Ah the burger, one of many Americans favorite foods. For most people if you ask them their diet, it is one that easily consumes meat. Whether that's beef, poultry, or fish it is a common staple / also a protein booster.
Then you have about 31% of the world (including myself) who are deemed vegetarian or vegan. Which I am shocked at that number, as I didn't think it was in the 30's. So first lets clarify the difference between the two:
Vegetarian: a person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.
Vegan: a person who does not eat or use animal products.
While many mix these two terms interchangeably you can see by definition there is a difference. Regardless though of which you might already be or possibly consider becoming there are in fact benefits to this diet vs. eating meat.
Health benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet:
Research shows that these diets can lead to low cholesterol compared to non vegetarians.
Can help control weight gain.
Diets tend to be lower in saturated fats.
Vitamin E & C tends to be increased.
Those on vegetarian diets tend to be at lower risk for cardiovascular diseases / hypertension. (High blood pressure).
Improve insulin response. (It won't cure your diabetes)
Digestion can be easier for some
Also when looking at vegetarian, there are different types now too. A few variations of a vegetarian include:
Lacto-ovo vegetarians: Do not eat meat, poultry, or fish, but do eat eggs and dairy products.
Lacto vegetarians: Eat no meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, but do consume dairy products.
Ovo vegetarians: Eat no meat, poultry, fish, or dairy products, but do eat eggs.
Partial vegetarians: Avoid meat but may eat fish (pesco-vegetarian, pescatarian) or poultry (pollo-vegetarian).
If being vegetarian or vegan has such benefits why do people tend to shy away from it?
For starters, most are concerned on getting adequate #protein in due to not consuming meat products. If you decide to go vegetarian some options include (depending on what variation of the diet you decide)
Beans
Tofu
Lentils
Vegan protein powder
Eggs / egg whites
Quinoa
Soy milk
Nuts / peanut butter
Chia seeds
Sprouted bread
Edamame
Just like any diet, there are pros and cons. Also with any diet ensuring you get proper micronutrients / vitamins will always need to be addressed. At the end of the day the "best diet" is going to be the one you can stick to.
*Also disclaimer I am NOT a doctor, and before trying any diet if you have concerns you should consult yours first.
-Taryn
Coaching / Diet questions: Transformwithtaryn.com
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