Is the Vegetarian Lifestyle right for you?

       Three years ago, my mother decided to become a vegetarian. My brother was her inspiration, who had also been a vegetarian for many years. When she and my brother had their annual check-ups at their respective doctors they were both told that their cholesterol levels were in excellent shape. This was of course, due to their healthy diets as well as exercise habits. 

       Both had become vegetarians for a variety of reasons. First, they were concerned about the inhumane treatment of animals within the meat industry. There were also a number of health concerns such as hormones being added to the diets of the animals that humans consume for food and the high amounts of saturated fat in meat. Saturated fat is known to clog arteries, cause high blood pressure and even lead to heart disease. In addition, meat causes blood to become more acidic and your bones will compensate by releasing some of their minerals. This can contribute to osteoporosis. Finally, there has been research done which indicates that the meat industry may be bad for the environment by contaminating oceans, depleting oil and destructing rain forests.  

       My mother now holds a vegetarian cooking class in her home as an extension of her belief in the healthy benefits of the vegetarian lifestyle. Some who attend are not vegetarians, but are looking for new and healthy ways to cook and eat. If you are unsure if the vegetarian lifestyle is right for you, start off small but replacing some meat filled meals with nuts and seeds, legumes, leafy greens, and whole grains. Because these foods are packed with protein, you will become full without all of the sodium and saturated fat you find in meats. If you love some meats like I do, try searching for ‘imitation’ meat in your local grocery store. There is more and more out there and it tastes better now than ever before. Some of my personal recommendations include: Smart Dogs (vegetarian hot dogs), ‘Morning Star’ Three Bean Chili, and ‘Morning Star’ Hot and Spicy Veggie Sausage Patties. There are a lot more up and coming vegetarian based food companies which you can find in supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Dave’s or Trader Joe's. If you have high cholesterol, are trying to maintain a healthy weight, or would like to consume more organic and natural products, it is certainly something to think about. This is not to say that I personally believe eating meats is entirely unhealthy or bad for you; this is just an alternative lifestyle that some readers may be interested in learning about. 

Veggie Casserole

       Becoming a vegetarian is a tasty and feel good way to make a healthy change in your life. For more information you can check out the book “Skinny Bitch," watch the movie “Food Inc," or visit http://www.vegetariantimes.com/resources/why_go_veg/

       Also check out Morning Star Farm’s website for some great vegetarian ideas and recipes at http://www.morningstarfarms.com/msfhome.html

Written by: Emma, Licensed Massage Therapist

More information on Emma:
School attended: Lincoln Technical Institute
Year graduated: 2009
Start date at The Right Touch: February 2012 LMT