A Vegetarian/Vegan Lifestyle! Is it right for you?

At the time I switched over I was a confirmed carnivore and couldn’t imagine life without meat on the dinner table. It was the way I grew up and the only way I knew how to eat. I had some health issues at the time. I was overweight and couldn’t lose it no matter what I did. If I lost weight I would just put it right back on. I had digestive issues, and was diagnosed with high cholesterol. I was already interested in natural healthcare being a certified reflexologist and determined that someday I would own my own wellness practice. I knew that vegetarianism was a healthy practice; I just didn’t know that much about it at the time. Curiosity, along with health issues, finally won over and I decided to get myself on the path to wellness. It was time to give vegetarianism a try.

An excellent source for vegan cooking.

Here I am close to a year later. I eat an almost complete vegan diet. Once in a while I will cheat and have real cheese (bad, I know it). My body feels better. I don’t have the host of health issues I used to have. I have lost 25 pounds putting myself at my target weight goal and I can keep it off without trying. Most important I know that my body, as well as my mental health, has greatly improved allowing me to enjoy my life to a much fuller extent.

There are many benefits to being a vegetarian aside from the host of health reasons, a vegetarian lifestyle helps cut down on the strain we put on our planet by lowering waste, water consumption, pollution and helps with land conservation. There is also the peace of mind you get by knowing that you are not contributing to the poor treatment and slaughter of animals that comes from factory farming.

For much more complete list of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle click here.

It is my belief that everyone can benefit from a vegetarian lifestyle. You get all the benefits of improved health without a downside. Let’s face it, your reading this article because you are interested. You have probably been asking yourself, why should I become a vegetarian? Maybe you should ask yourself, why shouldn’t I become a vegetarian?

Need more information on vegetarianism? Here is an excerpt from the “Journal of the American Dietetic Association”

From the Association

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets
Available online 24 June 2009.

Abstract

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. A vegetarian diet is defined as one that does not include meat (including fowl) or seafood, or products containing those foods. This article reviews the current data related to key nutrients for vegetarians including protein, n-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins D and B-12. A vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients. In some cases, supplements or fortified foods can provide useful amounts of important nutrients. An evidence-based review showed that vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate in pregnancy and result in positive maternal and infant health outcomes. The results of an evidence-based review showed that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Vegetarians also appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than nonvegetarians. Furthermore, vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index and lower overall cancer rates. Features of a vegetarian diet that may reduce risk of chronic disease include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber, and phytochemicals. The variability of dietary practices among vegetarians makes individual assessment of dietary adequacy essential. In addition to assessing dietary adequacy, food and nutrition professionals can also play key roles in educating vegetarians about sources of specific nutrients, food purchase and preparation, and dietary modifications to meet their needs.

“Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets,”
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Volume 109, Issue 7, July 2009, pages 1266-1282

Health reading on veganism:

http://healthylivingbasics.org/

http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/19/57-health-benefits-of-going-vegan/

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/

http://veg.ca/content/view/139/110/