World Vegetarian Day is observed on October 1st. Established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society and endorsed the following year by the International Vegetarian Union, World Vegetarian Day promotes the “joy, compassion and life enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.” The day tries to bring awareness to all the benefits – ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian – of a vegetarian lifestyle.
Becoming a Vegetarian
There are approximately six to eight million Americans who no longer eat meat, fish, or poultry. Several million still eat each fish or chicken but have eliminated eating red meat. Approximately two million Americans classify themselves as vegans – those who not only forgo animal flesh but also other animal-based products such as eggs, milk, and cheese.
Today, eating plant-based foods is widely recognized as nutritionally sufficient. It is also accepted as a way of reducing many chronic illnesses. The American Dietetic Association believes that appropriately planned plant-based diets, vegetarian or vegan, is nutritionally adequate, healthful, and provides health benefits in the treatment and prevention of certain diseases.
Potential Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
A vegetarian diet involves higher consumption of fiber, folic acid, different kinds of vitamins, unsaturated fats, and a number of phytochemicals. A vegetarian diet may support reduced body weight, lower cholesterol levels, lower high blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Vegetarian diets may also improve a person’s mood, reduces the incidence of diabetes, and lower the risk of cataract development.
Vegetarian Recipes
Cooking is fun, especially when it involves all members of the family. Quality time can better be appreciated cooking some vegetarian meals that everybody will enjoy. Instead of listing off a million vegetarian recipes, a simple Google search will give you more than enough options.
Garden of Life
Vegetarian diets are nutritionally sufficient. But in order to make sure that people who eat plant-based foods get all the nutrients that they need, they can take Garden of Life products to supplement their vegetarian diet. Garden of Life has a wide range of formulated enzymes, probiotics, and vitamins for a healthier life.
