man-with-big-bellyOne of the benefits of eating a vegan diet is weight loss. Weight loss is almost effortless for some who start eating a vegan diet. The pounds fall off and you feel great.

You never thought that after eating a vegan diet for nearly a year that you would have a problem with your weight, but for some reason you are gaining weight in your midsection.

Stubborn belly fat rears it’s ugly head and you are confused because you are eating a vegan diet, doing all the right things, but you don’t understand why your belly is fat.

Today you learn why your belly is getting fat while eating a vegan diet and tips to help you get rid of the belly fat.

My Big Belly Story

I started my experiment with eating a vegan diet in 2008 and in the beginning everything was great. I have had my ups and downs, but over the years, I have maintained a healthy weight.

Let’s fast forward to 2013. I experimented with eating a starch based vegan diet and this is the time when I noticed that my belly started getting fatter.

It was this year when I finally understood why my belly got bigger and why I felt bloated and fatigued after eating certain foods.

I eliminated those foods, changed my diet and as a result I no longer have bloating or feel fatigued.  I am starting to see my abdominal muscles take form.  Sticking with a fitness routine definitely makes a difference.

The Vegan Diet

The vegan diet is a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, beans, and grains.  Some vegans exclude extracted oils from their diets, while others include oils in their diets.

Most of the foods in a vegan diet are carbohydrates; seeds and nuts are fats.

“Low-fat diets tend to be high in carbs because protein in nature usually comes bound with fats. Since you go low on the fats and proteins you eat high carb by default (Schenck, Beyond Broccoli, p. 75)

Sensitivity to Carbohydrates

Some people are sensitive to carbohydrates and it does not matter the source of these carbohydrates.

“Carb-sensitive” people, after consuming simple carbohydrates and sugars, experience a rapid spike of blood sugar that triggers, in turn, a spike in insulin and associated metabolic cellular messengers and leads to negative consequences: the body receives the signal to store, not burn fat; and the spike in insulin causes a rapid drop in blood sugar; this in turn creates uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, irritability, headaches, and brain fog. These symptoms stimulate the individual to seek even more carbohydrates and sugars to remedy the feelings associated with the rapid drop in blood sugar.” (Schenck, Beyond Broccoli, p. 75) (Actual Source:  Hyman, Ultimate Metabolism, p. 51)

Get Rid of the Belly Fat

Here are some tips on how to get rid of belly fat:

  • decrease the amount of high glycemic (spikes blood sugar) foods that you eat (certain fruits, sweeteners, tubers, certain root vegetables, grains, certain beans)
  • drink the recommended amount of water
  • consume healthy fats
  • consume essential fatty acids
  • have a good protein source with each meal
  • decrease the amount of sweet smoothies and sweet juices you consume (it is best not to consume any sweet beverages)
  • consume most of your food whole with fiber intact
  • decrease processed vegan foods in your diet (best to eliminate these foods)
  • consider going gluten-free
  • have a consistent fitness routine that has strength training and HIIT (high intensity interval training)
  • get the rest your body needs
  • do not be afraid of taking supplements
  • keep a food journal and note how you feel
  • experiment on yourself and note how you feel.

Conclusion

Some people are carbohydrate sensitive and you have to determine if you are carbohydrate sensitive. Once you determine if you are carbohydrate sensitive, then you can start getting rid of the belly fat.

Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods.

Your body tells you everything you need to know, but it’s up to you to listen and take action.

 

Image courtesy of jesadaphorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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