Today we have Dr. Jupitor Chakma as our guest blogger.
Vegetarians (especially pure vegetarians) are at higher risk of nutritional problems in compare to non-vegetarians (although it does not mean you should not become a vegetarian and in fact vegetarian diet is more healthy than non-vegetarian diet, especially diet with red meat and processed and refined food).
Although non-vegetarians are at lower risk of nutritional (under nutrition) problems, they are at higher risk of much more nutrition related problems. In fact non-vegetarians have greater risk of cardiovascular problems, which are integrally related to nutrition.
Vegetarians (if skinny or underweight) generally have more problems putting on weight; because plant-based foods contain fewer calories in compared to non-plant based foods such as meat, fish, eggs etc. We all, (non-vegetarians, vegans as well as pure vegetarians) should have a balanced diet for optimal health.
Some of the causes of low body weight or underweight among vegetarians are:
- Low calorie intake (as mentioned earlier in this article),
- Plant based foods have fewer calories,
- Presence of high fiber (especially soluble fibers) results in bloating which reduce appetite and food intake,
- Irregular eating habits due to lack of attraction towards food which may be due to absence of variety,
- Disorders of small intestine such as malabsorption syndrome (fructose malabsorption), celiac disease etc. and intestinal worm infestation.
- General weakness, which may be due to anemia (low percentage of hemoglobin, which is responsible for oxygen transport).
If you are a vegetarian (and underweight) and have a problem putting on some weight, the following foods can help you gain normal body weight:
Protein rich plant foods:
- Cereals such as rice, wheat, maize etc. have good protein content (approximately 5-10%) in them.
- Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios and other nuts (rich in fats too and have very high calories and ideal to gain weight).
- Legumes such as gram, peas, beans, pulses, Soya beans (one of the richest sources of plant protein).
- Other plant-based foods such as drumsticks.
Fat rich plant foods:
- Nuts: as mentioned above.
- Seeds (pumpkin and many more) and oilseeds are rich in fat content.
Carbohydrate rich plant foods:
- All types of cereals,
- Potato, root vegetables (e.g. beetroot), tapioca.
Iron rich plant sources:
- Beans and lentils
- Banana, guava
- Green leafy vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, etc.
- Dried fruits such as dates, raisins, figs etc.
Consume the above mentioned plant-based foods to gain weight and to remain healthy. You do not need to consume each and every item mentioned here, but try to consume adequate amount from every category.
What foods to avoid while attempting to gain weight?
Try to avoid foods high in soluble fiber such as beans, oats etc. carbonated drinks, foods high in fructose or sorbitol (especially if you are suffering from fructose malabsorption).
Consult your doctor/dietician/nutritionist for best solution to your problem of underweight. If you are underweight, you may have an underlying medical condition and for that, consult your doctor.
About Author: A doctor and enthusiastic health blogger, who is eager to learn more about blogging. Dr. Jupitor Chakma, writes regularly on his Health Blog and Online Health Website. Visit these blogs for regular updates and to read more articles by this writer.
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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mike says:
There are some great tips here! While vegetarian and vegan diets are good for overall health they do come with some potential shortfalls. Vegans and vegetarians should plan their diet to compensate for these nutritional risk. And be sure to include fortified vegan foods to ensure adequate intake of vitamins usually obtained from animal products such as vitamin B12.
Jupitor Chakma says:
As vegans have some potential nutritional problems, they need to plan their diet well to avoid nutritional deficiency.
Scott says:
cool name doc 🙂
Whats your stance on weight gainers for people who have difficulty putting on weight?
Jupitor Chakma says:
If someone have problem in putting on weight, he/she should get medical attention. Because there might be some medical problem. Without any medical problem a person should gain weight with regular moderate exercise and a healthy balanced diet.
Jupitor Chakma says:
Its great that someone finds my article useful.
Thanks
Tia says:
Hi Evelyn and Jupitor – This is an interesting subject to me, as I just started distributing Shaklee products and learned that one of their lines, Cinch, is actually used for both weight loss and weight gain at the same time. It’s a balancing product – helping those who need to gain weight to get the nutrients they need, and helping those who need to lose weight to only get the nutrients they need, so to speak. And the shakes and bars are vegetarian!
I think that when the body is getting the right amounts of calories and nutrients as well as the physical activity needed, weight is balanced. The body knows what to do.
I’ve linked to it in the URL field if you want to take a look.
Evelyn Parham says:
Hey Tia,
Wow, never knew a product could offer both weight loss and weight gain. Very interesting!
I totally agree with you. The body knows! 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
Jupitor Chakma says:
Yes I have seen many companies sell same products for weight loss as well as weight gain. I think the action is by providing balanced nutrition as obesity and underweight both are due to disbalance in nutrition.
Yes please give the URL of your products.
Calli says:
How I wish I’m aiming for gaining some weight rather than losing some.lol I know this isn’t easy for underweight people also so they should also understand that gaining weight is not just about eating a lot. They should also understand that they have to eat healthy as well.
Jupitor Chakma says:
Yes, calculate your daily calories (expense and intake) and eat healthy balanced diet. Make healthy eating your habit and you will remain healthy with ideal body weight.
TrafficColeman says:
I personally think we all need a little meat on our bones. Getting good proteins is one of the best places to start if you ask me.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
Jupitor Chakma says:
For good bone health we need adequate calcium which we can get from vegetarian foods.