4 Things Becoming A Vegetarian Has Taught Me
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

4 Things Becoming A Vegetarian Has Taught Me

The Benefits and Outcomes of The Dietary Restriction

301
4 Things Becoming A Vegetarian Has Taught Me
via Unsplash

My first day of being a vegetarian was at my very own high school graduation party, a party where I was surrounded by foods I had just decided to give up that very day. I had been considering the new dietary restriction for quite some time before the decision had finally been made. However, I thought that I would struggle with finding adequate sources of nutrients that meat-eaters did not have to worry about finding. Thankfully, during my freshman year of college, I was required to complete a nutrition course that was all about how nutrients function, the necessary intake levels, and what foods contain which nutrients. Something else that we were taught was the consequences of eating certain foods. After completing this course, I finally grew a stronger awareness of the foods necessary for vegetarianism and, overall, became a huge advocate for conscious eating. I even conducted a presentation about wholesome eating that same semester. That semester, everything I gathered from the nutrition class and the act of actually eating consciously, seriously changed my life. That being said, I have created a list of 4 things I discovered after almost two years of being a vegetarian.

1. Meat is NOT the only source of protein out there

After becoming a vegetarian, I have received a lot of questions regarding my protein intake. Questions like “But, how do you get protein?” and “Would you just eat a steak?” are probably the most asked questions I have ever received. What some people don’t know is that meat is not the only great source of protein out there. Beans, for example, are an excellent source of protein and you don’t have to worry about the extremely high levels of saturated fats found in red meats that can lead to high cholesterol levels. According to Health.com, other ways for vegetarians to get protein is through quinoa, nuts, tofu, edamame, leafy greens, and chia seeds; And, not to mention all of the other sources.

2. Healthy eating CAN be tasty

I’m guessing that one or two of the foods I mentioned above sounded pretty unappealing to some people. I can relate to this because up until I became a vegetarian, I didn’t understand what half of those foods even were. But, when you add those foods to certain dishes with the right seasoning, dressings, or just mixed with other great foods, you can start to make meals that you feel good about eating!

3. I know I am benefitting my body

As I started to watch what I was eating, I realized which foods, in large quantities, would harm my body in the long run. While minimizing the harmful foods, I began to incorporate those that bring about certain benefits. For example, some could contain antioxidants, while others might lower your risk of heart disease. (Fact: Not eating meat can actually reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes).

4. Cooking your own meals can actually be really fun

Being a vegetarian has basically forced me to cook my own meals and, quite honestly, I can’t complain. I have grown to love cooking because it allows me to have control over my own meals, as I know exactly what is in my food and where it all comes from. I always find it somewhat comforting when I know the ingredients that are in my foods.

The transition into vegetarianism was definitely intimidating at first. But, after a few months of getting used to it, and after completing the nutrition class, I can say that being vegetarian isn’t all that hard. If anything, it has actually changed my life for the better.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

15706
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

945347
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

122283
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments