| One of the most common arguments against | | | | We need to remember simple facts such as: |
| maintaining a vegetarian diet is the assumption that you | | | | - Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb Iron |
| must consume meat to keep a healthy level of protein | | | | - Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb Calcium (We can |
| and other nutrients more easily attainable through | | | | get Vitamin D from sunshine!) |
| animal products. Many people who become a vegan | | | | - Having all 8 amino acids in your diet is essential for |
| or vegetarian without proper diet research can suffer | | | | complete Protein (It's not necessary to have all of |
| from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) or iron | | | | them in each meal) |
| deficiency, along with too little zinc, calcium and vitamin | | | | - B12 is the only vitamin a varied plant-based diet |
| B. This can lead to a feeling of weakness, lack of | | | | cannot provide, but you can find many foods that are |
| energy, as well as head and muscle aches. | | | | B12 fortified (Even in long-term vegans, deficiency is |
| However, with a little research and planning, a | | | | rare) |
| vegetarian can keep to a more full and healthful diet | | | | As in any diet, balance is the key to eating healthy as |
| than those who eat meat, without being deficient in | | | | a vegetarian or vegan. It may seem complicated to |
| any basic nutritional needs and in many instances, can | | | | plan your meals with vitamin and mineral contents in |
| actually have a more robust immune system due to a | | | | mind, all while making sure it will taste good and you will |
| higher level of antioxidants. | | | | enjoy it. But don't let yourself be intimidated, it doesn't |
| It's really as simple as eating a wide variety of foods | | | | have to be difficult. There are many resources |
| on a daily basis. There are almost limitless possibilities | | | | available to help experiment with all of the possibilities a |
| to experiment with and find the right combinations to | | | | plant-based diet has to offer. |
| form a personal diet plan that you will enjoy and that | | | | You can start with recipes and plans already prepared |
| will give you all of the vitamins that your body requires. | | | | by others who have done the research for you, such |
| You can be as satisfied and fulfilled by your vegetarian | | | | as one of the many eBooks on offer at the various |
| diet as any meat-based plan (or more so) while feeling | | | | web sites. I have included a couple of links to |
| even more energetic and healthy, because you are | | | | vegetarian recipes to help as you learn how to |
| less likely to consume saturated fats and cholesterol, | | | | balance your own meals and create the right plan to |
| as well as the hormones that are given to most | | | | suit your personal needs and tastes! |
| animals today. | | | | |