My vegetarian lifestyle started 13 years ago when I had my son, I can remember it like yesterday, one day I was eating meat and one day I wasn’t. It was like I didn’t have a taste for chicken, beef, or pork and all I had to taste was for fresh fruits, vegetables and fish (Pescatarian). I never knew the process of how my body went from craving meat to being repulsed by the smell of meat. For 13 years I learned how to flavor my vegetables and soy products as well as reduce my portion size. I have been able to try different foods that I had never tried before such as sushi, eggplant lasagna, cauliflower rice and baked sweet potato, and soybean chili just to name a few. I still had fluctuations in my weight due to my love for pasta and cheese so being a vegetarian does not mean you’re healthy because you still have to monitor what you eat and the amount you eat. The facts show that there are benefits to being a vegetarian such as:
- Overall better health, if consumed responsibly
- Shown to decrease risk of obesity, strokes, and heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other major diseases
- Rapid weight loss
There is only one major con to being a vegetarian:
1. Reduction in nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Omega 3 Fatty acids
My vegan experience happened just recently about three months ago. I began to have digestive issues every time I would eat certain foods such as cheese, dairy, sugar and eggs; this forced me to look at everything that I was eating and how it affected my body. That's when I decided to make a drastic change as it relates to my food lifestyle; I decided to go full force with this vegan lifestyle. This encompasses not consuming meat, fish, dairy and eggs; I'm eating plant-based where everything is made fresh to order. Studies have shown that there are pros and cons to being a Vegan such as:
PROS
1. Risk of cancer decreased
2. Improved heart health
3. Weight balance is better
4. Increased anti-oxidants because of the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
CONS
1. Decrease in nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Omega 3 Fatty Acid, and calcium
2. Increase in cost of food
3. Limited food options when eating at restaurants
If you decide to look into either a Vegetarian or Vegan lifestyle, make sure that you do your research and choose the one that works for you and where you are health-wise. If you have medical issues always consult with your doctor before switching to any new food lifestyle. Guess what yall, I'm a Vegan now!!!
With all this being said "Dig Deeper than you have ever before"
Yours Truly,
CachiaCherise
Thank you for your comments!