Can a Plant-Based Diet Help to Reduce Obesity?

According to the latest information from the Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA, the dietary guidelines through 2020 recommend a diet that includes more fresh vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat dairy and whole grains. For healthy sources of protein, the agencies recommend lean meats, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products. Some of the new dietary changes are attributed to new evidence that Americans can reduce obesity rates by limiting consumption of processed meats and processed poultry. Some critics and lobbyist within the U.S. meat industry say the new Dietary Guidelines are based more on environmental sustainability than a matter of controlling obesity.

Although it is widely recognized that meat processing may be a major contributor climate change; in the end, it may not matter why you choose to reduce your consumption of processed meats. There appears to be enough dietary research to substantiate the need for limiting consumption as well as managing the source of intake of proteins and fats. We know that heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women accounting for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined. Since adopting better eating habits may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, reversing obesity trends may become secondary to taking control of the quality and length of your life.

In addition to increasing the amount of fresh foods we consume, replacing sugary drinks with water, watching portion sizes and living a more active lifestyle are proven to be beneficial in reducing obesity and reducing the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure appears to be a truism for both. Whether you menu plan should contain more of one food than another, managing your weight is a question that deserves an individualized answer. At the Metabolic Research Center, we been helping clients restore their good health and lose weight with a personalized approach to weight loss. Our programs consider hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions to establish which foods and supplements will best fit your needs.

Contact the MRC location nearest you to start your weight loss journey today.