Vegetarian Means Vegan, Right?

Actually vegetarians tend to differ from what Vegans consider themselves to be. The exact reasons for why, evade me at the moment.

I eat plenty of vegetables but also enjoy eggs so I think this means I may be a vegetarian but I am not a vegan because eggs are not on their menu. I need to watch my calories and weight.

Veganism, if I may, seems to be more like a religion than just a healthy eating regime. I think the term is applied to not only eggs but even to wearing things that may have once been alive, like leather.

I have no feelings on this one way or another and think our life choices are just that, our life choices.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Free Weight Loss Diets

By Owen Jones

The march to health and fitness is on and a lot of people are getting in on the act. Some people do it in order to have a beautiful body, some people do it because they are embarrassed about their body as it is now, while others do it just to remain fit and healthy. As such, there are thousands of health programs on the Internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centres all over the world. Some are too expensive - so expensive that you will lose weight quickly, just because you have to work hard to earn the money to pursue these fitness programs.

One might not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend a fortune just to slim down and obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookshops offering weight loss programs that seem easy and cheap. However, the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity because of their publicity, testimonials and reviews and you might be confused as to exactly which one to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading the following precis of the most popular diet programs around today.

The Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins: This weight loss program promotes a high protein diet and less carbohydrates. You can eat loads of vegetables and meat but must not eat bread and pasta. You are not restricted on your fat intake so it is all right to pour on the (right) salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, during the diet, some people may find themselves short on fibre and high on fat and cholesterol. Grains and fruits are also strictly limited.

The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan also advocates low carbohydrate food. It approves eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too many carbohydrates. "Reward" meals can be very high in fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose: by Dr. Goor. Restricts fat intake. You are given a "fat" budget and you are given free reign on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate consumption. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafood is no problem. You may also consume vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is quite healthy, because it recommends correct amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch your triglyceride levels though. If they are high, trim down on the carbohydrates and eat more unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet. Advocates eating a fairly moderate amount of fat and protein but lots of carbohydrates. It was initially created to reduce blood pressure. The diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages a high consumption of whole wheat grains as well as fruit and vegetables and low-fat dairy. However, some dieters consider it advises too much consumption to produce a significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less: by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Advises to look out for low-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet plan is low in calcium and restricts the consumption of healthy foods like seafood and lean poultry.

Eat Right for Your Type: This diet is really unusual because it bases its recommendations on your blood group. For instance, it advises plenty of meat for people with the blood type O. However, diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally unbalanced and very low in calories. Furthermore, just for the record, there is no proof that blood type can affect dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle: It is focused on trimming the number of calories by eating watery foods that make you feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is OK, although it limits protein sources to lean meat, seafood and poultry. It is healthy because it provides low amounts of saturated fats and large amounts of vegetables and fruits. However, it is low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics: It provides for eating fewer calories. It recommends the same foods as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high volume of fruit and vegetables as well as being low in calories and saturated fats.

The Zone: It is fairly low on carbohydrates yet moderately high on proteins. It advises low-fat protein foods such as fish and chicken plus vegetables, fruits and grains. It is also a healthy diet but short on grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers: High carbohydrates, yet moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. It allows the dieter to plan his own meals rather than offering recipes, although there are WW TV dinners in the shops.

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