Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular thanks to the information being put out about the health benefits, as well as the affect eating meat can have on our planet. This is especially true since there are lots of food options and easy recipes available everywhere. But the real question is – is going vegetarian healthy in the first place? It all depends… just like with anything else it depends on how you approach it.
Yes, Vegetarianism is in fact a healthy diet but there are lots of elements that contribute to this. Just like all diets, you need to make sure you are doing it right! With that said, here are some tips and tricks plus some additional information on how to be a good veggie-head!
It’s Not an Extreme Change
While cutting out meat is a big deal, you’ll still be consuming dairy products and eggs. This means that your body won’t experience a great shock and withdrawal without meat! This is great as some people are afraid that they won’t feel as energized and healthy without eating meat – which is wrong! Many people experienced quite the opposite, as they felt lighter, more focused, and more energized than ever! But like with anything, it’s smart to do a little research before jumping into it, easing into this new diet when you are completely ready to make such a change!
It’s a Healthy Change
It’s true that eating cleaner is genuinely healthier for your body. In fact, a lot of people are turning into vegetarians due to health reasons, in order to feel better. Food can drastically help with this no matter what kind of illness you are dealing with! It’s said that a vegetarian diet is helpful for people who are suffering from asthma, it lowers blood pressure, and it cuts the chances of getting diabetes. Another major health benefit is that it reduces the risks of heart problems – people with high cholesterol are recommended to try a vegetarian diet and eat clean food, as well.
Good for Weight Loss
Losing weight is hard, but you won’t achieve anything by starving yourself. That’s why going vegetarian might help – without meat, you’ll have to intake a different kind of protein source, something healthier and less greasy. This is directly connected to weight loss, as your diet will be somewhat restrictive. However, you won’t have the need to cut too much food and starve. Weight Loss is tough for the body and the mind, so feeding your body with rich nutrients and protein is a must after you burn all the unnecessary calories. On that note, vegetarian food is usually less caloric in the first place, so that’s also a plus since you can eat more quantity without gaining the weight you might otherwise.
It’s Easy to Maintain
This is probably one of the easiest diets to maintain, since cutting out meat is generally not that hard. For one, a lot of meals can be prepared without meat, and this opens a lot of doors for people who want to avoid it. Furthermore, replacing meat with a protein alternative is extremely easy since there are so many options out there!
There are some important factors to understand, however. Most importantly, you need to know how to create a well-balanced meal each day and to get your desired calorie intake. This can vary from person to person, depending on the level of activity, gender, age, and overall build. But once you calculate all of this, building a healthy meal plan won’t be hard at all – especially with a Nutritionist’s help (like myself)! Again, some people fear that they would lose too much weight or that they would underperform in the gym, but it all comes down to proper calorie intake and protein!
You’ll Have to Consume More Vitamins and Nutrients
When choosing to eat a vegetarian diet, you are purposely eating more vegetables and fruit than a regular person. This obviously means that the level of vitamin intake is much higher than usual – but the key is to eat a well-balanced diet above all else. With lots of planning and consideration, you can create a perfect meal plan, which incorporates all the necessary vitamins and nutrients you’ll need to survive.
One of the main concerns that many people have is the protein question – how to replace meat and still have a good protein intake. The answer is quite simple, eating eggs and products made out of milk are still an option for vegetarians. Also eating beans, mushrooms, nuts, and seeds contains all the necessary protein you need; and there are lots of meat replacements like seitan and food made out of soy too! Being worried if you’ll intake all the necessary nutrients is a completely reasonable fear, but there are lots of solutions that can easily be incorporated into your diet – you just need to know where to look!
Reduces Cancer Risk
This is something that is not talked about enough, and it’s the fact that a vegetarian diet can reduce the chances of getting cancer. Basically, any diet that revolves around eating fruits and vegetables primarily, opposed to eating processed carbs and fats is going to be beneficial for your health and reduce possible health issues. Obviously, it’s not going to drastically change your genetic structure, but this kind of diet can detox your body and cleanse it from the inside out! It also won’t allow any buildup in your arteries that can happen when eating tons of meat and greasy foods!
Things to Consider
There are certain things you should definitely consider before jumping into a vegetarian diet since it can be a big change. If you are a grown adult in good health, going vegetarian shouldn’t be a problem – and will undoubtedly enhance your life as well! Pregnant women and children can also become vegetarian! Me and my kids are! In fact, with a little help of vitamin B-12 and vitamin D, there shouldn’t be a problem getting all the nutrients their bodies crave! It’s always smart to first talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before making this kind of change, especially if you are suffering from specific illnesses – and see how that can affect and benefit your specific situation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
At the end of the day, it all depends on your personal efforts and knowledge – many people fail to make a healthy change into vegetarianism since they are not educated about it, and then there are others who truly thrive in it. With a little bit of preparation and research, you can quickly get the hang of it and truly get all the benefits! If you aren’t sure where or how to start let me help! I do have my Master’s of Science in it, after all!