There are many benefits to a vegetarian diet but remember, it is a lifestyle choice. No amount of pressure or bullying should affect any decision you make, including what you eat. The benefits are health and ethical related.
Where health is concerned, there is nothing better for your body than fresh, whole foods. Our bodies do not digest red meat efficiently so that is the first thing people cut out when going veggie. The reduction or elimination of meat from the diet improves digestion, sparks energy and mental clarity, and improves quality of skin, nails, and hair.
As ethics come into play the focus is animal cruelty and abuse, as well as a belief that the additives, antibiotics and steroids in the animals and meat are harmful to our bodies. The cruelty involved in the poultry industry is perceived to be the most severe so in addition to not eating red meat, poultry is avoided as well as all dairy.
Regardless of the motivation or method, the health benefits are compounded by the likelihood that with less meat comes more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. You make the choice. This is a great way to live, whether you’re a soup-loving person or someone in need of a hearty meal.
Getting Nutrients in a Vegetarian or Low Meat Diet
Ever thought about adopting a vegetarian lifestyle but thought it would be too hard? Fitting in the necessary nutrients is not as difficult as we have been led to believe. Most of what we need can be found in fruits, veggies, nuts, and grains.
The nutrients we need to satisfy in our diets are calcium, magnesium, and iron, folic acid, potassium, and zinc, vitamins B, B-12, C, D, and E, as well as the Omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids. If you add a variety of the following foods into your diet, you will easily meet almost all your nutrient needs for the day.
Broccoli, molasses, nuts, beans, lentils, whole grains, oatmeal, spinach, bok choy, green beans, asparagus, veggies, leafy green veggies, avocados, apricots, fruit, barley, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, citrus, seeds, and walnuts. The Omegas require flaxseeds, walnuts, unrefined oils, flaxseed oil, evening primrose or black currant seed oil.
Enjoy 15 minutes of direct exposure to sunshine to fulfill your Vitamin D for the day!
The tricky one is B-12 which is only found in meat products so that is the only one which will require a supplement.
Easy and delicious, a vegetarian or low meat diet is achievable with just a little research and planning.
What are Herbs?
Between the chemicals in our food supply and the drugs we take for our ailments, many people are taking a new look at what they are putting into their bodies and trying to make some changes. Herbal medicine has been growing in popularity for years and even taking the place of some prescription medicines. But what are they?
An herb is a plant or a part of a plant. We use plants and herbs for cooking or to create scents, but herbs are also valuable for their medicinal properties. Used primarily as a supplement, herbs are purchased over the counter in the form as pills, powders, and teas.
Although herbs are safe, they may counteract other medicines being taken and cause more health problems. For that reason it is important to read the literature on any herbal or prescription medicine before taking it. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
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