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Going Veggie? Check Out These Resources

As the term clearly indicates, a vegetarian is someone who only eats vegetables (and fruits). The opposite of being a carnivore, people who follow a vegetarian diet choose to only consume fruits, veggies, and meat substitutes. Some vegetarians even make it a point to stay away from meat byproducts such as dairy and eggs.

This article will give an overview of what it means to be a vegetarian. It will provide the benefits of going veggie, as well as offer resources for people who are considering switching to the vegetarian lifestyle.

Benefits of Being a Vegetarian

Health

Health would be the main benefit of a vegetarian diet. Fruits and vegetables have been proven to contain more nutrients and less fat and preservatives. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, a vegetarian diet is lower in terms of fat and cholesterol. Additionally, "studies have shown that vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which causes heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer."

While some may argue that this diet deprives people of much-needed protein and iron the fact is, vegetarians will be able to get these nutrients through beans and other dark green leafy veggies. Those avoiding dairy will be able to get the calcium that they need from the same greens and beans, as well.

Weight loss

Since a vegetarian diet is low in fat, a lot of people that choose to go vegetarian do it because they want to shed off some pounds. A veggie diet can certainly help keep your weight down because it allows you to consumer food with little to no fat. Additionally, a lot of foods that are part of a vegetarian diet are also high in fiber, a substance that allows you to feel satisfied without being overindulgent.

For animals' sake

There are those that choose to go vegetarian due to ethical reasons. Some vegetarians believe that it's wrong to slaughter animals, and that it is more humane to stick to consuming plants. Others are appalled by "factory farms" where real animals are raised solely for slaughtering purposes. Animals in factory farms are injected with hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals. They're also stuck in tight cages and never see the light of the day.

Frugality

A vegetarian diet is also easy on your bank account, as fruits and vegetables are cheaper, compared to meat and dairy products. Not to mention all the money that you'll save from not getting sick and less frequent trips to the doctor.

Resources

Considering heading the veggie route? Get more information by visiting the following websites:

The American Vegetarian Association - An organization dedicated to promote vegetarian ideas and products

Vegetarian Society - This is an education charity that supports vegetarians in the UK

How to Become a Vegetarian, the Easy Way - A guide to becoming a vegetarian by the Zen Habits blog

Gentle World - This site aims to have a more peaceful society by educating the public about the reasons and benefits of the vegan lifestyle

Becoming a Vegetarian - A useful article from Harvard about how to properly become a vegetarian

Being a Vegetarian - An informative piece from Brown University about the ins and outs of vegetarianism

The benefits of vegetarianism ClarVision.org explains the many benefits of the vegetarian lifestyle

Why Go Veg? - More reasons to go veggie from the Vegetarian Times

Vegetarian Main Dishes - Vegetarian recipes from the American Heart Association

Iron in the Vegan Diet - An from the Vegetarian Resource Group discussing the sources of iron for vegetarians

Image credit: gamene on Flickr