Are you a good candidate for vegetarianism?
By Mélanie Paquet, naturopath
819.230.4650
It's becoming increasingly common to read articles or hear testimonials from people promoting a meat-free diet. The reasons given are many and varied. Many claim that meat consumption has a negative impact on health and is linked to the onset of certain diseases. Others are concerned about the environmental and ethical issues associated with factory farming of animals.
What exactly is the situation? Is being vegetarian complicated? Let's take a closer look to see if this lifestyle is possible for you too.
Differences between vegetarianism, veganism and vegetarianism?
- Vegetarians exclude meat from their diet. However, they do include dairy products and eggs in their diet.
- Vegans eat only plant-based foods.
- Vegans, on the other hand, not only eat a vegan diet, but also advocate a lifestyle based on the rejection of animal exploitation. For example, they refuse to wear a leather coat or sleep on a feather pillow.
Why become a vegetarian?
- More and more studies are proving that a vegetarian diet offers a number of advantages for health. For example, it helps keep cholesterol levels lower and helps maintain a better body mass index (BMI). In October 2015, a study conducted by the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research agency established links between the consumption of red and processed meat and the development of certain types of cancer.
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Economic reasons are also invoked. For example, Statistics Canada noted that the price of meat had risen by 7.6% in 2015. More specifically, beef prices rose by 15.1% in the same year.
- Livestock production also puts real pressure on the world's natural resources. Industrial animal husbandry requires large quantities of water, not to mention the expansion of pastures, which is at the root of the deforestation observed in certain regions of the world. In fact, a article in Le Devoir explains the current problem very well.
- Certain groups of individuals believe that respect for animal welfare is a factor to be considered in our food choices. These include the group Pour une Éthique dans le Traitement des Animaux (PETA).
Will I run out of protein?
Not at all! However, you do need to get enough protein to meet your daily requirements. Sources vary, but in general, we suggest around 0.75 grams of protein multiplied by your weight in kilograms. So, if you weigh 60 kilograms, you'll need to eat 45 grams of protein a day.
Now that you know how much protein you need, you just need to find good sources. For vegetarians, there are dairy products and eggs, which are quite complete. For vegans, there are nuts, legumes, tofu, tempeh and certain protein-rich cereals.
Where to start?
You have to start somewhere, and not everyone can change their diet overnight. What's more, if you have health problems, it's always important to consult your doctor before making any drastic dietary changes.
- Some people will be more comfortable with the gradual adoption of a more plant-based diet. There's the meatless mondays movement, which is becoming increasingly popular.
- 2016 is the World Year of Pulses, so why not follow suit and cut back on meat by 50% and instead add lentils to your shepherd's pie recipe or spaghetti sauce, etc.? You'll save money and introduce your family to food variations that will delight them.
On your marks, get set, cook!
It takes 21 days to change a habitSo why not challenge yourself to take new steps towards vegetarianism? You'll see the difference it makes to your health, your well-being and your wallet. It's up to you!
Mélanie Paquet, naturopath
819.230.4650
References
http://www.ledevoir.com/environnement/actualites-sur-l-environnement/447718/consommation-de-viande
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/160122/dq160122c-fra.htm