I know proteins are considered the number one ingredient in our diet. A lot of people believe that meat is the major protein source and protein from meat, fish or eggs is by far superior to protein coming from other sources. Now, let's look at the reality and the facts, for a change.
It is not true that protein from meat, fish, milk or eggs is superior to protein from plant sources. Thousands of health studies tell a different story. And here are the facts:
Protein Fact #1: Protein coming from meat, fish or eggs is by no means superior to protein from plant sources. They are the same. In fact protein from plants could be considered healthier since plants contain no fats or toxic residues.
Protein Fact #2: A vegetarian diet with balanced portions of proteins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates will protect you and provide enough protein for your body to work effectively.
Protein Fact #3: You need to have a balanced diet. Too much protein is as bad as too little protein. Too much protein increases the risk for serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or stomach problems. On the other hand, a complete vegetarian and vegan diet are proved to be remarkably successful in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and more.
In other words it's fairly easy for a vegetarian to cover protein needs. Almost every kind of vegetables, grains, nuts or seeds contain proteins. The key is to have a balanced diet and consume all kinds of food. Combine vegetables with fruits and nuts and you'll have no difficulty getting enough protein. Just make sure you also get enough calories to maintain your weight status.
Scientists recommend that adults should consume at least 50-80 grams of protein each day. Here are some vegan foods that contain more than enough protein to meet your needs. You can make all kinds of combinations using the following food-list:
- Beans
- Black eyed peas
- Veggie burger
- Soy milk
- Chickpeas
- Bagel
- Peanut butter
- Spaghetti
- Spinach
- Soy yogurt
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Rice
- Potatoes
I have no idea why protein has been so misrepresented. Even health care professionals will tell you that protein is the queen of a healthy nutrition. Researches show that today, the average adult receives 7 times more protein than is needed.
Once again, money and the struggle for wealth are responsible for this misunderstanding. Factory farms, modern meat processing industries and refrigeration made meat available to everybody. And what are the results? Health problems, world hunger, environmental issues and more problems deriving directly from the industrialization of our diets.
Our world and our societies would be much healthier and kinder if only we had adopted green diets or a balanced combination of "Green Foods", meat and dairy products. If only we could realize that meat and protein is not as significant as it is considered to be.
A lot of vegans do not even know why they wanted to become vegans in the first place. Why are you a vegan? If you cannot answer this question in depth, then there's really no reason to follow a vegan diet. You have to do some soul searching and find some answers from deep inside you. Find out exactly why you want to become a vegan. If you don't find any reasons behind your decision then it's just a phase you're going through.
So first of all, you have to educate yourself about being a vegan.
1. Know the facts of the vegan diet. 2. Know exactly what you're getting yourself into. 3. Know exactly why you are doing it. 4. Start reading books, newspapers, magazines about vegan diets. 5. Search the Internet for articles or other information concerning vegan diets.
To sum up you have to know the pros and cons of becoming a vegan.
Here are some secret tips to get you started if you're really desperate about becoming e vegetarian.
1. Start the easy way. Did you have any favorite dish before becoming a vegetarian? Maybe that dish was a vegetarian dish or could become one easily. So start with that favorite dish. You may not even know that some dishes are vegetarian. For example you can start with vegetable pasta or lasagna or pasta primavera. There are thousands of choices.
2. Buy a Vegan Recipe CookBook Being a vegetarian means that you have to learn to prepare your food sometimes. So why not follow some proved tips and recipes from a good vegetarian cookbook?
3. Don't Push Yourself So you decide to switch to a vegan diet but you find yourself so tired and really hungry. Well, you may not be eating enough! Don't pressure your body. Try to stay balanced and get enough calories and nutrients to keep you going. Don't just stick to only a few different types of food.
4. Get support from your friends Make your friends understand the fact that you're vegetarian. Make them respect your choices. A good example would be to get them to try some of your food and taste what you eat.
5. Do not compare yourself with other vegetarians. If you're reading vegan magazines or articles or talking to longtime vegetarians then you will notice that everyone has something to say. And they claim they have the best solution for you. Well, ignore them. Do not compare yourself and your body with anyone else's! You want to be a vegetarian for your own reasons. So find out what's right for you and be comfortable with your decisions.
6. Timing matters Feel free to start on a vegan diet at any time of the year. But be wise. Remember that if you start during the summer you'll have the chance to try a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, people have the tendency to eat lighter during summer months. During the winter there's the advantage of eating soups or baked food.
Maria Markella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Other Business, Pregnancy and Digital Photography. Maria Markella is a webmaster of DigitalStarProducts . Are you following a vegan diet? If not maybe its time you reconsider. An. Maria Markella's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.