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Vegetarian, Vegan, and Raw Food Diets. So let's talk about Vegetarianism. What is Vegetarianism? A Vegetarian in all forms, is a person who will not ingest meat products. But let's discuss the different forms of Vegetarianism. Lacto-Ovo: A Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian is a person that will consume dairy and egg products. Lacto: Consumes dairy products, but not eggs. Ovo: Consumes only egg products, no dairy. Vegan: A Vegan will not consume dairy or egg products, alongside cutting meat completely from their diet as the Vegetarians do. Vegans typically do not wear leather or any other animal derived garment as well. Why go Vegetarian? People cut meat from their diets for a large variety of reasons. For health, religious, spiritual reasons, or having a distaste for animal cruelty, violence, or the taste of meat period. Is it unhealthy? Quite the contrary, it is very healthy! Studies have shown that non-meat eaters are less likely to contract fatal conditions and diseases that meat-eaters do. These diseases include cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Meat has the possibility of being contaminated, and certain chemicals are produced by cooking variations. When vegetables are consumed, chances are extremely high that you are ingesting important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are vital to maintaining our health. Versus meat- which contains cholesterol and fat, outweighing the benefits of protein and iron that you may obtain from your meal. So how are vegetarians supposed to get iron, protein, and other things that our bodies need? Nuts, Seeds, Tofu, Soy Milk, Spinach (Dark leafy greens), and meat alternative products are just a few examples of how to obtain the required calcium, protein, and iron needed for your body to fully function. A multivitamin however, is strongly encouraged whether you are a meat-eater or not. Vegetarianism for weight loss: You'd be surprised how much fat you consume whilst ingesting animal products. Keeping a Vegetarian/Vegan diet with mostly fruits and vegetables will help you obtain more energy, increase metabolism, cleanse the body, and jump start fat loss. How can I start the Vegetarian/Vegan lifestyle? If you love your meat, start slowly. Start mixing in more vegetables with your meal, and gradually add less meat until you have none at all. Meat alternatives are available in most grocery stores, so try a few brands until you find one that you like. Raw Foods: Foods that are completely uncooked, which supply a life energy. Raw Food Dieters eat only fresh fruit and vegetables, uncooked nuts and seeds, and anything else that can be labeled as "Raw". Don't mistake that can of nuts as Raw Food, because you are probably wrong. Canned Fruit? Nope. Even though you may not be able to tell, most of these products in cans or canisters have been cooked and cannot be labeled as Raw. Why should I go Raw? Health would be the number one cause, I'd say. You will lose weight, gain great amounts of energy, your body will detoxify, and your skin will have a fabulous glow. I've read reports on Raw Food Forums of people whose eyes have changed to a lighter color as their detoxification progressed. If you intend to go Raw, try to aim mostly for Organic foods as they are healthier. Buy a juicer, so that you can make your own fruit and veggie juices. Store bought juices are not Raw, so it is pretty vital to purchase a juicer. Keep in mind that all of these diets must include your daily recommended consumption amount of water, and to prevent ingestion of toxins and chlorine- a water filter is highly advised. |