Vegetarianism is a great way to help the planet and the animals that call it home, including yourself. All this without having to do much more than enjoy delicious meat-free food. The only problem? Simply being vegetarian does not guarantee good health.
Luckily, there are about a trillion ways to make sure you are both vegetarian and healthful at the same time.
Let’s take a look at these five strategies to get you thriving as you live the meat-free life.
Stuff Healthy Extras Into Everything You Eat And Drink
To make life way easier for veggies and vegans, many companies are packing extra goodness into everyday products like milk, cereals, snack bars, and smoothies. Look for fortified veggie products and delight in the goodness of A2 milk and other healthful everyday ingredients that help you stay vibrant and veggie.
Don’t Lean On The Cheese
Ethically sourced dairy plays a part in helping people get calcium and protein into their diets. However, it can be easy to lean on cheese as a vegetarian for the flavor it adds to food. In reality, there are loads of alternative sources to include as well as cream and cheese, and the more variety you have, the better your nutrient profile will be.
Fortified plant milk, tofu, orange juice, leafy greens, and cereals are all great sources of calcium. Beans nuts, tempeh, and seitan are great sources of protein.
Be A Vitamin Nerd
It’s actually not that hard to be vitamin deficient these days, regardless of whether you are veggie or not. It’s no surprise really when statistics show that 27% of the foods consumed by Americans are calorie-dense and nutrient-poor. If your diet is not healthful and varied, you could find you’re brewing up a real storm when it comes to your overall nutrition.
For that reason, it pays to be a vitamin nerd. Do your homework and adjust your diet accordingly, or consider seeking professional advice from a nutritionist or your doctor. The result will be a more healthful diet that helps you thrive.
Eat The Rainbow
It’s a tip you hear again and again when it comes to eating healthily, but that’s only because it is so true. Eating a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables is important when it comes to being healthy. Every single fruit and vegetable is filled with different antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other goodies. The more you vary the fruits and veggies you eat, the more goodness you’re getting overall. So fit as many rainbow salads as you can into your weekly eating plan.
Are You Eating Enough?
About 1.5% of Americans are underweight, and although being vegetarian definitely doesn’t mean you will be adding to that statistic, it's something to keep in mind if you already struggle with keeping weight on.
When you go vegetarian, you can be prone to eating less because you’re getting to know what you like. Not only will you be getting used to cooking and eating differently, but you’ll also be consuming a lot more fiber, which can be remarkably filling. You may also find you naturally lose a bit of weight because you’re eating better, and a lot of veggie foods can be lower in calories. So, be mindful of your weight and your calorie intake and ensure your diet is varied and made up of enough calories to suit your individual weight and activity levels.
Being vegetarian is pretty great, but only if you can do it the healthy way. Follow the tips above and stay on top of your diet to live your veg life to the fullest.
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