With summer just around the corner, many people are worrying about fitting into that teeny bikini or going shirtless in swim trunks. According to a 2010 CDC study, over one-third of U.S. adults are obese. A recent Gallup poll notes that two-thirds of Americans think of themselves as over their target weight, regardless of their actual size.
The Gallup poll also mentioned that three in 10 Americans are currently trying to lose weight, and over 66% have made a serious dieting effort at some point in their lives.
However noble the efforts, not all diets are equal. While specialty diets, like juice detoxes and Atkins may seem appealing, they tend to have very low long-term success rates.
If you are thinking about losing weight, PETA suggests trying out a vegan diet. The Academy of Nutrition And Dietetics (previously the American Dietetic Association) says that “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”
Beyond your health, going meatless can also be beneficial to animal welfare and the environment. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, the meat industry contributes to nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions accelerating climate change.
Take a look at the USDA’s tips for becoming a vegetarian, which include alternative ways to get nutrients and protein.
Check out this list below of PETA’s vegan diet books for bikini season. Have you gone vegan and improved your health? Tell us in the comments below!
