Everyone makes decisions and diet choice is an important decision people make. Everyone has a reason for making their diet choices. One diet choice that has gained popularity over time is the vegetarian diet. Oftentimes, vegetarians are simply seen as people who do not eat meat but it’s a lot more than this.
Who is a vegetarian?
A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat products or by-products of slaughter. Being a vegetarian means you completely abstain from red meat, poultry, seafood, and anything that has to do with other flesh. You might be wondering, Damn! How am I supposed to overlook not biting that juicy chicken lap or the dripping lamb??
While vegetarianism is a choice, it is important to know that it has loads of advantages for you to consider being one.
You sure would like to know them right? But first, you should get to know that there are categories to being a vegetarian. You can choose one that perfectly suits you. There’s always room for choices in the end.
Types of Vegetarians
The vegetarian diets give room for you to choose. There are four types of vegetarian diets.
Ovo-vegetarian
Here comes that person who can take all the eggs in the world but would cringe at any sort of beef on their food or any dairy product. So, now you know that such a person got a name. They are called Ivo-vegetarians.
An Ovo-vegetarian diet excludes fish, meat, and poultry but allows eggs.
So, with an ovo-vegetarian, some of your protein like beef, fish, poultry, in general, are all safe but better be careful with your eggs around you because they might consume all.
Lacto-vegetarian
Lacto-vegetarians don’t eat meat, fish, poultry, and eggs but guess what? You give them some bread and scrambled eggs and add a cup of milkshake and you end up making a Lacto vegetarian’s day.
Lacto-Ovo
Let’s see, these ones are a combination of Lacto and ovo. What does that make them? They exclude meat, poultry, fish but they take dairy products.
Pescatarian
Pescatarians exclude meat, fish, poultry, dairy in their diets but they make wonders with fishes. Fishes are a major part of their diet.
Vegan
Well, some people call them extreme vegetarians. No dairy, no poultry, no meat. Oh! Is seafood an option? Hmmm, no way! No eggs too. They completely exclude every form of food that contains the aforementioned. Does it mean they can’t have pancakes? Yeah, the usual pancakes are off it but you can tell, they have their special pancakes.
Vegetarians have a way to tweak every form of meal they are not permitted to take, (courtesy of their diet choice) in a creative way. They indulge in lots of vegetables.
It’s important to say that it doesn’t matter what type of vegetarian you are, you can still enjoy a variety of vegetarian delicacies.
If it’s going to be your first time doing the vegetarian diet, you’ll find the journey worthwhile and if you are a vegetarian pro, (winks), you certainly would have more beautiful experiences to narrate after reading this.
Advantages of becoming a vegetarian
You know, many times, people ask, “Why should I forgo my usual diet in exchange for a vegetarian diet?” Others tend to say “Well, I don’t have any health challenges, why should I opt for a vegetarian or vegan diet?”
One of the most revered men who ever walked upon the surface of the earth has something to say about the benefits of a vegetarian diet;
“Nothing will benefit health or increase chances of survival of life on Earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” Albert Einstein
Ditching all the beef, poultry, fish comes with its rewards, and here are some of them:
Increase in lifespan
Let’s take it from Albert Einstein; vegetarianism increases lifespan. Although adopting the lifestyle is not the only guarantee for a long lifespan, studies have shown that vegetarians live longer than meat-eaters and this can be attributed to their lifestyle. Vegetarians are 19% less likely to die of heart disease than meat-eaters. This might be enough reason to adapt to the lifestyle.
Healthy and vibrant skin
Some vegetarians got that skin you badly desire. That’s what the diet can do for you. Want some popping, fresh, and eye-blinding skin? Try vegetarian diets!
One major reason is that vegetarians depend more on vegetables and fruit that have many skin-repairing components. You can do a test run and see how it goes. See ya, getting the beautiful skin!
Lower risk of obesity
Everybody hates to see the word “obese” in their health report and being on the veggie diet can take away the nightmare of seeing the scary word. Vegetarians are intentional about how they cook their meals; no overheating and this reduces the risk of obesity.
Some moments being a vegetarian might be considered a no-no option and that’s because the vegetarian diet comes with some “I’m not cut for this” moments.
Here’s why:
Disadvantages of becoming a vegetarian
The protein might not be enough
Many Vegetarians depend on supplements because they feel their protein intake might not be enough. Not having enough protein poses some health risks. So, if you can’t make extra efforts, you might not consider being a vegetarian.
One important thing to know is that there are many meal options for vegetarians. The food idea is unlimited. You can be spontaneous and try different recipes.
You can constantly run out of food to eat.
Apologies to the biggies in the house though, this is strictly for newbies. Sometimes, it may seem like you have limited recipes to choose from but this isn’t true as the possibilities for vegetarian recipes are endless. Leave your comfort zone and do research on recipes. You will be fine, I know that for sure!
Eating out can be stressful
Most times, restaurants make food for meat-eaters and simply take out the meat when serving vegetarians. So, if you are the type that eats out most of the time, then you aren’t giving your body the healthy diet it needs. You should consider replacing the meat with avocados, beans, rice, or nuts.
Your friends or family may have different eating habits.
Some friends or family members may not agree with your choice but you should approach this situation carefully and let them understand that you are doing what makes you happy and comfortable.
Let’s try out two examples of vegetarian diets.
Vegetarian Tortilla soup
Tortilla soup is one of my all-time favorites. What I really love about it is its spiciness and the fact that it tastes better even the next day. Sometimes, after cooking, I get tired and I can only eat a little but I don’t get worried each time I make tortillas because they taste even better the next day.
I love black beans and red bell pepper a lot, they remind me of my childhood days when I sat beside mama and watched her cook tortilla soup, besides that, they enrich the soup with an irresistible flavour and texture.
Vegetarian tortilla soup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Dried chili pepper
- 1 Can Diced or crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 10 oz Chopped red onion (Large)
- 10 oz Chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 Tbsp Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp Grpund cumin
- 2 Can Black beans or cooked black beans
- 2 Cup Vegetable broth
- 4 4 4 corn tortillas
- 1/4 Cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Line juice
- 1/4 Tbsp Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Blend tomato and chili pepper until smooth. Set the smooth blend aside. Place a pot on the fire and pour some olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, and a pint of salt.
- Allow to fry and stir occasionally, until the onion is quite soft. Add garlic and the ground cumin and cook for 45 minutes.
- Then, add the tomato-chili pepper blend and allow to cook for one minute as you keep stirring. It’s time to add the beans and broth and stir to mix very well. Reduce the heat when necessary and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
- As you allow the sauce to cook, you can preheat your oven and make tortilla strips. You should use a rimmed baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- On the baking sheet, toss tortilla strips with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle some salt until the strips are coated lightly.
- Bake until the tortilla starts to turn golden and crisp. Then, you can put it aside.
- Pour your fresh cilantro into the soup. Reserve some for garnish. Add one tablespoon of lime juice. You can taste the soup to know if more salt is needed.
- Pour your fresh cilantro into the soup. Reserve some for garnish. Add one tablespoon of lime juice. You can taste the soup to know if more salt is needed.
How to make Mushroom bolognese and spaghetti
Mushroom bolognese and spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Dried porcini mushrooms
- 12 Ounces Spaghetti
- 6 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onions (Chopped)
- 1 Celery (Diced)
- 1 Carrot (Diced)
- 1 Tbsp Red pepper
- 3 Cloves of garlic
- 10 Gms Finely chopped cremini mushroom
- 10 Gms Chopped White button mushroom
- 1 Tbsp Tomato paste (unsalted)
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce (reduced sodium)
- 1 Tbsp Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt (To taste)
- 50 Gms Tofu
- 1 Tbsp Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 Cup Diced tomato
Instructions
- Boil water for some minutes and add the water to porcini mushrooms in a bowl. Leave for 18 minutes.
- Drain mushroom; reserve water gotten from the drain. Then chop the porcini mushroom.
- Place cut-side down squash spaghetti in a square glass baking dish. Add water to a depth of 1 inch. Cover and allow to microwave for 9 minutes (set the microwave on high). Remove the squash and let it cool.
- Heat oil in a large pot, add onion, and the next seven items in the ingredients list. Add the chopped white button mushroom. Stir occasionally and allow to cook for 11 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, and allow to cook for 2 minutes, add the soaking liquid, soy sauce, ground black pepper, Kosher salt, Tofu, and Diced tomato. Reduce heat and simmer for 13 minutes.
- Scrape inside the squash with a fork to remove spaghetti strands.
- Divide squash as you wish and top with the mushroom and cheese
I am a yogi with a smoldering passion for nutrition and healthy living. I have been a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach for over 11 years and now I want to help you. My mission is to inspire as many people as I can to expand their awareness and broaden their horizons by giving a voice to the choices that create abundant, radiant health. Here I share deliciously simple plant-based recipes, nutrition resources, detox tips, and a glimpse into my whole lifestyle.
