Vegetarianism changes the way you look at and think about food. It is a natural and holistic journey that must be undertaken for the good health of your body. A well-balanced vegetarian diet, that is, low in fat and high in fiber, is enough to keep the most complicated medical problems, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even certain forms of cancer, at bay.
Vegetarians tend to consume more of the healthy polyunsaturated fats compared to the saturated fats found in all meat products. A typical vegetarian meal is one that includes a balanced proportion of grains, cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and soy products. Since there is so much variety, you get all the nutrients your body requires from this type of food.
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and having a vegetarian breakfast means double the health benefits. So replace scrambled eggs, fried bacon, and sausage with fruit, cereal, and soy. It is always better to have a combined breakfast, that is, one that includes a serving of fruit, cereal and dairy products instead of a single food.
Fruits are high in fiber, low in fat, and also rich in most nutrients like minerals and vitamins. You can have a serving or two of one or two different types of fruit; if you don’t like to eat fruit as such, then make a smoothie with unique or different fruits that is just as healthy. Try to include the skin of the fruit as much as possible, especially for apples, grapes, pears, guava, etc.
Include a serving of cereal in your daily breakfast and the best example is oatmeal which is a rich source of dietary fiber. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that slows down the digestion and absorption of food, which has a slow impact on blood sugar metabolism. Hence, this cereal is highly recommended for diabetics. Soluble fiber has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels in the body. For those who miss the taste of bacon and eggs, try the vegetarian equivalents like scrambled tofu and soy bacon.
You can prepare scrambled tofu in the same way as scrambled eggs by adding other fresh ingredients of your choice like onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. Soybeans are an excellent source of calcium and are also beneficial for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. A vegetarian meal is also the best way to lose weight, as recipes and diets made with fruits and vegetables are naturally lower in calories and fat.
Plus, it’s easy to digest, making it a great choice for kids and seniors alike. Vegetarian food doesn’t have to be boring at all; in fact, there are thousands of delicious recipes that can be made from vegetables, grains, fruits, nuts, and cereals that you’ll soon forget meat products ever existed. And above all, you can be the proud owner of a clean conscience while advocating animal cruelty.