The Pros and Cons of Being a Vegetarian

If you are flirting with the idea of becoming a vegetarian, then you may be wondering if this type of lifestyle is a good fit for you. By reading what follows, we will present to you the pros and cons of being a vegetarian, so that you can make your own decision on whether or not it is a path that you would like to follow.

What is vegetarianism?

People who are vegetarians, make it a point to only eat vegetable foods as the main part of their diet, with things such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, beans and lentils being the main staple of what they consume on a day to day basis. This way of eating has become very popular over recent years, as there have been many studies that indicate vegetarianism as good way to maintain good health and prevent deadly diseases.

The Cons of Being a Vegetarian

1. Not for everybody

Let’s face the facts. Some people just love meat way too much to ever give it up for good. If you are one of the people who couldn’t live without a nice juicy steak once a month, or a regular helping of roast chicken, then by becoming a vegetarian you would probably end up making yourself miserable. It would be a better idea to just cut down on the amount of meat that you eat, and save meat dishes for a few days a week.

2. Lack of vegetarian options

When you go out to any restaurant, there are usually a variety of meat options on the menu, but when it comes to the vegetarian dishes, then the choices are often few and far between. If you dine out frequently, then this is something to take into consideration, as you can very quickly end up frustrated with the amount of options.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

If you do not follow a varied vegetarianism diet plan, then over the long term you may find yourself suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Meat gives the body certain nutritional benefits, and in order to gain these nutrients on a regular basis a vegetarian will have to take supplements to compensate, which can be complicated to plan efficiently.

The Pros of Being a Vegetarian

1. Weight loss

If you are looking to lose weight then starting a vegetarian diet has many benefits. Studies have shown that by following this kind of diet, not only it is easier to lose weight when you free yourself from foods such as meat, but it also helps in keeping the weight stay off. Foods such as vegetables and fruits can be eaten in abundance, and there is not so much of a need to be calorie counting all the time.

2. Health

Certain studies have also shown that vegetarians have a lower risk in general of developing life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and blood clots. Vegetarian foods such as Tofu are well known for their many health benefits, and can help you maintain a healthy body while feeling full of life. You may also find yourself feeling more energetic throughout the day, and find it easier to do activities that promote health and well-being.

3. High metabolism and better digestion

Meat is one of the main causes of a low metabolism and poor digestion. When you switch over to the vegetarian lifestyle, meat is eliminated from your body for good and the end result is improved digestion and a higher metabolism rate.

This is especially true if you have suffered from digestion problems in the past. Why not go meat free for a month and see if the situation improves? Speeding up your metabolism means that you will burn calories quicker which help to lose weight.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, only you can decide whether this lifestyle is for you, by carefully weighing up the pros and cons of being a vegetarian.

Guest article provided courtesy of Claire, owner of eFoodProcessorReviews.com.