Looking for vegan diet plans? The high-fibre Eco-Atkins diet could help boost weight loss and curb heart disease.
THE HYPE
A vegan take on the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet could induce weight loss and curb heart disease by up to 10% per decade by lowering bad cholesterol LDL, suggests research published in British Medical Journal Open.
It sideswipes criticisms levelled at the copious animal protein in standard low-carb diets, which may raise cholesterol. Participants in a six-month study lost two more kilos on the high-fibre Eco-Atkins than a cohort on a high-carb low-fat diet. Keen to try?
THE RULES
Aim for 26% carbohydrates, 31% proteins and 43% fat (primarily vegetable oils).
THE LIST
Carbs: oats, barley, low-starch vegies (okra, eggplant)
Protein: soy, nuts, cereals (think quinoa)
Fats: nuts, vegetable oils, soy products, avocado
