4 Reasons to Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness Month!

October is finally here which means cool weather, warm drinks, and lots of farm-fresh vegetables. October also marks the start of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Now is the ideal time to explore all the good things about vegetarianism with all of the delicious vegetables that are in season. Expand your knowledge on plant-based eating, and the many ways you can incorporate meatless dishes into your everyday meals!

A vegetarian diet has long been associated with an overall healthier lifestyle. A higher intake of fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of heart disease and improve digestive issues.

Did you know there many kinds of vegetarians? That’s right! Following a vegetarian diet can mean more than simply omitting meat. There are many ways to follow a vegetarian diet and they vary based on specific foods. However, regardless of what kind of vegetarian diet you choose to follow, they all are suitable diets that provide your body with valuable nutrients.

Reasons to Follow a Vegetarian Diet

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, following a vegetarian diet is nutritionally helpful and provides health benefits to aid in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. This is because a vegetarian diet has fewer foods higher in saturated fat and cholesterol and more foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is a breakdown of the many benefits of following a vegetarian diet:

Overall Health: Vegetarian diets are richer in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, and minerals such as calcium and folate. Your body needs these micronutrients for daily functions and processes. As a result, those following a vegetarian diet have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, and heart disease.

High in Fiber: The typical American diet is usually lacking in adequate amounts of fiber. However, vegetarian diets are usually rich in fiber due to a higher intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some great meat substitutes that are higher in fiber include lentils, legumes, and tofu.

Rich in Flavor: Vegetarian meals can be nutritious while also being delicious! Experimenting with various ways to omit meat makes for the perfect opportunity to amplify the taste of your dishes by adding in some more flavor. Try out some additional herbs, and spices, or add in some creative seasoning such as nutritional yeast.

Money Saver: Eating a plant-based diet is a great way to save money; by avoiding the high cost of meat and animal products you can save money. Instead, try fresh fruits and veggies, and even some canned varieties. Be sure to always read the nutrition label to avoid high sodium canned goods. You can also check out your local farmers’ market for some low-cost local produce.

Types of Vegetarian Diets

There are many different types of vegetarian diets! Becoming familiar with each type can help you choose which one will work best for your lifestyle.

Vegans:Vegans are also known as “total vegetarians”. They do not consume meat, poultry, fish, or any animal products including eggs, dairy, and gelatin.

Lacto vegetarians:Do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or eggs but do consume dairy.

Lacto-Ovo vegetarians:Do not eat meat, poultry, fish, but do consume dairy and eggs.

Ovo vegetarians: Do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or dairy, but do eat eggs.

Partial vegetarians: Also known as flexitarians, this group includes people who mostly avoid meat. Some will eat fish, know as pescatarians. While others eat fish and chicken.

Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or are just veggie curious, there are many ways to celebrate and bring awareness to Vegetarian Awareness Month. When planning your next meal, choose a day (or two!) to go meatless and try out a new plant-based recipe.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite meatless meal? Let me know in the comments below!