Often, going vegetarian isn’t easy at first. Over time, however, for most the benefits certainly outweigh the initial challenges.
One of the most interesting things about cutting out an entire food group from one’s daily eating habits is that it not only affects diet, but it can affect lots of other aspects of regular life. Mood is a big one. It’s easy to forget how closely our minds and bodies are connected, and taking something away from our brains that brought it pleasure for so long (ahem, cheeseburgers) can be an adjustment. Another example is in social situations, for instance, eating out at restaurants with friends can get more challenging. There are all kinds of ways social situations can get tricky- it can be awkward if there are zero vegetarian-friendly options when a vegetarian guest is invited to a dinner party!.
After getting over cravings for meat and finding balance in other aspects of life, many find their world opened up to a whole new daily wellness. An increasing number of people are switching to vegetarian diets these days. Whether it’s for health reasons, ethical reasons, environmental reasons, or a combination of all, there are lots of benefits to being vegetarian.
There’s a lower risk of obesity.
Vegetarian diets are usually lower in saturated fats (which is a direct contributor to weight gain) than non-vegetarian diets. Studies have shown for this reason, as well as many others, a vegetarian diet helps reduce BMI and the volume of dangerous visceral fats trapped around our organ systems.
The minor difficulties and inconveniences one endures when, say, cutting out sugar or going vegetarian pale BIG TIME when compared to the challenges our customers face as they take the journey of losing drastic amounts of weight after undergoing bariatric surgery.
People come to the shop for bariatric supplies and equipment all the time, and we’re always left inspired by the determination that bariatric patients display. Sometimes the challenges are literally moment-by-moment, and the pain that they endure- both physically and mentally, paves the road to recovery and a new life.
A vegetarian diet is certainly possible post-bariatric surgery, but of course, it can never be understated that thorough consultation with a physician is essential when it comes to making dietary choices.
While everyone’s approach to vegetarianism is different, studies have shown that vegetarian people are less likely to develop obesity than non-vegetarians.
Good nutrition supports a healthy body.
Vegetarian diets tend to be very high in the nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy, like complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. When the body gets the nutrients it needs, more energy is a result. Another is an increase in the body’s ability to fight off illness more effectively. A varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important to ensure the body gets all the nutrients it needs.
Vegetarianism is great for the planet.
Another reason why so many people are turning to vegetarianism is that it can help reduce the effects of global warming. Maintaining livestock puts enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment, particularly because of the gases that manure generates. In switching to a vegetarian diet, it cuts back on an individual’s carbon footprint and reduces the world’s reliance on the livestock industry.
Vegetarianism is a more efficient way to feed people.
Many people struggle with hunger and food insecurity around the world, and indirectly, going vegetarian can actually help to solve this problem. A considerable amount of the world’s food is used to feed livestock instead of people. If we were to cut back on the animal production industry, this food could go to people who need it.
Vegetarianism protects animals.
By eating a vegetarian diet, intelligent animals that add a lot of value to our world will be better protected. Vegetarian diets are delicious, and a satisfying and nutritious meal is more than possible without relying on animals to compliment it.
It’s prudent to reiterate, when adopting a vegetarian diet, talking to a doctor or nutritionist is extremely important. He or she can recommend food options and help educate about which nutrients are going to be most important. With the rapidly growing number of foods out there geared toward meat replacement, and the hundreds of delicious vegetarian recipes on the web from which to choose, transitioning to a vegetarian diet should be an easy choice.