Diet plan for vegetarians is gaining widespread acceptance. People are trying their best to minimize the frequency they consume meals. People adopt vegetarian diet plan for different reasons. It can be religious, personnel or ethical issues, among others. This brings us to the general question, what is vegetarian diet? As the name suggests, this diet plan helps people avoid fish, meat and poultry products. There are six different vegetarian diets to choose from. Here are some of these diets:
- Flexitarian diet– This diet doesn’t fully eliminate intake of meat. Instead, you consume fish, meat and poultry occasionally.
- Pescetarian diet– Here, you should completely eliminate meat and poultry products. However, fish and eggs might be consumed occasionally.
- Lacto-vegeterian diet– This plan allows dairy products but completely eliminates eggs, fish, meat and poultry.
- Vegan diet– Vegan diet completely eliminates the consumption of eggs, fish, poultry, meat and other products derived from animals.
- Ovo-vegeterian diet– This diet plan discourages consumption of fish, meat, dairy products and poultry. However, it allows people to consume eggs.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet– Here, you are allowed to consume dairy products and eggs. However, you are discouraged from consuming poultry, fish and meat.
Health benefits of Vegetarian Diet Plan
Health benefits are one of the reasons people are now turning into diet plans for vegetarians. There are numerous health benefits linked to vegetarian diet. Here are some of these benefits:
{ 1 } Attaining specific nutrients in the body
As we all know, long term consumption of meat and other animal products can result into serious health conditions. However, it is different when we stop consuming meat. This means you will focus your attention on specific meals such as fruits, whole grains, nuts, vegetables and seeds, among others. Based on this, you have a wide range of products to choose from. Furthermore; your body is likely to receive a wide range of nutrients. These nutrients range from antioxidants, fiber, Vitamins, Minerals and fatty acids, among others. These nutrients enable proper body function. Consequently, it enhances your general well being. People suffering from specific disorders can specialize on a specific diet. This will automatically solve their issues. Furthermore, there is no limit on the amount of meals you should consume once you adopt the vegetarian diet plan. It is up to you to set a timetable.
{ 2 } It will help you shed off excessive weight
Long term consumption of meat, fish and other poultry products has been linked with increased weight. This is the reason a lot of people in the society are struggling with weight loss. Good news, adopting a vegetarian diet plan can help you shed some weight. Medical reports and statistics have proven that people who adopt vegetarian diet lose excessive weight within a short period. This is because the meals you are consuming don’t contain high calories when compare to meat, poultry, dairy products and fish, among others. Furthermore, this diet can help control unhealthy eating habits. Some of these meals are rich in fiber. Fiber makes people full within a short period. Consequently, you will be full most part of the day. This will reduce the amount of food you consume per day.
{ 3 } It relives pain linked to arthritis
Are you suffering from arthritis? If yes, regularly taking meat can worsen your condition. This is the reason you should eliminate consumption of meat, dairy products, poultry and fish in your diet. There are different types of arthritis numerous people might be suffering from. Well; a strict vegan diet can relive pain caused by arthritis. Eating whole grains and vegetables for a few weeks can relieve the pain caused by this condition. Furthermore, you will have high energy levels to enable you work regardless of your condition. You should also put your attention on meals rich in probiotic. Such meals are renowned to stop pain, morning stiffness as a result of arthritis and relieve joint swelling.
{ 4 } It will improve your kidney function and lower your blood sugar levels
Is your kidney not functioning as expected? Are you suffering from type 2 diabetes? If yes, consider adopting a vegetarian diet plan. This diet plan helps people suffering from kidney problems and type 2 diabetes. Long term consumption of vegetarian meals can reduce the intensity of diabetes in the body and enhance the functionality of kidney. Consumption of meat in large numbers is one of the causes of kidney problems. Focusing your attention on plant protein might reduce straining of kidney. You will notice changes in your body a few weeks after totally getting rid of meat, poultry and fish in your diet.
{ 5 } It protects your body against different types of cancers
Do you know that some types of cancer can be controlled or prevented. Well; the diet you eat determines if this can be attained or not. Eating meals rich in legumes can greatly reduce the chances of contracting colorectal cancer. Consequently, consuming a lot of fruits reduces the risks associated with cancer. Medical studies have also linked consuming less animal products reduces the risk of developing colon, prostate and breast cancer. Consumption of processed, smoked or even roasted meat has been linked with specific types of cancer. Consequently, some processed dairy products are also linked to prostate cancer. This is the reason you should focus your attention on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, among others.
{ 6 } Vegetarian diet reduces the possibility of developing heart disease
Consider a diet that encourages you to consume plenty of fiber, fruits, legumes and vegetables if you desire to protect your heart from different health conditions. The above meals should be eaten in large numbers to attain your desired results. That’s not all; strictly feeding on a vegan diet can also regulate blood sugar levels in the body, reduce high cholesterol levels in the body and help the body attain different nutrients. A vegan diet can also help reduce high blood pressure. Above all; there is no limit on the amount of vegan diet you can consume. It all depends on what you desire to attain in the long run.
{ 7 } It improves metabolism rate in the body
Vegetarian meals are easy to digest when compared to meat. As a result, your metabolic rate in the body will be kept at bay. Automatically, your metabolism rate in the body will also improve. This helps burn fats in your body fast.
{ 8 } Your body takes in a lot of fiber
Vegan diet encourages consumption of vegetables, whole grains and fruits, among others. Such meals contain high traces of fiber. Fiber helps in digestion of food, elimination of toxins and harmful chemicals in the body. Meals rich in fiber also help the body maintain required liquids in their bodies.
{ 9 } You will attain a healthy skin
As we all know; the skin requires enough amounts of water, minerals and vitamins to glow and look healthy. Vegetables and fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins, among others. As a result, you are assured of proper and healthy skin.
Top Diet Vegetarian meals worth considering
Vegetarian meals offer a wide range of meals to choose from. Here are some meals worth considering:
- Legumes– Chickpeas, lentils, peas and beans
- Proteins– Eggs, dairy products and spirulina, among others
- Seeds– Hemp seeds, chia and flaxseeds
- Fruits– peaches, berries, melons, mangoes and apples, among others
- Nuts– Chestnuts, almonds, cashews and walnuts
- Vegetables– carrots, greens , broccoli and tomatoes
- Grains– Barley, rice and oats.
- Healthy fats– olive oil, coconut oil and avocados.