I encounter many vegan or near-vegan patients who remain quite heavy or have a host of medical problems like diabetes, hypertension or even heart disease. Most vegan patients have a relatively simple time controlling their weight. But there are some exceptions to this rule. Lets consider a few of them.

You still eat too many nuts

When an overweight person tells me they eat well, my first inclination is to ask if she counts the nuts she eats. Most people eat nuts by the handful while watching the game or a favorite TV show. Nuts are very healthy in limited quantities, but they are high in calories. Moreover, they are high in good fat, but it is still fat. When you eat fat it accumulates around the midsection and waist line for most folks. As a rule of thumb, I eat no more than 10-20 total nuts of any type on any given day. Nuts are a great appetite suppressant in limited quantities as well, but it backfires with larger portions.

Check those Avocados

Avocados are expensive After some questioning, many admit that they eat avocado smoothies and avocado toast sometimes more than once or twice daily. Avocados are healthy in limited quantities, but they are high in fat calories. More than 1-2 weekly can lead to weight gain, and medical problems.

You still eat dirty fuel

I love potato chips, but I might eat them on Christmas, New Years, July 4th, or my birthday. I just save them for a special occasion. Vegan restaurants carry french fries, tater tots and potato or vegetable chips with their sandwiches. These add up over time. Remember: It is not enough to simply eat clean fuel. You must limit or eliminate dirty fuel consumption as well. Weight Watchers only works because it limits your dirty fuel intake. But, the method requires portion control. On the other hand, eating clean fuel completely blows Weight Watchers away. You actually burn fat when you eat clean fuel combined with fruits and vegetables, and you can eat as much as you want or until your body says no.

To put it all together, if you are eating health and remain heavy, then chances are you are eating too many nuts, to many avocados, or a substantial amount of dirty fuel in addition to clean fuel. Let me know if you have questions. I wish you all well!

Check out this article for a list of clean and dirty fuel foods.