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Studies have shown the following:
- Vegans, on average, are 30 pounds lighter than their meat eating counterparts and far less likely to develop heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
- Both vegetarians and vegans experience less insulin resistance than those who consume meat and are at a decreased risk of several types of cancer.
- Pesco-vegetarians (fish eating) and semi-vegetarians have “intermediate protection” against lifestyle diseases.
This data suggests that the less meat you eat, the better off you are. While vegetarians were for a long time seen as hippies and eaters of “rabbit food,” vegetarianism has become increasingly popular and is now culturally acceptable around the globe. Meat-free diets have also become recognized as both adequate and healthful by the medical community. Currently, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics position on vegetarian diets is as follows:
"It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life-cycle including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence and for athletes."
Personally, I try to eat mostly vegetarian meals and have fish twice per week. There are huge health benefits to including fish in diet, so if you are toying with the idea of cutting out animal products, consider adding flaxseed oil to your diet or taking fish oil supplements. Also keep in mind that a vegetarian diet that consists of doughnuts and macaroni and cheese is probably not going to achieve the results you are looking for. Another consideration to keep in mind is that some nutrients may be lacking in a vegetarian diet, such as Vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
If you would like assistance transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can contact me at [email protected].
Resources
1. American Dietetic Association (2009, July 3). Vegetarian Diets Can Help Prevent Chronic Diseases, American Dietetic Association Says. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/07/090701103002.htm