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A vegan diet, which is eliminating all animal products from your diet including meat and dairy, has become very popular in recent years for both health and environmental reasons. However, the vegan diet has also been interpreted as a weight loss method which is not always the case. In fact, according to Registered Dietitian, Rachel Begun, you can actually gain weight from a vegan diet if you’re not careful. Here are the vegan foods that could potentially make you gain weight if you don’t eat them in moderation.
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1. Non-dairy protein shakes
One of the hardest things about maintaining a healthy vegan diet is getting enough protein which is why many vegans drink non-dairy protein shakes. Although these drinks are good for you, they can cause weight gain if the portion size is too large. “I’ve seen these served in massive cups, which is especially problematic if you’re drinking one of these as a snack,” Bergun says. “The calories can rack up quickly.”
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2. Coconut oil, milk, or yogurt
Another vegan staple is coconut products including oil, milk, and yogurt. It makes a delicious alternative for cooking oil, cream for soups, and even ice cream! The problem is this tree nut is very high in saturated fat, which increases bad cholesterol, as well as calories. Bergun says that just like cooking with cream and butter, it should be used judiciously, not as an everyday food source.
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3. Vegan desserts
Sorry to break it to you but choosing a vegan dessert over a non-vegan dessert doesn’t make it any healthier. Sadly, “vegan cupcakes, cookies, muffins, cakes, and pies can have just as much fat, sugar (and even artificial ingredients), and calories as their butter- and cream-laden counterparts,” Bergun says. Just like your regular dessert favorites, vegan desserts should be eaten in moderation unless you want to gain a few extra pounds!
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Also check out The Worst Fruits That Are Slowing Your Weight Loss, According To A Nutritionist and The Worst Gluten-Free Foods For Weight Loss.
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