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Vegetarian diet easy to follow on way to healthy lifestyle
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Over the years I have tried many diets, from low-carbohydrate to low-fat. Personally, I find it difficult to follow diets for several reasons. For one, I am a very picky eater. I also like to create my own meal plans and recipes. The one diet I always come back to is vegetarianism, mainly due to my love of vegetables, and for health reasons.
Vegetarian diets are easy to follow and meals are easy to prepare. A vegetarian is defined as an individual who eats mainly fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. They avoid meat, poultry and fish. The American Dietetic Association has classified vegetarians into three categories:
1. Vegans do not eat any animal products, including dairy products such as eggs or milk.
2. Lactose vegetarians exclude all animal flesh products along with eggs while consuming dairy products.
3. Lacto-ovovegetarians exclude meat, but eat dairy products and eggs.
People become vegetarians for several reasons, including environmental, animal rights and spiritual concerns. Another reason is personal health concerns, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, and the prevention of cancer, diabetes, obesity or hypertension.
Personally, I have chosen to continue with my vegetarian diet due to health reasons and my yoga lifestyle. I have also given up soda, candy and junk food. I feel much better after a light vegetarian meal like hummus on a whole wheat bagel or green beans with chick peas.
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The easiest way to begin a vegetarian diet is to lower meat intake, making vegetables, whole grains, fruits and beans the focus of your diet. The American Dietetic Association suggests eating a large variety of foods, choosing low- or non-fat dairy products and limiting sweets and high-fat foods.
A few of my favorite meals are three-bean salad, whole wheat pasta with diced tomatoes, whole wheat pita stuffed with green vegetables and brown rice with pinto beans. My favorite snacks are peanuts, whole grain cereal and peanut butter on whole wheat bread. For beverages, I enjoy orange juice, green tea or water.
I have found that it is possible for a vegetarian like myself to live very happily with a meat-eater like my husband. We always respect and support each other's choices.
Source: The RepublicanAll rights reserved.