VIRTUES OF VEGETARIANISM: Observational studies show that people who eat plant-based diets weigh less than those who don't.

Evidence that vegetables - the more the merrier - are good for you is legion. And here's more: Researchers who analysed studies of people put on vegetarian or vegan diets found that they lost more than seven pounds regardless of calorie counting or exercise plans.

The study, published last Thursday in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, comes as many people are trying to stick to - or already have abandoned - New Year's plans to lose weight with the dozens and dozens of plans on the market.

The good news for such people is that they "don't need to monitor portions or calories" and still can lose weight, said one of the researchers, Susan Levin, director of nutrition education at the Physicians Committee for Social Responsibility.

"This is not about moderation, it's about healthful choices."

Dieters could approach their diet with this idea: "What is the lifestyle choice I can make that's sustainable?" Levin said.

The researchers reviewed 15 studies focused on plant-based diets, from vegan (no animal products) to vegetarian diets in which followers eat eggs and dairy products but no meat.

Half the studies were intended to help participants lose weight; the others were to treat health concerns such as diabetes, chronic pain or arthritis.

Obesity and overweight are linked to such diseases as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Observational studies show that people who eat plant-based diets weigh less than those who don't, said the researchers, from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

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Plant-based diets lead to weight loss, study finds

New Delhi: US President Barack Obama may have been spoilt for choice at a working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House here yesterday as he was served an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine, including a tangy Gujarati kadhi made from buttermilk and gram flour, and bhuna gosht boti tender pieces of lamb cooked in tomato and onion masala.

The non-vegetarian menu also included murgh neza kebab escallops of chicken marinated with gram flour, cream and cooked in a tandoor; shrimp karavalli, stir fried tiger shrimps flavoured with tellicherry black pepper and star anise; and mahi sarson, fish cooked with mustard.

Modi and Obama, who will be the chief guest at Indias 66th Republic Day parade here Monday, held summit level talks at Hyderabad House.

Other delicacies on the lavish menu included shatwar ka shorba asparagus flavoured cream soup served with asparagus tip; nadru ke goolar kebab made of lotus stem, stuffed with figs and spices; ananas aur paneer ka soola chargrilled cottage cheese spiked with pineapple; and paneer lababdar fresh cottage cheese chunks in onion and tomato masala.

Kela methi nu shaak unripe banana and fenugreek cooked together and tempered with cumin; mixed vegetable kalonji vegetables seasoned with onion seeds; matar pulao aromatic basmati rice garnished with green peas along with an assortment of Indian breads were also on the menu.

For dessert, Obama was served gajar ka halwa, a rich, sweet preparation of grated carrots, topped with pistachio; gulab jamun small cheese dumplings, deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup, and fresh fruits.

South Indian coffee and herbal tea were also on offer.

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Gujarati kadhi, bhuna gosht boti for Obama working lunch