Going Green: The Ups and Downs of A Vegetarian Life
By Genevieve Cunningham
There are diets to fit almost every lifestyle. Love meat? Try the Atkins Diet. Trying to go natural? Go paleo. And for the animal friendly, there’s the vegetarian diet, although going vegetarian is more of a lifestyle than a diet. Even those who are not anti-animal sometimes find appeal in a vegetarian life. After all, how often do you see a vegetarian that is severely overweight? Not often. But is eating green all it’s cracked up to be? Or are there indeed negative sides to this diet, just as there are to others? Before making the switch, check out the ups and downs of going green in your menu.
The Good
There are plenty of advantages of eating vegetarian. Some of these may include:
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It’s Low Calorie - Because plants are a staple of a vegetarian lifestyle, these diets tend to be very low calorie, meaning you can eat more food without putting on more weight.
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It’s Kind - A vegetarian diet is animal friendly, and this alone appeals to a great many.
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Less Instances of Heart Disease - The fat from animals is one of the biggest culprits of clogged arteries and heart disease. Avoiding these foods might mean lowering the instances of heart disease overall.
The Bad
Like any lifestyle choice, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of before going all in. A few of these negative aspects of being vegetarian might include:
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It Can Be Nutrient Lacking - If a vegetarian is not careful, they may miss out on some very important nutrients. Many times, those who lead this kind of life have to supplement with vitamins to ensure they get everything they need.
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It’s Often Low Protein - Protein helps to build strong muscles and burn fat, but this important nutrient is often lacking in a vegetarian diet. Since most people get their protein intake from meat, vegetarians have to make it a priority to find it elsewhere.
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It Can Be Socially Difficult - Let’s face it: If you’re not in a certain part of the country, you may be the only vegetarian around. This can make it difficult in social situations as well as at restaurants, gatherings, and even in family get-togethers.
If you’re feeling the urge to go green and skip the meats, go ahead. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a vegetarian diet, but it’s vital to pay attention to the potential downfalls. As long as it’s navigated carefully and correctly, leading a vegetarian life can be healthy, beneficial, and personally fulfilling.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.