The main reason people in India are struggling to transform and the obesity rate is rising is that we love to take advice from anyone and everyone. We believe that if a person appears fit, they may know everything and what they preach about health is correct. This is the most common reason why we start believing myths without realising that we all have unique genetics, metabolisms, and body types.
When it comes to going vegan or following a vegetarian diet, people also have different notions about it. So, if you're considering going vegan or following a vegetarian diet but are concerned about losing muscle mass, here are five myths you should stop believing right away.
1) Vegan & Vegetarian Diet Lacks Protein
Have you ever heard of someone dying as a result of a protein deficiency? Probably not. However, high-protein diets may cause your internal organs to suffer. Protein is a macronutrient that our body requires, just like other macros: carbs and fats in adequate amounts. What is an adequate amount for protein? If a person can get protein equal to their body weight, there is nothing best than that. For example, if your body weight is 60kgs, consuming 60 gramsof protein a day is enough for you to lead a healthy life. Vegan and vegetarian diets lack protein is a complete myth because one can easily get protein equal to their body weight by adding tofu, nuts, lentils, and oats to their diet.
2) Being Vegan Means Unhealthy
The main criterion for judging health is not a person's body fat percentage, but how healthy they are from the inside. Internal health refers to the state of your organs and whether you have any deficiencies. When a person stops eating meat and switches to a vegan or vegetarian diet, they eat mostly fruits and vegetables. Both vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, all of which help to prevent deficiencies and boost our organs.
Also Read: 5 Signs That You Are On The Right Diet Path (And It’s Not Just Weight Loss)
3) Vegan And Vegetarians Can't Lose Weight
People have the misconception that vegetarians lack lean protein and are high in carbs, making weight loss difficult. In reality, weight loss is solely determined by your lifestyle and whether or not you are eating in a calorie deficit. Maintaining a calorie deficit is much easier for vegans because fruits and vegetables are extremely low in calories, so even if they overeat on them, they will not be able to jump their maintenance calories.
4) Vegan And Vegetarian Diet Is Expensive
A non-vegetarian diet includes meat, fruits and vegetables, lentils, nuts, and dairy products. Consider a vegan diet, where you cannot consume meat and dairy products; automatically your diet cost will decrease. Just make sure you eat your food at home; eating out will undoubtedly be more expensive.
Also Read: What Happens Inside Your Body When You Lose 10 Kgs In A Month
5) You Cant Build Mucsle With Meat
The fundamentals of muscle building include: calorie surplus, adequate protein, three times per week training, and proper recovery. Nobody can stop you from making progress if your fundamentals are correct. Meat is only five per cent of the total, so it makes little difference whether you eat meat or tofu for the same amount of protein.
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