Summary:

In this article we'll deep into some of the benefits and disadvantages of being vegetarian. We'll look into different types of vegetarianism and discuss the areas where one needs to be careful.

What is a vegetarian?

There are roughly three types of vegetarian.

Vegans or strict vegetarians exclude all animal products (e.g. meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products). Many vegans also do not eat honey.

Lactovegetarians exclude meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but include dairy products.

Lacto-ovovegetarians exclude meat, poultry, and fish but include dairy products and eggs. Most vegetarians in the US are lacto-ovovegetarians.

My story:

In 2002 I "converted" to a full blood vegetarian. I did live like most other teenagers back then; loads of junk food, pizzas and cola.

One of my good friends and I made a bet after a discussion one night, about meat. We agreed that I should be a vegetarian for one month. I completed that one month, and after that another and another. I was sold.

Its almost six years ago I started my new life, and boy, do I recommend vegetarianism to others. It’s probably the best choice I had ever made. But enough said about me…

Why do people become vegetarian?

There are several reasons for someone becoming vegetarian. The most common are

• Sympathy for animals.

• Health reason.

• Weight problems.

• A combination of the above.

What are the benefits of becoming a vegetarian?

Depending on how strict your vegetarian diet will be, there are many benefits on cutting out meat and dairy product. You will most likely discover that your weight will drop down (or up) to your ideal weight. And this will happen without you thinking about it. It is very hard to eat to much calories when you cut out meat, milk and many types of candy (which contains dairy products and galantine).

You will very soon begin to feel more energetic and less full after meals. My own experience was that I felt that the foods gave me energy instead of taking it away. I had less ups and downs coming from the bloodsuckers raise and fall.

Are there any disadvantages of being vegetarian?

I would say that there are any real disadvantages of becoming a vegetarian. But you really have to watch your protein intake. But don’t worry; there is protein in lots of natural food besides meat.

Protein in vegetarian diets.

These are the top five very best sources for protein;

• Chick Peas (8 grams of protein pr. 100 gram)

• Baked Beans (5 grams of protein pr. 100 gram)

• Tofu (7,5 grams of protein pr. 100 gram)

• Lentils (7,5 grams of protein pr. 100 gram)

• Soya milk (8 grams pr. ½ pint.

Protein consists of 9 different amino acids. You should be aware that not every alternative protein source contains all nine acids (sometimes only 6 out of 9). But as long as you make sure to eat a variety of different foods, you should be safe.

Round up:

Vegetarianism is a really healthy way of living. There are way more advantages than disadvantages.

To conclude, it is very important to get enough protein every day. A rule of thumb is 1 gram pr. 1 kilograms of bodyweight.

It is far from impossible to get enough proteins even though you don’t eat meat or dairy products.

If you are an athlete, you should consult your doctor or personal trainer before starting a vegetarian diet.

There are really no disadvantages of being a vegetarian, only challenges.