VEGETARIAN DIET 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VEGETARIANISM

If you are a vegetarian or thinking about going vegetarian, then read this!

So we know as a vegetarian you do not eat meat! Some vegetarians (aka Lacto-Ovo vegetarians) do eat dairy and eggs while others, known as Lacto Vegetarians eat dairy but avoid eggs. Vegans on the other hand eat only plant based foods, void of all animal products and byproducts .

There is also flexitarians or  partial-vegetarian . This group of vegetarians eat fish, poultry, meat and seafood at times but mostly consume a plant based diet. Or they eat poultry and fish, but avoid meat.

Vegetarian diets can be extremely healthy and nutritious with the right choices and the right meal plan. Let’s talk a bit more of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet.

VEGETARIAN DIET 101: HEALTH BENEFITS

Vegetarian diets are have become more and more popular in North America. Even Beyonce, Jay- Z and Ariana Grande have dabbled in plant based diets!

So is a vegetarian, meat free diet better for you? Here are few reasons to consider adapting a Vegetarian diet.

1. Nutrient rich: Vegetarian diets are rich in vitamins C and E, fiber, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in phytochemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids. You can sure get your dose of vitamins and minerals from a plant based foods, which leads to better health overall.
2. Animal and Environmentally friendly: Vegetarian diets are more humane and animal friendly. This is because vegetarians do not consume meats, poultry and other animal products. They are also low on carbon foot print… meaning more environmentally friendly. Adapting a vegetarian diet is a great way to reduce your carbon foot print and reduce pollution.
3. Low Fat: Vegetarians generally consume less saturated and animal fats leading to lower cholesterol levels. If you have high levels of bad cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, you may want to consider adapting a vegetarian diet.
4. Better for your heart: There is some scientific evidence that vegetarians have a lower risk of heart and cardiovascular disease. Because plant based foods are typically lower in sodium and fats they can help lower blood pressure which leads to better cardiovascular health.
5. Diabetes: Some studies show vegetarians have less incidence of type II diabetes. A plant based diet can certainly be healthier for those with diabetes and help lower blood sugar. In fact, there are studies that show that a vegetarian diet can help control and even eliminate non-insulin-dependent adult onset diabetes.
6. Typically high fiber: Vegetarians consume a diet rich in legumes, vegetables, fruits and grains, all of which have lots of fiber. Fiber helps us eliminate toxins and keeps us satiated so its always good to have lots!
7. Ease the symptoms of menopause. According to the Vegetarian Times “Many foods contain nutrients beneficial to premenopausal and menopausal women. Certain foods are rich in phytoestrogens, the plant-based chemical compounds that mimic the behavior of estrogen. Since phytoestrogens can increase and decrease estrogen and progesterone levels, maintaining a balance of them in your diet helps ensure a more comfortable passage through menopause…. Because menopause is also associated with weight gain and a slowed metabolism, a low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian diet can help ward off extra pounds.” Seems like a great reason to get on a vegetarian diet!

The above 7 health benefits are some great reasons to consider adapting a vegetarian diet (if you have not done yet!). Please also check out my vegetarian grocery list and my fave vegetarian recipes!

If you are looking for a complete meal plan and guide, then get on my online program which comes with a vegetarian meal plan. My meal plans include an easy chart to follow, success guidelines and some awesome recipes!