The New Weight Loss Tip We Might Just Give A Go

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Paleo, 5:2, low carb, low fat, cheat days....there are so many different diets and weight loss secrets getting plugged all over the shop these days that it's hard to know what is going to be truly effective in getting rid of the extra bulk whilst still being nutritious and achievable in the long-term. New research indicates that a vegetarian diet could be almost twice as effective in terms of weight loss than a meat-based diet, so head for that fruit and veggie aisle before Spring is upon us!!

Make Friends With Salad

The Journal of the American College of Nutrition shared research results from a study involving 74 sufferers of Type 2 Diabetes. Half the group were given a vegetarian diet to follow (consisting of 60% carbohydrates, 15% protein and 25% fat from foods such as veggies, grains, legumes, nuts, fruit, and a small amount of low-fat yoghurt each day), whilst the other half of the group were assigned an anti-diabetes diet (consisting of 50% energy from carbohydrates, 20% protein and max 30% from fat). 

After a 6-month period, the group that had followed the veggo diet lost an average of 6.2 kg each, whereas the meat-eaters only lost 3.2 kg on average. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, lead author of the study Dr Kahleová said: "This finding is important for people who are trying to lose weight, including those suffering from metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes. But it is also relevant to anyone who takes their weight management seriously and wants to stay lean and healthy."

You'll Lose More Fat & From More Places

Whilst both of the diets showed a loss in subcutaneous fat (which means fat under the skin), only the veggo diet reduced subfascial (on the surface and muscles) and intramuscular (inside the muscles) fat in the target group. 

If you like the sound of 6kg lost in 6 months but don't like the sound of a chickenless sandwich, why not try one meat-free-day per week, and go from there? If you need some serious motivation, check out The Darwin Challenge, a free app designed by Chris Darwin, great-grandson of the famous Charles Darwin (thanks to the SMH for the tip-off). Basically, it shows you how your meat-free days are improving your health and lessening the the strain you put on the environment. It will show you how many cows are still mooing because of your temporary vegetarianism, how many tennis courts worth of land you'll have saved from deforestation, how many toilet flushes worth of water you've saved, and so on. And hey, you'll be slimming down in the process!