A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat of any kind no fish no beef no pork nada. However this person may eat some animal products like honey or eggs.
A person can be a vegetarian for a number of reasons moral religious or plain old dietary restrictions whether or not you’re a veggie there are some benefits to this lifestyle which will explain coming up in the video below.
First of all we want to put you at ease if you’re worried about some of the negative effects of becoming an herbivore. The biggest one that comes to mind is vitamin deficiencies. For a really long time it was believed that your main source of protein and iron and key vitamins came from meat alone. However in recent years studies are beginning to show the benefits of leaving animals off your plate.
In fact sticking to a plant-based diet could possibly counteract some chronic illnesses. But before you start researching the best veggie burgers available there’s a few guidelines about becoming veggie you should know. The main and most important thing is that like any diet you need to be aware of what’s good for you and the things your body needs because you’re avoiding.
You’ll have to fill the void of what you’d normally get from meat products. You really can’t just eat Oreo’s and pop-tarts and call that a healthy plant-based diet. There’s no plants and Oreo’s just delicious double-stuff what you want is lots and lots of variety.
After all it is the spice of life but what we mean by variety is a healthy mix of veggies fruits and whole grains. Harvard Medical School says that you should also try and swap out saturated and trans fats for good healthy fats like avocados nuts and olive oil plant-based diets are becoming more popular these days and there’s many different types of veggie diets that you choose from.
It’s best to pick one that works with your lifestyle then you’re more likely to stick to it without a lot of effort. Harvard Medical School once again outlines the different types of vegetarianism like this vegans total vegetarians do not eat meat poultry fish or any products delivered from animals including eggs dairy products and gelatin.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat poultry or fish but do eat eggs and dairy products lacto-vegetarian eat no meat poultry fish or eggs but do consume dairy products although vegetarians eat no meat poultry fish or dairy products but do eat eggs. Partial vegetarians avoid meat but might eat fish. Pescetarian or poultry pollo vegetarian sometimes people start off with becoming partial vegetarians and then working your way up to full veggie or vegan.
Like we said before pick one that works best for you and your personal choices. Now on to some great benefits of becoming a vegetarian.
- It’s just better for you the fact that you’re choosing foods that are automatically less processed and contain fewer chemicals means you’re being kinder to your body. We’re told from a very young age to eat our veggies and by introducing them more into your diet you’ll be giving your whole system the rush of vitamins and minerals, of that it craves.
- Lowers your cholesterol, cholesterol only comes from consuming animal products and some dairy if you’re not eating any meat or full fat dairy products then you’re cutting out your cholesterol intake completely. Harvard Medical School says having lower cholesterol has been shown to give you a longer life and can reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes because you’ll be eating things that are more natural and less processed like hotdogs. You’re likely to have lower blood sugar reducing your risk of diabetes. Keep in mind regular exercise is really important as well but a plant-based diet can really make a difference.
- A healthy glow normally when people say you’re glowing it’s in reference to pregnancy however a vegetarian diet can help your skin appear more hydrated. Things like raw vegetables that are water-based will naturally put more water into your system, also vegetables are packed with antioxidants that help fight off disease. The healthier you are on the inside the more it’ll show on the outside.
- It’s good for your gut you’ve probably heard the phrase add more fiber before that’s because fiber keeps us regular and is necessary for proper digestive health. Guess what has lots of fiber seeds according to Health Line chia seeds are one of the best sources of fiber on the planet. They also contain magnesium phosphorus and calcium for an added benefit. Popcorn is also a great source of fiber not the stuff you buy at the movies unfortunately that treat is usually dripping with butter and salt we mean the kind you make at home free of any extras. It’s a wonderful quick and easy snack for a veggie.
- Your mental health will improve this Indian based website notes that vegetarians have a better chance of being happier in their day to day than those who eat meat they continue to say that it could be because you’re consuming fresh organic food that’s not only great for your body but can cleanse your mind and steer you towards more positive thinking.
- The planet will thank you the independent released a story that outlines how veganism could be the biggest way you can reduce your carbon footprint on the planet. The University of Oxford found that leaving animals off the menu can cut your personal affect on the planet by 73%, that’s a massive number. The same study also showed that it’s not just reducing your carbon emissions it’s reducing water consumption and the fact that we would be freeing up farmland by consuming less animals that need this farmland, as well agriculture is one of the biggest causes of wildlife extinction.
With all those benefits in mind for your body and your planet how do you feel about vegetarianism now? We’re not saying you have to become vegetarian or give up your favorite foods, we just want you to feel your best every day. Remember there’s many different types of vegetarian, and finding one that works for you is the best route to take.
Plus becoming vegetarian is very popular and there’s a million and one amazing recipes for you and your family to enjoy. If becoming a full time vegetarian isn’t your cup of tea then maybe trying it once a week with your family will be a fun challenge and a way for you to up your vegetable intake.
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First viewed at Benefits Of Being A Vegetarian