{"id":2613,"date":"2021-01-20T10:18:49","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T10:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=2613"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:22:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T11:22:09","slug":"discover-slimming-world-mythbusters-vegans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/discover-slimming-world-mythbusters-vegans\/","title":{"rendered":"Slimming World mythbusters: It\u2019s not for vegans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While much is said about the possible health benefits of going meat-free \u2013 including lowering your risk of heart disease and some cancers \u2013 many of us still worry about whether a vegan diet can work alongside a healthy weight loss plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spoiler alert: it absolutely can! Slimming World\u2019s Food Optimising eating plan<\/a> is designed to fit around practically any dietary preference or requirement. To give you confidence that you can go green and still achieve your slimming dream, we\u2019ve busted four common vegan myths below. But first, Carolyn Pallister, our nutrition and health policy manager, explains how you can enjoy a plant-based menu that\u2019s packed with slimming power…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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EXPERT ADVICE: How Food Optimising works with a vegan diet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe flexibility of Food Optimising means it\u2019s suitable for practically any dietary requirement, including veganism. There’s plenty of Free Food choice on the menu, including most fruit and vegetables, pulses, potatoes, rice, and pasta, plus meat substitutes like tofu, jackfruit, seitan and banana blossom. Add in a variety of Healthy Extras, from wholemeal bread and high-fibre cereals to calcium fortified soya drinks and vegan cheeses, plus nuts and seeds, and the choices are almost endless!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 vegan slimming myths: busted<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Myth: You\u2019ll always be hungry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might be worried that cutting out meat means you\u2019ll struggle to curb your hunger \u2013 and when we feel deprived, it can be harder to stick to our weight loss goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, a plant-based diet can be just as satisfying. Beans and pulses are generally high in fibre and protein which makes them fantastically filling. Carbohydrates like pasta, rice and potatoes also fill us up for relatively few calories, opt for high fibre varieties for even more filling power! The great news if you\u2019re slimming is that all of these are Free Foods, meaning you can eat enough to satisfy your appetite \u2013 no weighing, measuring or counting \u2013 and lose weight without ever feeling hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about the Slimming World plan here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Lentil<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Louisa (@louisa_weezer<\/a>) served up this colourful salad for her lunch, stuffed with carrots, peppers, onions and lentils, with a sprinkling of spicy harissa seasoning for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE ON THE BLOG: Five-spice tofu stir-fry recipe<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: You won\u2019t get enough protein<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As well as being filling, protein is an essential nutrient which aids the body\u2019s ability to repair itself. While lean meats and eggs are great sources, there are plenty of plant-based options. \u201cBeans, lentils, chickpeas, and plain tofu are packed with protein,\u201d says Carolyn. \u201cThat means they keep you fuller for longer, give you energy and, when you use healthy cooking methods, help you satisfy your appetite while losing weight.\u201d When new members join a Slimming World group, the Consultant talks through how Food Optimising works, including pointing out which foods you can choose to ensure you get plenty of protein in your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"carrot<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Alex and Mo (@ourswjourney2019<\/a>) have been piling their plates with protein-rich lentils by cooking up our carrot and coconut dhal recipe. They say: \u201cIt\u2019s one of our favourites, it’s only 1\u00bd Syns per portion and it also happens to be vegan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRY THE RECIPE: Carrot and coconut dhal is vegan comfort food at its best<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: A vegan diet lacks calcium<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all need a good intake of calcium to support healthy bones and teeth and other needs our bodies have. Luckily, there are a growing number of dairy alternatives and vegan sources out there to try \u2013 from calcium-fortified milks made with almonds, soya or rice (which can be enjoyed as a Healthy Extra) to Free Foods like kale, okra and spring greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beth (@beth_fursman<\/a>) uses her Healthy Extra \u2018a\u2019 serving of almond milk to make this vegan coffee-flavoured porridge. She says: \u201cThe best kick-start to a morning! I have oats near enough every day now. Slow-releasing energy, high in fibre and low calories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"coffee<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Beth\u2019s porridge recipe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n