Becoming a vegetarian is easier than you might think. Vegetarian eating is different, but not difficult. It does take commitment, but it isn’t rocket science. People become vegetarians for many reasons. Some folks convert to vegetarianism because of religion, animal rights, and health and wellness reasons. If you are thinking of converting to vegetarianism, you must first define YOUR reason. In that way, you know where to turn for motivation and support when faced with adversity.
Becoming a vegetarian means not only avoiding red meat, it includes all beef, poultry, fish, and usually the by-products, such as eggs and dairy. In addition, you’ll be eating raw fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Most people make the decision to become a vegetarian because of health and wellness reasons. Hindu and Buddhists, however, are strict vegetarians. Others practice vegetarian eating habits because they are animal activists who abhor the treatment of animals during the slaughter process.
Becoming a vegetarian has gained widespread acceptance in the past several years as research is shows a vegetarian diet may reduce ones’s risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Recent research has shown that vegetarians live longer and healthier lives. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) states on their website that vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate and antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. Becoming a vegetarian also makes it easier to maintain an appropriate weight.
Some criticisms include the difficulty that some people have getting all of their essential nutrients. However, eating a normal variety of whole grains, beans, nuts, and vegetables will OFTEN give vegetarians more than adequate amounts of the essential nutrients. After becoming a vegetarian many people report “feeling better” and having more energy with the diet change. Your daily dietary intake should include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains in order to maximize your intake of the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs to thrive.
Becoming a vegetarian is a personal choice. Once you decide to become a vegetarian, you should ease into it to make for a smoother transition. There is more than one way to eat a vegetarian diet. By moving into a vegetarian lifestyle gradually, you will be more successful. Making the change slowly begins by excluding meat and fish. Some people find that excluding one type of meat a month makes the transition easier.
RESOURCES
Teens Health: Becoming a Vegetarian http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/vegetarian.html Vegetarian Times: Why Go Veg? http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/why-go-veg-learn-about-becoming-a-vegetarian/ PETA: Top Six Tips for Becoming Vegetarian http://www.peta.org/living/food/making-transition-vegetarian/top-six-tips-vegetarian/ Brown University Health Education: Being a Vegetarian http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/nutrition_&_eating_concerns/being_a_vegetarian.php Harvard Health Publication: Becoming a Vegetarian http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/October/becoming-a-vegetarian Choose My Plate: Tips for Vegetarian http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-vegetarian.html Mayo Clinic: Vegetarian Diet http://www.mayoclinic.org/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446
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