This is a Guest Blog by Kaylie Chrismon.
Did you know there are 7.3 million Americans who are vegetarian? There are also 22.8 million Americans who are “vegetarian-inclined1.” Are you vegetarian-inclined?
There are several different types of vegetarians:
1. Vegetarian – someone who does not eat meat but eats animal by-products. This may include dairy products and eggs.
2. Pescatarian – someone who eats fish but does not eat other meat, such as poultry and beef.
3. Vegan – someone who does not eat meat or any animal by-products, which may also include honey.
So why do people do it? Ethics, environment, health, and personal beliefs are some of the common reasons why people live a vegetarian lifestyle. Vegetarians also have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension2.
What do vegetarians eat? Everything but meat! Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, beans, tofu, and nuts are delicious and healthy options. It is important to get all the nutrients you need, though. Vegetarians can be deficient in vitamin B-12 and iron, among other nutrients. You can get these nutrients through dairy, eggs, spinach, beans, and supplements. Check out these recipes to get your started, whether it’s for Meatless Monday or a full transition into becoming a vegetarian!
Breakfast:
Lunch and Sides:
Dinner:
Homemade Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti
Lemon Pepper Tofu with Blackberry Peach Salsa
Dessert:
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
Dark Chocolate Bark with Cranberries and Pistachios
Want to learn more about vegetarianism, such as the benefits, nutritional aspect, and additional resources? Visit here! Then, I challenge you to make one vegetarian meal this week! Try one of Cindy’s many vegetarian meals, my lemon pepper tofu with blackberry peach salsa, or look into Cindy’s Vegetarian E-Book! Don’t wait to try a delicious and very healthy meal that may help with cholesterol, high blood pressure, and many other diseases and conditions.
References:
1. Vegetarian Times. Vegetarianism in America. From http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/vegetarianism-in-america/
2. Brown University. Being a vegetarian. From http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/nutrition_&_eating_concerns/being_a_vegetarian.php
About our Guest Blogger. Kaylie Chrismon is a Nutrition Grad Student at UNC-Greensboro with the goal of becoming a registered dietitian. She loves to cook and Kaylie writes her own blog here.