Vegetarians in Paradise/Diets/Dieting/Weight Loss/Diet Expert Advice/Dieters Poll

May 26, 2002 -- Vegparadise News Bureau

Hey, Consumer Reports, What about a Vegetarian Diet?

Editors' Note: In its June 2002 issue Consumer Reports featured its poll of more than 32,000 dieters. Of that group 25% lost 10% of their starting weight and kept the pounds off for at least a year. Their "superlosers" maintained that loss for five years or more. In the article, not once was the "v" word used. Since the VIP editors would be classified as "superlosers" by Consumer Reports standards, we decided to let those other editors know that a vegan diet can accomplish the same goals.

Letters to the Editor
Consumer Reports
P.O. Box 2015
Yonkers, NY 10703-9015

Gentlemen:
In your article "The Truth about Dieting" (June 2002) there is one significant omission in your strategies for weight loss, a vegetarian or vegan diet.

We have been on a plant-based diet for over ten years. In our program we eat no meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, or eggs, but we do consume an abundant variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Our exercise program includes a brisk two-to-three mile walk at least five days each week. Since following this vegan diet, we have both lost over 20 lbs. and have kept the weight off. At the same time we have lowered our cholesterol from over 200 to the 150's. We do not take pills to lower our blood pressure or cholesterol because there is no need.

By eliminating dairy products we avoid many high-fat, sugar-laden desserts. We also cut the fat by not eating oil-soaked fried foods.

Statistics have shown that vegetarians are generally thinner and have fewer health problems than those following the standard American diet.

In your story that concludes with the experts' advice to dieters, you list the following:

We have a suggestion for one additional item:

5.Try a vegan diet.

Sincerely,

Zel and Reuben Allen
Vegetarians in Paradise
http://www.vegparadise.com

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