Make Room for Veggies- It’s Vegetarian Awareness Month!

Do you consider yourself a vegetarian? Or, perhaps you have recently delved more into plant-based eating. No matter what your diet looks like, now is an ideal time to learn a little more about meat alternative options because October is Vegetarian Awareness Month!

Plant-based foods have risen in popularity over the past few years. As a result, restaurant menu options have changed to include more vegetarian options, and more grocery stores have stocked their shelves with plant-based meals.

Whether you have been following a vegetarian diet for years, or just recently became more curious, there is a lot to learn about vegetarianism!

What is a Vegetarian?

Typically, when someone thinks of a vegetarian diet, they think of a diet that doesn’t include meat. However, there are numerous different types of vegetarian diets that incorporate and omit various foods. Here are some of the types of vegetarian eating styles:

Lacto-vegetarian – Excludes meat, fish, poultry, and eggs, as well as foods that contain them. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, are included.

Ovo-vegetarian – Excludes meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products, but allows eggs.

Lacto-Ovo vegetarian –Excludes meat, fish, and poultry, but allows dairy products and eggs.

Pescatarian – A common eating style in the Mediterranean, this diet excludes meat and poultry, but includes fish.

Vegan – The most restrictive of all the vegetarian diets, it excludes all foods that contain meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Why Go Plant Based?

Switching to a vegetarian diet or simply opting for plant-based foods has a TON of benefits. Here are just a few:

Vitamins and Minerals: A vegetarian diet is usually higher in whole foods, which means you are consuming more vitamins, minerals, and whole grains.

Fiber: Incorporating plant-based foods can help increase your fiber intake by opting for whole grains. Plant-based diets also tend to be higher in fiber-containing fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants: Whole foods contain important nutrients such as phytochemicals and antioxidants that can reduce the risk of certain cancers and diseases.

Eating More Plants

Check out below some of the many ways you can incorporate plant-based foods into your everyday meals:

Switch Up Your Proteins- Choosing plant-based options doesn’t have to be hard when you can swap some of your meat proteins for plant-based ones! Some plant-based protein options include chickpeas, black beans, tempeh, quinoa, or tofu.

Include More Vegetables– Do you wonder if you will feel satiated after eating a vegetarian meal? It’s a myth that plant-based meals won’t be as filling as animal-based meals. Incorporate hearty ingredients into each dish. For your next vegetarian meal, be sure to include leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, or kale, and sweet vegetables like tomatoes or peppers.

Try New Dishes- Maybe you’ve been hesitant to try out vegetarian meals. However, there are a ton of recipes online that are easy to make and delicious to eat. Or give a new vegetarian or vegan restaurant a try with a friend!

Think you’re ready to give vegetarianism a try?!

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