So You Want to Become a Vegetarian?
By: Hamzah Jameel,
Staff Writer
‘Sorry, vegetarian menu please,’ is something we hear in many restaurants. Have you ever wondered what it means to be a vegetarian? If you did, then you are in the right place! There are many types of vegetarian diets, chosen for different reasons; vegetarian diets can have both great health benefits and some risks. Before you go ahead and choose this type of diet, first make sure you know the facts!
A vegetarian is someone who abstains from meat, poultry, and fish. They often choose to eat vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, along with many other edible plants. There are different types of vegetarian diets including lacto, ovo, lacto-ovo, pesco, semi, and vegan. The lacto vegetarian shies away from eggs and meat, but consumes dairy products. The ovo vegetarian avoids dairy products and meats, but eats eggs. The lacto and the ovo vegetarians combined, create the lacto-ovo vegetarian. They eat plants, dairy products, and eggs, but no meat. The pesco vegetarian consumes fish as the only source of meat, while the semi vegetarian consumes fish and poultry occasionally.
So, why do people choose a vegetarian lifestyle? Well, the answer depends on each person’s circumstances, beliefs, and concerns. If you live in a country where meat is expensive, then you may need to convert to vegetarianism. If that was not the case, you may have different reasons. For instance, vegetarianism may be a family or parental preference. It may also be due to religious beliefs. In many cases; however, the vegetarian lifestyle is adopted due to concerns for animals and their welfare. Some people, who are greatly concerned about their own health, may choose vegetarianism, as well.
Now that we know what exactly vegetarianism is, and why people choose this lifestyle, let’s go on to find out if there are risks and health benefits related to a meat-free diet. As a matter of fact, a vegetarian diet can guarantee a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. It can also prevent colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers. On the other hand, there is a risk of vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and riboflavin deficiencies in vegan diets. To ensure that you practice a healthy vegetarian lifestyle , consult a dietitian on what is best for you. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet full of proteins, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to your health. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if your doctor prescribes a supplementary pill!
By now you have read what a vegetarian is, the types of vegetarianism, the reasons for choosing this lifestyle, their benefits, and risks. Being a vegetarian is a personal choice. Now that you have read the facts, do you think you are ready for this challenge?
Share your thoughts on vegetarianism in the comments!
Are you a vegetarian?
If yes, what type? Pesco? Semi? Lacto-Ovo? A combination?
Why did you choose this diet (if you already did so)?
Are you thinking of converting to vegetarianism (if you aren't)?
Works Cited
Brown University. "Being a Vegetarian." Brown University: Health promotion. undefined. Brown University. 27 October 2014. <http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_E ucation/nutrition_&_eating_concerns/being_a_vegetarian.php>.
Creighton, Christine MS RD. "Vegetarian Nutrition." Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2010. Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. 27 October 2014. <http://vegetariannutrition.net/docs/School-Aged Children-Vegetarian-Nutrition.pdf>.
Gavin, Mary L MD. "Becoming a Vegetarian." TeensHealth. July 2012. KidsHealth. 29 October 2014. <http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/vegetarian.html#>.