Archive for January, 2010
Is The Vegetarian Weight Loss Diet For You?
Many people are turning to a high protein vegetarian diet as they become aware of the potential health benefits from a diet devoid of, or low in, animal products. Among the benefits of being vegetarian are reduced risk from some kinds of cancer, lower risk of becoming obese or developing type II diabetes, and less chance of heart disease and high blood pressure. Nowadays there are more vegetarian options available in restaurants and people have a better understanding of what being vegetarian means.
Not all vegetarian diet meal plans are the same. Some people are vegans and do not consume or wear any kind of animal product. Others are known as lactovegetarians because they still eat dairy products. Ovovegetarians will eat eggs, but not meat, and semi-vegetarians do not eat red meat, but do sometimes eat fish or chicken.
When you are vegetarian you have to be careful that your diet is high enough in some nutrients that typically come from animal products. Developing a nutritional plan will increase your nutrient intake and prevent missing out on certain vitamins and minerals. Be careful to include foods that have protein, iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc and calcium.
Alternative sources of protein for vegetarians include legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas and beans or nuts and vegetable seeds. Whole grain foods can also be a source of protein for vegetarians. To ensure you are getting enough iron in your system you should consume plenty of spinach, dried fruits and you can add Brewer’s Yeast to foods. You may also be able to find iron-enriched cereals that will boost your iron levels.
Getting enough zinc in your diet is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Men also need zinc for healthy sperm production. You can get zinc by eating wheat germ and nuts. Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal products, so it may be a good idea to take a vitamin B supplement to ensure that you are getting enough.
Calcium is responsible for building strong bones and healthy teeth. You may be putting yourself at risk of osteoporosis if your diet lacks calcium and vitamin D. To make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet you should eat calcium-enriched soy products and lots of green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale.
We get a lot of our vitamin D levels from sunlight, but it can also be found in milk and fish. Since strict vegetarians do not tend to eat these, it may be essential to take a supplement. You can buy calcium and vitamin D combinations at your pharmacy or health store that will boost your levels of these nutrients significantly.
It is entirely possible to replace the vitamins and nutrient we get from animal products with vegetarian sources. To do this effectively however, you will have to put some thought and planning into your diet. If you successfully plan your diet to include all essential nutrients, then you will most definitely enjoy the health benefits of a low fat vegetarian diet and lower your risk of developing lifestyle related illnesses and diseases from high intake of saturated animal fats.