

First and foremost, you need to know that there are also a lot of vegetarian and vegan food sources that are packed with protein. That being said, vegetarians and vegans alike don't really eliminate protein from their diet. Meat isn't the only source of protein, i hope you know that by heart.

Second, not all vegetarians and vegans are thin. There are also fat vegetarians and vegans. A wise vegetarian should be able to balance everything he/she eats. Whole wheat pasta, vegetables, fruits, legumes, brown rice, beans, TVP, nuts, etc they are all good sources of complex carbs and protein.

Lastly, you need to know that most of the time, it is all about the CALORIES being eaten and being expended or burned out. At the end of every weight loss struggle, it all boils down to CALORIES.

Answer 8

There is an Atkins vegan diet you can follow.  I know a health retreat director who follows a vegan version.  Vegies, coconut cream, avocado, olive oil, salad and beans, beans, beans.  no rice, no pasta, no bread.  not even fruit. she puts everyone this diet that goes to her retreat and she believes in and loves the Atkins theory.  http://www.mmh.com.au/

Answer 9

I am underweight and I am a vegan and no I don't eat any bread or pasta go vegetarian

http://www.goveg.com/

http://www.peta.com/

Answer 10

a veg should not be eliminating protein- that's not healthy.  you should eliminate meat but replace it with other sources of protein.  they should also take care to eat more fruits and veggies (which most who eat meat it seems don't get enough of as it is) and most who are health conscious will switch to whole grains instead of empty carbs like white bread and white pasta.  

protein can be got in whole grains and veggies (esp mushrooms) but also in soy milk, cheeses, yogurt, trail mix, peanut butter, soy "meats", etc.  i might stll have a burger adn fries but i'll have a veggie burger on whole wheat bun and all the fixings with a side of sweet potato fries.  i'll still have pasta with soy "meatballs" and a salad.  i'll add beans to casseroles and salsas and rice... i'll make a stir fry with tofu in it.... peanut butter and fruit is a great snack for me....

so no, if a veg eliminates meat and replaces with pasta they will gain weight.  if they're still thin it could jsut be their body or how much they're eating or whatever... but to be healthy you should be eating proteins, fruits, vegetables whole grains... the whole deal.  if youw ant to lose weight the most important thing is calories in vs. calories out.  you can be overweight as a veg too.  and the atkins has not lasted for anyone i know who's tried it.

Answer 11

You still need to eat a balanced diet with loads of fruit and veg. The reason why many vegetarians are slim is because I don't eat that much fat (which usually comes from meat).