Plant-based diets provide elite nutrition and significant health benefits such as the reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that vegetarians weigh an average of 30 pounds less than meat eaters. Eating from the plants has great benefits, and it is important to know the facts and ignore rumours.
Myth: Vegetarian food lacks protein content
Fact: It is a myth. If you think skipping eggs can lead to protein loss, you need to know that plant-based protein is sufficient for your health. Foods like Tofu, Beans, Lentils and even whole grain products can also provide enough protein. Traditionally, Western diets have been dominated by meat. The diet of an omnivorous usually revolves around one main type of meat (or fish), with vegetables as a side dish. This is because meat has traditionally been the main source of protein in an omnivorous diet.
While it’s true that chicken, steak, or fish are all major sources of protein but they’re not the only sources of protein. Vegetarians and vegans can easily get enough protein from plant-based products, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and many other foods that provide high levels of protein.
People often wonder what happens when they stop eating meat, and the reality is that with protein-rich vegetables and products like beans and tofu, they will not feel the difference in protein intake.
Myth: Plant-based diets are expensive
Fact: Meat eaters are usually quick to point out that switching to a plant-based diet isn’t always cheap, this is not entirely true.
Of course, vegetables are always cheaper than meat products. The carton of carrots is nowhere near as expensive as that of ground beef or rump steak. In fact, eating products like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and all other vegetables will save you a lot of money on your grocery bill.
But the myth has some truth when it comes to looking at manufactured plant-based alternatives. Traditionally, products such as oat milk and vegan cheese have been in low demand, and these products are more expensive to manufacture than their traditional counterparts.
However, as vegetarian food grows in popularity, soaring demand has led to lower prices for these products. The truth about veganism today is that these products will only be cheaper.
Myth: There is no variation in plant-based diets
Fact: Now, one of the most common myths that are simply not true is that there is no change in the plant-based diet. There’s so much you can do with simple veggies. They can be used as multiple ingredients for more than one type of a dish.
This myth arises from the fact that switching from a meat eater to a plant eater involves lifestyle changes. People in western countries are most accustomed to eating meat-based dishes
However, there are different vegetables, so many meat substitutes, and multiple recipes that we can prepare using plant-based foods. Be creative and look for new culinary styles, new marinades, sauces, and new dishes from around the world. It’s easy to see at first glance that there are far more variations than was believed.
Even in restaurants, chefs have to adapt to changing lifestyles. Traditionally, vegetarian menus have been limited, but nowadays menus have multiple options, including restaurants and shops that specialize in plant-based meals.
Myth: You Cannot Follow a Vegetarian Diet When you are Pregnant
Fact: A plant-based diet is a healthy option for everyone, including babies and pregnant women. However, you need to plan carefully to ensure that your nutritional goals are met. This opinion is given by the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition experts.
The veggies in our diets are suitable for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy, childhood, adolescence, the elderly, and athletes.
The Academy of Nutrition declares that a plant-based diet meets all nutrient needs, is incredibly diverse, helps treat and prevent many common lifestyle illnesses, and is environmentally friendly. This is great news for the increasing number of people to reduce meat and animal products.
Myth: Plant-based food just isn’t as yummy
Fact: The vegetarian food choices are vast and delicious. If you like tacos, then replace the lean meat and cheese with beans and avocado. If you like pizza, then replace the frozen pizza to use flour, oil, and yeast to make your own crust, stuffed with vegetables and a simple marinara sauce or homemade pesto. The sky is the limit. From pancakes to frittatas, scrambles, wraps, and casseroles, there are delicious plant-based recipes.
Anyway, much of the taste of traditional meals actually comes from plants. Season the dish with herbs, spices, sauces, and salt. Creamy and cheesy items can be easily made from nuts, and milk and butter exchanges are readily available. As you start cooking with healthier foods, you will find it really fun to explore cooking with all the great flavours that plants offer us.
Myth: Going Vegetarian Guarantees Weight Loss
Fact: A properly done vegetarian diet can absolutely help you lose weight. A January 2016 review of the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that people on a vegetarian diet lost significantly more weight than those on a non-vegetarian diet.
But weight loss is not a guarantee as many foods, from potato chips to some cookies, do not contain animal foods, but even if your goal is to lose weight, you need to plan well and build up favourable odds.
Reducing the source of vegetarian sweets and snacks and instead of planning the menu around a lot of fruits and vegetables, and protein sources of plants such as beans and nuts. These foods are easy to fill and help you lose weight.
Other satisfying vegetarian protein sources include eggs and dairy products such as plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Myth: Vegetarian Eating Is Boring
Fact: If you’re a vegetarian, you don’t have to live on boring dishes prepared by others on the terms of being healthy and survive on steamed vegetables alone. If you’re thinking about avoiding meat, I highly recommend spending time in the kitchen. You may be accustomed to using meat in your recipes, but you’ll find it easy to get lentils, beans, tempeh, and other vegetable proteins.
You can also try your first food and taste it. Try unconventional fruits and vegetables and the perfect balance of cinnamon and caramel to make you happy.
Conclusion:
If your lifestyle and diet differ from the majority, some misunderstandings are inevitable. Vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian is your personal choice.Incorporating a healthy meal plan strategy will help support your newly formed habits. Diet is bio-individual and so are we as humans. However, it is important to recognize the benefits and worries of changing your diet so that it does not adversely affect your lifestyle and health.
