Becoming a vegetarian is a life choice that can have many benefits, both to you and the planet. If more people were vegetarians, or at least ate less meat, we could use the land more productively, and cut down on water usage and pesticides, since we wouldn’t need to grow grains for animals to eat. (And don’t forget about the carbon footprint of your cheeseburger…) Even if you are not prepared to become a full on vegetarian, consider the benefits of eating less meat in your diet.
There are many types of vegetarians
Some vegetarians include eggs, dairy products and even fish in their diet (lacto-ovo- vegetarians). Some will eat dairy products (lacto-vegetarians) but not eggs. Yet others do on occasion, like when they are invited out, or at a restaurant (flexitarians). Vegans won’t eat any animal by-products including all diary and egg products. If you’re considering becoming a vegan, talk to your doctor about vitamin supplements and consider taking calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B 12 fortified food or/and vitamin supplements. Most vegetarian diets are healthier than many meat diets so long as diversity and balance are maintained.
Dietary and Lifestyle Problems: Many of the Same Rules Apply
Sometimes women become vegetarians because they think they will lose weight. This is not always so, especially if you eat junk food like doughnuts and potato chips. You can pile on the calories with sugar and vegetable fat just as easily as with meat.
Eat Healthy
Just because you are a vegetarian doesn’t mean you are eating healthy food. Many fast food restaurants sell food that doesn’t appear or sound like meat but cook it in lard and add meat byproducts. To be 100 per cent certain, always read labels and go on websites to find the ingredients list. Most importantly, find out what kind of oil is used in their French fries. Remember Trans fat is technically vegetarian but it is still unhealthy. If you are a busy person who eats on the run, have healthy snacks like fruit, power bars (but read the ingredients), sushi and vegetables like carrots readily available.
Learn To Cook
Depending on where you live, becoming a vegetarian often means forgoing restaurant food and doing more of your own cooking. Getting back into cooking or learning to cook can be a wonderful, creative and satisfying experience. Vegetarian cooking isn’t any more challenging, but it can take a bit of extra planning. Luckily there are many great cook books and literally hundreds of thousands of recipes online.
Create Balance
Make sure you are getting the right amount of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. If you eat a variety of foods especially leafy green vegetables, tofu, nuts, legumes, dried fruit, seeds, grains and peanut butter, you’ll be getting all the vitamins and protein you need. Vegetarians can get iron and calcium from green leafy vegetables like broccoli and calcium fortified tofu. Always experiment with recipes and new foods. Variety is the key to good nutrition.
Fresher is Better
Using fresher and better quality produce in your cooking will mean better tasting and healthier meals. Sticking to local and / or organic food is taking your support of a sustainable environment one step further, and will certainly help reduce your footprint (not to mention boost your local economy). Find out about co-ops and markets in your area that sell local and organic produce. I belong to a co-op which is run by volunteers and sells fresh local organic produce at well below any supermarket price. If you buy locally then you are cutting down on the green house gases used to transport food. Mostly, though, do it for your taste buds. It’s really important that you eat food you love and enjoy because that way you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
Becoming a vegetarian is a great opportunity to learn about, food, nutrition, cooking, and self- discipline. It can be an important step in a new life, for yourself and the planet. Get started today!
Photo by chailey.
Add New Comment
Viewing 8 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment