Is it natural for a person to be a vegetarian? How much does it cost to be a vegetarian

Previously, I lived in blissful ignorance, especially not thinking about nutrition, about how it affects our worldview, health, ecology, nature. Ideas about what is proper and healthy nutrition were very vague. And I heard about the existence of various power systems as about distant planets of a neighboring galaxy. In our country, as the participants of the “Eagle or Tails” who visited Kazakhstan noticed, the main national dishes are those associated with various combinations of meat and dough. And it is believed that in order to be healthy and strong, a person must eat a lot of proteins. But is it really so?

Information about vegetarianism began to come gradually. The first seeds of doubt about the usefulness of meat food were conceived by a second cousin who became a vegetarian. But at that time I did not accept this information. Then one day I went to VK on the page to my best friend and saw the page “First Vegetarian” in the subscriptions. I became curious to know where she got such a strange public from, to which she replied that she also refused meat and was having fun with a raw food diet. My answer was this:

It was news that for some, fruits and vegetables are the main meal of the day, and not a small addition to dinner or dessert. A friend told me a lot of interesting things about nutrition, about how it began to help her health, that she stopped using hormonal drugs to maintain an autoimmune goiter. Later, in the lectures of one naturopathic doctor, Mikhail Sovetov, I learned that autoimmune diseases are directly related to meat consumption, since the body perceives animal proteins as foreign, that is, an antigen (for those who are interested, there is an excellent channel on youtube "Mikhail Sovetov's School of Health)" .

And one day, after talking with my yoga teacher, I found out that he has been a vegetarian for more than 10 years, and he looks very healthy and happy. Inquiring about the reasons for his such a non-standard way of eating, I received two good arguments in response. The first was that we are what we eat. When we eat meat, we put in ourselves the emotions of fear and horror, which are released into the blood of the animal. The second argument was that it was the killing of innocent animals. “Well, we don’t kill anyone!” - I was indignant. And they explained to me that by buying meat in a store, although you do not kill directly, you pay for the murder of an animal, thereby becoming an accomplice in this crime. asked many more stupid typical questions, like “But what about squirrels?” or “Don’t you salivate when people eat shish kebabs next to you?” I immersed myself in thoughts for a few weeks, started digging on the Internet about the pros and cons of vegetarianism. A lot of conflicting information came out, where some praised and described the miracles of vegetarianism, while others, on the contrary, actively criticized and even called it a mental deviation. There were a lot of questions and doubts. How will you be without meat with anemia? And when you go to France to study, won't you try a frog? And the rabbit? Do you want to deprive yourself of all the joys of life?

Now I understand that these were all tricks of the mind. Our mind is designed in such a way that it loves to protect us from situations that are beyond its control and understanding. For the zone of familiarity and comfort. As a result, I came to the conclusion that without personal experience in this matter, I would simply get bogged down in hesitation. So, it was decided to conduct an experiment. Since the beginning of 2015 I will try to live without meat. This was the beginning of my search, which opened my eyes to many things and to understanding myself.

I announced at home that I decided to experiment, and explained my views. She said that if something goes wrong, then I will return to the previous regime, because relatives, as a rule, are the hardest to endure any drastic changes in the current lifestyle and worry if you are dragged into some kind of sect. The goal was to completely stop eating animals by the end of February. During this period, I ate a couple of times sushi and realized inside that I no longer need this taste.

The search began for different vegetarian recipes to balance their diet. Indeed, the transition to vegetarianism does not mean that you give up meat and start eating buns and pies. This means that you eat well, getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body needs. New dishes and products, new tastes and spices began to appear in our menu.

On a tip from my yoga teacher, I went to the Govindas Vegetarian Café, which introduced me to the variety of Vedic cooking. I really liked these dishes, and I bought the book "Vedic Culinary Art" there.

In addition to a variety of recipes, the book provided various reasons and arguments in favor of vegetarianism. I learned that animal husbandry has a detrimental effect on the environment (this issue is well considered in the movie "Cattle Plot"), the growth of the problem of world hunger, since huge pastures are required for raising livestock, and that for the sake of one kilogram of meat, 16 kilograms of grain are required, which could be to feed a large number of starving people. Anatomical arguments were given that a person by nature is not a predator or herbivore, but a frugivore.

Spiritual reasons for the benefits of vegetarianism have also been considered.

It was also news that many great people did not eat meat and consider it a disgusting habit. These are Tolstoy, Pythagoras, Nikola Tesla, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein and many modern celebrities. Each discovery gave me more inspiration in my choice.

Since I live in a country where the majority of the population adheres to Islam, I was tormented by the question: “Are my views in conflict with its canons?” Until I came across the book Vegetarianism in World Religions, in which Steven Rosen did a tremendous job , studying this topic, destroying my experiences. The book gave examples from the life of the Prophet: his love and compassion for animals. For example, one day, waking up from a dream and seeing a sleeping, skinny, sick cat on the edge of his cloak, the prophet, in order not to disturb the animal, cut off this piece of cloak. He said: "Be compassionate to everyone," Mohammed taught, "especially to those who are weaker than you."

I continued to go to yoga, telling my teacher about my discoveries and inspirations. And so I began to feel that I want to know myself and yoga more deeply. But then one fine spring day I came across Andrey Verba's lectures on the Internet, in which he told such things that helped put on the shelves what I did not understand until that time.

He answered many questions, the answers to which could not be found in any system or philosophy. He also spoke in lectures about vegetarianism, about how meat-eating was planted on this planet, and made a reference to the film "Earthlings". Perhaps, watching this movie was the last straw, which put the final and fat point in my choice. It's a documentary filmed for the most part on hidden cameras, just throws off all the covering veil from the eyes. Having seen with your own eyes real scenes of how animals on farms suffer and suffer, in what disgusting conditions they are kept, you understand how hardened our hearts are, that for the sake of satisfying the whims of our language, millions or billions of animals die every year. I think that if you find the courage to watch this film, the truth behind the slaughterhouses, the question of whether your appetite is more important than the torment of a calf or a chicken will disappear by itself.

Mom supported me in changing the nutrition system. During this time, I had more energy, morning rises ceased to be torture, and I began to happily jump up before sunrise. My mother had chronic problems with pressure and pancreatitis. I started to feel much calmer. The low vibrations of filled with fear and horror began to recede. There are many new friends and acquaintances who are striving for development. And one of the important steps in this is a change in nutrition. After all, in reality, we are what we fill our plate with. Health or suffering? Life or death?

Nutrition is the basis of life. By rebuilding it, we change. It's simple: we consume the useful - we become healthier, we use the harmful - we start to get sick.

The reasons for changing the way you eat are based on the desire to lose weight, look younger, and improve your overall health. If the goals are based on the desire to remain young and healthy, then you will ask a logical question - how to become a vegetarian.

Eating out of a habit instilled by parents, a person does not understand why everyone around becomes vegetarians. There are enough reasons for this - from selfish to noble. One follows the trend of fashion, the other wants to lose weight, and the third develops spirituality.

The history of Eastern countries confirms that vegetarianism is not only a food system, but also part of the worldview. And if a person is ready, then with the help of a non-meat lifestyle, he will reveal his subconscious potential. If not, then it is enough to start with recovery, this is already a plus.

Ancient philosophies show the benefits of reasons to become a vegetarian. The sages saw a special meaning in such nutrition - purification and harmony with the outside world. No anger, aggression and hatred - only purity of thoughts.

Adherents of Ayurveda and other ancient teachings tremblingly preserve grains of knowledge gained hundreds of years ago. They spread the philosophy of preserving life, suggesting that any life is valuable.

Millions of people around the world resonate with such ideas. Preservation of peace on the planet begins with love for yourself and your neighbor. If everyone stops the violence that he himself commits, civilization will change beyond recognition.

Reasons to become a vegetarian

If you are looking for reasons to become a vegetarian, then you already have them and do not need to label them. Even if your first attempts fail after a couple of days, this is already a victory to be proud of.

Awareness of a new way of eating will start with a small step, but will lead to changes that you could not even imagine. It's like choosing the right pill - it will open up a new world. But first, we will look at a few reasons to become a vegetarian that have nothing to do with a true desire to improve yourself.

It's fashionable

Some part of the people will still make a cult out of vegetarianism. It's fashionable - there will always be an opportunity to show off on Instagram. Given the selfishness of thoughts, the desire to eat vegetables will immediately disappear with the uploading of all the photos to the account. This is not an awakening and not a personal transformation, this is a desire to keep up with the times - to brag.

Pride

Our organisms are arranged differently and it is not necessary for someone to eat meat every day. He completely manages without animal protein for a couple of weeks in a row. Realizing this peculiarity of his, a person will proudly say to your face: “I don’t eat animals, but what did you do?”

They will last for a while, but not for long. There are no principles here, which means there is no need to remain a vegetarian either.

If you recognize yourself in these two images, then think about it, do you really need to know how to become a vegetarian? Attempts are commendable, but their original source will not benefit you.

Vegetarianism is one of the facets of a lean lifestyle. Any life is sacred, which means that efforts must be made to preserve it.

With reasons like these, becoming a vegetarian with a transition period to a new way of eating will not be a problem. Habits will remain and they will have to be overcome, but a strong will and inviolability of principles will help you survive during the period of physical adaptation.

Wellness

Here is another good reason to become a vegetarian - health.

If we consider reality from the point of view of energies, then any product has its own energy. In an apple it is strong and positive, in meat it is aggressive and destructive.

At the time of the kill, the animal experiences a strong adrenaline rush, and with it aggression and fear. These powerful destructive feelings dig deep into the substance of the product and are transferred to you. No wonder the ancient people used individual organs of animals, and in some tribes and people in order to adopt their strength. But there was no power there - only primitive negative desires.

Energy is either creative or negative. In vegetables and fruits - creation, in the killing of an animal - destruction. By choosing animal products, you join in the killing and feed on base feelings. The latter deprive you of strength, inspiring fear. With such luggage, healthy and strong, you will not live up to 100 years.

Proof of? Conduct an experiment - 2 weeks without meat products. Feelings of liveliness and energy - this is the minimum that you will feel right away. And then - more.

The ultimate goal of vegetarianism is to increase self-awareness and creative vibrations.

If you grew up in the city and saw legs and ribs only on the shelves, then you do not associate meat with animals. Start from the beginning - buy a chicken, feed it and hatch it, and then cut off the head and cook it. For most, the mere thought of slaughtering an animal will make you sick. That's the way it should be.

Let's learn from children. They are happy to eat fruits and berries, and thoughts about a fatty piece of pork do not visit them. Toddlers get by with the gifts of nature, which is enough for us, if not for the brainwashed and surprisingly plausible instructions of scientists.

Getting rid of the narrow-mindedness regarding meat products and vegetarianism is a complex and multi-step process. You have to deal with the mess in your own head, public opinion (especially of previous generations), the restructuring of the body and habits. But the result is convincing - a deep understanding of the universe, unity with nature and a full life.

Enlightenment is the final stop. Something like a unique experience, accessible only to those passing this path.

Well, you have decided for yourself that you want to understand how to become a vegetarian. How to change the way you eat? Where to begin? Gradually, without sudden movements. To understand exactly how, consider the types of vegetarianism:

lacto-ovo-vegetarianism (no animals, you can use their waste products, including eggs);
lacto-vegetarianism (no animals and eggs, you can use their waste products);
ovo-vegetarianism (no animals and milk, but eggs are allowed);
veganism (nothing from animal products).

A separate group consists of dietary patterns similar to vegetarianism:

pescatarianism (meat and poultry are not allowed, but fish is allowed);
pollotarianism (no meat, but you can have poultry);
Flexitarianism (everything is possible, but little by little).

Types and groups are conditional. Their principles are based on the differences of schools. Veganism is the same vegetarianism in its classical sense, when no one eats anyone, but it is extremely difficult to adhere to this philosophy and is available only with long-term work on oneself. Vegans can't even eat honey.

The remaining forms involve relaxation and are transitional stages between an omnivorous lifestyle and a vegetarian one.

What to choose depends on the level of preparedness, personal goals and worldview. Want to lose weight? Stop at flexitarianism. Are you planning to change the world? Consciously go vegan.

Note: Vegetarianism is not limited to food. The dedicated will never wear a fur coat or buy a cream that has been tested on animals.

With that it is impossible, sorted out. And with what is possible?

What can vegetarians eat

fruit;
vegetables;
cereals;
legumes.

If you are only looking for information on how to become a vegetarian, then this meager set of products will cause a slight bewilderment. Just a minute ago, all the products in the supermarket were available to you, and now only the fruit and vegetable row is available to you. But in fact, everything is much more interesting.

You can take a step back

The variety of types and groups of vegetarianism gives great freedom in the beginning of personal transformation. Are you afraid to be hungry? Eat fish. Do not understand the priorities? Allow yourself milk and eggs. The main thing here is not to tire yourself out and go to the goal.

Recipes already made

Large layers of information are already available to you right now. No need to invent something new, everything is already there - cereals, salads, croutons, sandwiches. Housewives will find for themselves that the work in the kitchen has not become less, but it is more pleasant and easier. You knew how to cook cereals and fruit salads even before becoming a vegetarian, and if you want difficulties, any oriental cuisine will allow you to show your talents in culinary skills.

Dishes can be customized

At first, chicken wings will dream, and the smell of May barbecue will make you give up your principles, but here's the good news for you - any dishes can be adapted.

Do you love Olivier and can't imagine a festive table without this salad? Instead of sausage and eggs, add olives and apples. The taste will be different, but you will quickly get hooked. This is how any dish adapts. Not ready to make such drastic compromises? Buy . It is made from wheat protein.

You already have your departments

Ideally, a vegetarian should eat only plant-based foods. Moreover, over time, give up products that contain components of animal origin. For example, glycerin.

If you are already taking the first timid steps towards a new life, then with all the popularity of the topic, there will be those around you who will try to stop you. They have in their arsenal the centuries-old works of scientists who defend omnivorousness as the basis of a rich vitamin supply. Your task is to know, at least for yourself, that you are getting a complete set of trace elements, minerals and vitamins, without depriving others of their lives.

The simplest example: medicine claims that without B12 a person develops anemia. Yes, but the vitamin is found not only in milk and eggs, but also in tofu, seaweed, soy.

So you can create a table of the vitamins and microelements contained in meat products and replace them with plant-based diet analogues. Although all scientific evidence is relative. The world community is well aware of cases when a person eats abnormally, while health remains at the proper level. Take the same Indian Pakkirappu Hunagundi - for 30 years he has been eating only stones, and doctors have not found any health problems. Moreover, his teeth are in perfect condition.

If this does not convince you, then remember the sun-eaters - eating prana (solar energy). A high level of self-awareness allows them to get food from the sun and this is enough for many years without losing ideally good health.

Why Vegetarians Don't Eat Meat

The main motive is ethical. Blinkers and brainwashed do not allow us to capture the whole picture: chicken and fish are common in Russia, but give our man a grasshopper or a bamboo worm - he will refuse with disgust. But how is it? This is pure and healthy protein. Much loved in Mexico and Thailand.

Another example: cats and dogs. There are countries where their meat is served for lunch, but can you imagine grilling a juicy Barsik steak? If a person eats meat, then he eats everything, and selective tastes are the result of deeply embedded programs in the subcortex of humanity.

So how do you become a vegetarian and not feel like going back to an omnivore diet? Consider replacing meat with veggie sausages. Try . This is a good compromise and no deals with conscience. , sausages, pates - this is not a complete list of pseudo-meat products. Buy for the whole family and cook chic meals.

What can replace animal protein? It is well replaced by legumes, the same, beans, lentils. The peculiarity of legumes in their complex composition is equally carbohydrates and proteins. Load up on soy and beans.

Another great source of protein is mushrooms. A wide variety of varieties will allow you to cook chic dishes throughout the year, if you learn how to dry and salt them.

Nuts, fruits and vegetables also contain protein, but in a different ratio compared to fats and carbohydrates. Combining all these products, you get not just good nutrition, but also healthy, devoid of toxic preservatives and additives.

Can vegetarians eat fish?

Beginners ask: how can someone who eats dairy products, eggs and fish become a vegetarian? Is that allowed? Yes, but at first. Over time, you need to abandon any products of animal origin. Constant development and study of the topic will help to quickly cope with this task.

Questions about indulgences arise on the basis of various teachings. Fish are eaten by pescatarians. It's better than nothing, but you need to strive for complete failure. So, ask yourself: do I want to become a vegetarian, denying myself even fish and milk?

Is it good to be a vegetarian

A vegetarian differs from an omnivore in improved health, meek disposition, and a higher level of self-awareness. Is it worth it? Undoubtedly. The feeling of harmonious coexistence with the world gives a new point of view on things. You stop the violence and if everyone takes a similar step, the planet will be cleansed.

When the other person asks you about how he can become a vegetarian, focus on simple things - health and longevity. Traditional medicine, despite all its inertia, agreed that it is vegetarianism that reduces the risk of cancer, eliminates obesity, and prolongs life.

From a predator you turn into a herbivore. In a good way.

Pros of being a vegetarian

A lot has already been said in defense of plant nutrition, but one plus was left for a snack - the remission of diseases.

The young man is 33 years old. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The disease is serious and severe, given the age. After studying the literature on alternative medicine, he decided to change his diet. The motivation is more than strong. Anyone would like to become a vegetarian in his place.

Several months passed before the doctors threw up their hands in disbelief at the sight of a stable remission. That's how much vegetarianism can do.

I want to become a vegetarian

Ask yourself: will I want to become a vegetarian, knowing that from now on I will begin to live a fulfilling life? Health is a good stimulus and yet at the heart of the basics is not it. The protection of animals, the promotion of the preservation of the ecology on the planet - this is the vital position of vegetarianism.

You can get rid of excess weight with a diet, herbs can also improve your health, but only vegetarianism will protect life. This is not just a nutrition system, but a philosophy designed to change the world for the better.

We are what we eat. What we eat determines whether we get health or disease, whether global companies profit from what we buy, and, of course, how conscious our choices are.

Chances are you've heard a lot of the arguments that are made in favor of veganism and a plant-based diet. For different reasons, different people get motivated and start making changes in their lives.

If you're on the path to a vegetarian diet, or just thinking about it, here are 14 answers to the "why" question that can help you make the right decision!

1. Reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes

Diseases so popular in our time are actually unnatural for humans. Moreover, blockage of the arteries begins at a very early age (about 10 years).

Even the largest health organizations admit that animal products, rich in saturated fats and cholesterol, are the cause of heart disease and diabetes. A plant-based diet can not only help our arteries, but even reverse type 2 diabetes.

2. Cure and eradicate other diseases

Health is our most valuable asset. Any opportunity to reduce the risk of any disease and help the body recover should be taken seriously. Vegans have been scientifically and clinically proven to reduce the risk of stroke, Alzheimer's, cancer, high cholesterol-related diseases, and more.

A plant-based diet is often even more effective than medication and surgery. The World Health Organization has declared that processed meat is a carcinogen, and the book The China Study clearly shows the link between casein (milk protein) and cancer.

3. Get slim

Vegans are almost the only group of people with a normal body mass index (BMI). Eating a lot of animal products contributes to an increase in BMI. Yes, such food does not contain carbohydrates, but contains fats. Fat has more calories and is much easier to store in the body than calories from carbohydrates. In addition, the general density of animal products causes a person to overeat when they can load their plates with vegetables while remaining lean. Also, growth-stimulating hormones are found in animal products, which are not useful for us at all.

4. Show kindness and compassion to sentient beings

For some people, the ethical arguments in favor of veganism are not so strong, but you will agree that kindness is never superfluous or inappropriate. Saving the life of someone innocent is always the right thing to do. Unfortunately, there are massive campaigns around the world by the meat and dairy industries that use images of happy animals on packages, while the reality is much more cruel. What can be humane in animal husbandry?

5. Limited resources and starvation

People around the world are forced to suffer because of the huge demand for animal products. Why? Today we have enough food to feed 10 billion people, for a total of 7 billion in the world. But it turns out that 50% of the world's crops are eaten by industrial animals... With 82% of children living near livestock going hungry because the meat produced in these areas is sent to 1st world countries so people can eat it. buy.

Think about it: about 70% of the grain grown in the US alone goes to livestock - enough to feed 800 million people. And that's not to mention the water, which is used in large quantities for the production of animal products.

