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Jennifer Lopez has always been in great shape, but she’s admitted that ever since having her twins, she’s struggled a little with weight loss—about eight to 10 stubborn pounds or so. How did she get rid of it? Through a vegan diet and following a daily cardio workout routine. The diet was inspired by Beyonce’s trainer (and Lopez’s nutritionist) Marco Borges—it was a 22-day vegan diet cleanse. Borges claims that his method will get the weight off and keep it off, as well as improve your sleep and sex drive, boost your energy, and even clear up your skin.
The Pros and Cons of a Vegan Diet
A vegan diet is a subtype of a vegetarian diet, and is much stricter. Whereas vegetarians can vary in what they may or may not include (like dairy, eggs, or fish), vegans exclude every food item or product made from animals.
However, just because you follow a diet (for weight loss, to emulate Jennifer Lopez, or otherwise) doesn’t mean you can’t modify it a little, depending on your perspective on these matters. Some people follow semi-vegetarian (or flexitarian) diets, where animal products are generally excluded, but also allowed in small portions once in a while. This somewhat more balanced approach can help when it comes to getting nutrients that some vegans may find themselves lacking. And it’s not just protein, though that’s the go-to answer. According to a 2012 review by the Mayo Clinic, it’s possible that vegans might be lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. If this is a concern, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian, and you’ll be able get all the nutrients you need.
How a Vegan Diet Benefited Jennifer Lopez
While Jennifer Lopez is no longer completely vegan, she still follows a largely vegan diet because it affords her the opportunity to eat more vegetables. And while that’s always a good thing in general for the purposes of nutrition and weight loss, it seems to have benefitted Lopez in another way: she says she feels much more energized. Magnesium and folate are two nutrients which can boost energy, and these are found in several vegan foods including nuts and seeds, lentils, and many green vegetables. Including more plant-based foods can help lower your blood pressure, plus reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Take a page out of JLo’s book and you can get rid of those last few stubborn pounds, too!
Sources for Today’s Article:
Chang, S., “Jennifer Lopez Wows The View: 10 Pound Weight Loss Was Due To Vegan Diet And Exercise,” Celebrity Health Fitness web site, March 31, 2016; http://www.celebrityhealthfitness.com/36217/jennifer-lopez-wows-the-view-10-pound-weight-loss-due-to-vegan-diet-and-exercise/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork, last accessed June 24, 2016.
“Jennifer Lopez Finally Sheds Baby Weight Thanks to Vegan Diet,” Hello magazine web site, June 4, 2014; http://us.hellomagazine.com/cuisine/2014060419155/jennifer-lopez-vegan-diet-energy-boost/, last accessed June 24, 2016.
“Vegetarian Diet: How to Get the Best Nutrition,” Mayo Clinic web site, March 14, 2016; http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446, last accessed June 24, 2016.
“Vegans May Lack Essential Nutrient Intake, Study Reports,” Science Daily web site, March 16, 2016; https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160316194551.htm, last accessed June 24, 2016.
