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7 Things that May Happen to Your Body When You Shift to a Vegan Diet

The vegan lifestyle can offer numerous benefits to your health and the environment. However, the transition process can be challenging. There are a few changes that may occur while your body adapts to your eating habits. So, what are the things that may happen to your body when you shift to a vegan diet?

1. BLOAT AND GAS

When shifting to a vegan lifestyle, you’ll most likely experience bloat and gas during the first few weeks of your transition. The main reason is due to the fiber present in plant-based products. The good news is that the bloating that you may experience is temporary, eventually leading to a healthy gut.

Aside from that, you need to eat more legumes to get your protein requirements. Unfortunately, legumes contain oligosaccharides. When your gut bacteria consume this carbohydrate, they produce nitrogen gas, causing you to pass gas more often.

2. FEELING FULL LONGER

One of the most common things that may happen to your body when you shift to a vegan diet is a longer feeling of satiety. As you know, your body digests fiber-rich foods at a slower pace, preventing blood sugar spikes commonly experienced when eating highly processed foods. This effect will not only suppress your appetite, but you may also experience long-lasting energy because of the slow food digestion.

3. CHANGE IN BATHROOM HABITS

Aside from those effects of shifting to a high-fiber diet, you may also experience changes in your bowel movements. Some may experience constipation while others may have diarrhea. But, don’t worry! Your bathroom habits will return to normal once your body has adjusted to your new diet. However, you have to consult your doctor if you experience irregular bowel movements along with stomachaches.

4. LOW ENERGY LEVELS

A typical advice to beat chronic fatigue is to consume foods rich in iron and B vitamins. Unfortunately, the most common sources of these nutrients are animal products. For this reason, one of the most noticeable things that may happen to your body when you shift to a vegan diet is lack of energy. This is especially true if you don’t eat enough foods that contain these nutrients, like nuts, beans, and dark leafy vegetables. Thus, consulting your doctor or nutritionist is necessary to get more information about balancing your daily meals. Taking supplements is also a good option as long as you have your doctor’s approval. Once you’re eating balanced meals, you can expect to have long-lasting energy. This effect is due to the slow digestion of food and the various healthful substances in plant-based products.

5. CHANGES IN YOUR PALATE

When you shift to a vegan diet, you may notice a change in your sense of taste due to various reasons. One, in particular, is zinc deficiency, which may result in flavorless meals. Keep in mind that the most common sources of zinc are animal products so once you give up meat, you may not get enough of this nutrient. Nonetheless, you can resolve this problem by eating foods, such as nuts, seeds, and nutritional yeast.

In addition, you may also develop a heightened sense of taste once your body has adjusted to the vegan lifestyle. The main reason is that most vegans limit their consumption of salty and highly processed products – foods that can dull your taste buds.

6. A RADIANT COMPLEXION

Aside from those things that may happen to your body when you shift to a vegan diet, you may also notice a difference in your complexion. Oftentimes, people new to the vegan lifestyle notice that their skin becomes radiant. This effect is due to the high amounts of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables. As you know, antioxidants can counteract the harmful effects of the free radicals, such as premature aging.

7. WEIGHT LOSS

The last yet most obvious change you’ll notice when you start eating a vegan diet is weight loss. As mentioned, the fiber in plant-based products can make you feel full longer, making you eat less. Furthermore, vegan foods have fewer calories compared to animal products. However, you may gain weight if you always eat a lot of French fries or pre-packed vegan products. Thus, moderation is necessary if you’re aiming to shed your extra pounds. Opting for more whole foods is the best way to achieve a slim and sexy body.

Overall, your body needs some time to adapt to a new lifestyle. So, if you’re uncomfortable with the changes you’re experiencing, you can transition gradually. Finally, before making any drastic changes to your diet, consult your doctor to make sure you don’t end up with any vitamin deficiencies.

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