6. Animal products are “dirty”

Every time a person sits down at a table that contains meat, eggs or milk, they also eat bacteria, antibiotics, hormones, dioxins and a host of other toxins that can cause health problems.

This can lead to food poisoning, more than 75 million cases of which are reported annually. 5,000 of them end in death. The USDA reports that 70% of cases are caused by contaminated animal meat. The abuse of pharmaceuticals on factory farms has spurred the development of new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Also widely used is the antibiotic roxarsone, which contains significant amounts of the most carcinogenic form of arsenic.

Hormones naturally found in animal products can cause cancer, gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), and obesity. Even the label "organic" plays little role.

7. Humans don't need animal products

The killing is unnecessary and cruel. We do it for pleasure and tradition. There is no evidence that people need to eat meat, dairy and eggs to be healthy and prosperous. Quite the opposite. This is an instinct that only true meat-eaters, such as lions or bears, have. But biologically there is no other food for them, while we humans do.

Let's not forget that we are not calves that need their mother's milk, and we do not need to consume any other secretion than our own mother's milk (and then only in the first years of life). It goes without saying that animals do not want to die, they love and appreciate life. And we, unfortunately, consider them as “farm animals”, a faceless herd, without thinking that they are, in fact, the same as our cats and dogs. When we understand this connection and take the appropriate steps, we can finally align our actions with morality.

About 18-51% (depending on the region) of technogenic pollution comes from the meat industry, which leads to the rapid development of agricultural production, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

1 pound of meat equals 75 kg of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of using a car for 3 weeks (average CO2 emissions of 3 kg per day). Wild animals suffer from the consequences. Mass extinction of species affects 86% of all mammals, 88% of amphibians and 86% of birds. Many of them face an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future. It is possible that by 2048 we will see empty oceans.

9. Try new tasty dishes

Have you ever tasted "Buddha bowl"? How about quinoa salad or burgers with black bean patty? There are more than 20,000 species of edible plants in the world, of which about 200 are domesticated and processed. You probably haven't even tried half of them! New recipes expand the horizon, bringing pleasure to the taste buds and the body. And there is a high probability of finding dishes that you would not even have thought of before.

Baking without eggs? Banana, flax seeds and chia are great substitutes. Cheese without milk? From tofu and various nuts, you can make an alternative that is no worse than the original. One has only to start looking, and this process will definitely tighten you!

10. Get fit

Most people are afraid of losing muscle mass when they give up animal products. However, meat and dairy products are hard to digest, taking most of the energy and making a person tired and sleepy. A vegan diet will in no way prevent you from reaching your fitness goals and can give you a boost of energy and strength. Look at the world's athletes! Famous boxer Mike Tyson, tennis player Sirena Williams, track and field athlete Carl Lewis - these people have achieved significant heights in sports without eating food of animal origin.

You don't have to watch your protein intake as many people think. All plant products contain it, and this protein is also very high quality. 40-50 grams per day can easily be gained from green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Rice contains 8% protein, corn 11%, oatmeal 15%, and legumes 27%.

In addition, it is easier to gain muscle mass with a plant-based diet, since plant-based protein contains much less fat than animal products.

11. Improve skin and digestion

These two issues are indeed interrelated. For most people with acne-prone skin, milk is their worst enemy. Unfortunately, many doctors prescribe medications and aggressive treatments to improve skin condition when the problem lies in the food we consume. It has been proven time and again that avoiding fatty foods reduces acne.

Water-rich fruits and vegetables can give your skin a boost of health and radiance thanks to their high levels of vitamins and minerals. Coarse fiber helps improve digestion, remove toxins. Agree, the problem with digestion is one of the most unpleasant sensations. So why not get rid of it?

12. Improve your mood

When a person cooks meat, he automatically absorbs the stress hormones that the animal produced on the way to slaughter, until the very last second of his life. This alone can have a significant effect on mood. But that's not all.

We know that people who follow a plant-based diet tend to have a more stable mood—less stress, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, and fatigue. This is due to the higher antioxidant content in plant foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Combined with a low-fat diet, this can have a beneficial effect on psychological well-being. