Dear Rabbit Food: Yes — there are many "right" ways to eat, and a well-planned vegetarian eating plan can be appropriate for anyone, at any age, including kids and athletes. There are potential health benefits to be gained, and a few potential risks to be discussed.
About 7 million Americans follow a vegetarian diet and about 1 million of those are vegan. About 23 million Americans consider themselves to be a “flexitarian,” meaning that they sometimes eat plant-based meals and sometimes eat meat.
As soon as you mention your plant-based eating plan, friends and strangers will inquire as to your protein status and how you’re fulfilling that need. Protein does have many important functions, from the synthesis of muscle tissue, immune system components, helping to form blood clots if you get a cut and buffering against changes in pH. Protein is very important, but if you are meeting your calorie requirements and have a varied diet, protein deficiency should not be a concern.
A typical vegetarian diet tends to be rich in fiber, Vitamin C, folate, potassium and magnesium. The high intake of fruits and vegetables helps to lower risk of cancer, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
As a vegetarian, you may live longer and have lower cholesterol. On average, a vegetarian weighs less than a meat eater. A typical vegan weighs even less.
Sometimes I see vegetarians who seem to be following a starch-only eating plan — they order french fries and a soda when eating out, have ramen noodles at home, and have rice at their friend’s house. You can get your protein and fat from plants or animals, but they need to be a part of your usual intake. Any healthy eating plan has balance between protein, fats and carbohydrates.
If you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is important to ensure adequate iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.
It is also important to ensure that a vegetarian diet isn’t being used as a cover-up for disordered eating.
To gain the potential benefits of a well planned vegetarian eating plan, it is not necessary to be vegan 100 percent of the time, or even vegetarian all of the time. You can achieve these health benefits simply by including some plant-based meals each week. Whether you have bean burritos once a week or choose to make tempeh instead of turkey, increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your usual diet is a great foundation of health.
Now is the time to make your appointment with Holly Larson, registered dietitian and owner of Grass Roots Nutrition, LLC. Make 2014 your best year yet! Learn the skills you need to shop, cook and eat with confidence. Email info@hollylarsonrd.com. Visit Holly online at hollylarsonrd.com and follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/hollylarsonmsrd. Have a delicious, healthy day!
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