The evidence is overwhelming: following a vegetarian diet low in fat and high in fiber can lower the incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity in the average person. This is because a vegetarian diet tends to be lower in saturated fats, which come mostly from animal products. The connotation of “vegetarian” can be a little misleading. Simply avoiding meat and animal products will not make you any healthier. Vegetarians have to be just as conscious of what they eat as non-vegetarians.
While most all vegetarians do not eat meat, there are some varying degrees of vegetarianism that require different levels of commitment and creativity when it comes to cooking and eating. These include:
Fruitarians, who do not eat any animal products or processed foods,
Vegans, who do not eat (or typically use in a way) animal foods or products,
Lacto-vegetarians, who eat all dairy products, except for eggs,
Lacto-ovo-vegetarians, who eat all dairy products, including eggs,
And Semi-vegetarians, who might eat fish and/or chicken, but no red meat products.
As you can see, there are plenty of options open for those who are considering taking the dietary leap to vegetarianism. But, there are some important things to keep in mind about what you should eat, and what you shouldn’t.
There are some basic staples that should be part of almost every vegetarians diet, including:
Grains, such as whole grain breads, brown rice, whole wheat pastas, and whole grain cereals,
Any types of beans, pulses, or seeds,
All fruits and vegetables,
And dairy products (for some types) or soy-based “dairy” products.
Whether or not you are a vegetarian, it is equally important that you get a well-balanced diet. It is not uncommon for vegetarians to fall victim to eating unhealthy foods, just because they are not meat-based. Some of these foods can be high in fat and calories, such as some fried foods, potato chips, or candy and chocolate. Not only are many of these foods high in fat and calories, they are also highly processed, which can have an adverse effect on your digestive system.
As a vegetarian, your reasons for choosing the lifestyle might be varied. You might be a friend to animals, or you might just want to live a healthier lifestyle. It is important to keep in mind that just because a food is not made of or produced with animal products, it can still be unhealthy. A vegetarian lifestyle of any type can make you healthier and more energetic, you just have to educate yourself, and be creative with your food choices and recipes.
Login
Request Info
Contact Us
Home
