Analysis: Numerous studies have shown that a vegetarian diet is one of the most effective for maintaining health. Plant-based diets are healthier than diets where meat is consumed, whether measured by the occurrence of heart disease, cancer, or death.

Reasons for following a vegetarian diet are varied but include health benefits, such as reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Yet some vegetarians rely too heavily on processed foods, which can be high in calories, sugar, fat and sodium.

Unprocessed and properly cooked meat has many nutrients and may have some health benefits. If you enjoy eating meat, there is no compelling health or nutritional reason to stop. However, if you don’t feel right about eating animals, you can also stay healthy by following a well-balanced vegetarian diet.

“Distress could be one cause of that kind of response,” she said. It’s also possible that some vegans have a food sensitivity to meat, causing symptoms like headaches, bloating or gassiness, heartburn, or irritability.

It can make you gain weight and lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems. You can get protein from other foods, too, like yogurt, eggs, beans, and even vegetables. In fact, veggies can give you all you need as long as you eat different kinds and plenty of them.

How many times a day should you poop? There is no generally accepted number of times a person should poop. As a broad rule, pooping anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is normal. Most people have a regular bowel pattern: They’ll poop about the same number of times a day and at a similar time of day.

Vegetarians and vegans can expect more energy, lower chances of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, shiny hair, great nails and even better sleep, just to mention a few. Of course, with the good comes a little of the bad: like a need to be more focused on your protein intake, your vitamin D and iron.

Vegetarians are typically leaner than meat eaters because a vegetarian diet usually has less saturated fat and focuses on foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains that often have less calories. Vegans have even less exposure to fats since they avoid all animal based products including eggs, milk, cheese and more.

A stylized letter F. Veganism is a diet that abstains from consuming animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Going vegan can actually benefit your skin because it restricts the intake of dairy and encourages the consumption of foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables.

Eating red meat once or twice a week can fit into a healthy diet, especially for toddlers and women of reproductive age. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are lean options and can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight.

Plant-based physician Dr. Michael Greger has gained a significant platform in recent years, spreading his vegan knowledge through his New York Times’ bestselling book How Not To Die, as well as numerous media appearances.

Vegetarians eliminate meat and sometimes other animal foods, while vegans completely restrict meat, fish, eggs, dairy and all animal-derived food products. Since flexitarians eat animal products, they’re not considered vegetarians or vegans.

Meat and fish can take as long as 2 days to fully digest. The proteins and fats they contain are complex molecules that take longer for your body to pull apart. By contrast, fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, can move through your system in less than a day.

A meat detox is as simple as it sounds: a diet that does not include meat. In doing so, the body goes into cleanse mode to rid itself of the accumulated toxins. There can be negative side effects during this process – headaches, fatigue, etc. – but they should subside in about a week.

Eating plant-based and ditching meat and dairy reduces your risk of heart disease. There are so many studies to support the fact that a plant-based diet is beneficial for your heart.

Most people will lose weight if they stop eating meat. If you stay on a vegetarian or vegan diet, there is a reasonably good chance you will lose between 5 and 10 pounds over the long haul.

“Many vegan alternatives (quinoa, beans, and lentils) actually contain more grams of carbohydrates than they do protein,” said Hyman. Consuming more calories than your body can use, whether it comes from carbohydrates, protein, or fat, results in weight gain over time, she suggested.

The 8 Best Weight Loss Drinks

1. Green Tea. Share on Pinterest.
2. Coffee. Coffee is used by people around the world to boost energy levels and lift mood.
3. Black Tea. Like green tea, black tea contains compounds that may stimulate weight loss.
4. Water.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks.
6. Ginger Tea.
7. High-Protein Drinks.
8. Vegetable Juice.

There are many reasons why people gain belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Improving nutrition, increasing activity, reducing stress, and making other lifestyle changes can all help people lose unwanted belly fat. Belly fat refers to fat around the abdomen.

Many women also notice an increase in belly fat as they get older — even if they aren’t gaining weight. This is likely due to a decreasing level of estrogen, which appears to influence where fat is distributed in the body.

Even if weight gain is the cause, there’s no quick fix or way to lose weight from one specific part of your body. Taking in too many calories can cause weight gain, but a protruding or pronounced belly can also be the result of hormones, bloating, or other factors.

Burn more calories than you eat or drink. Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and low-fat or fat-free dairy; and keep meat and poultry lean. Limit empty calories, like sugars and foods with little or no nutritional value. Avoid fad diets because the results don’t last.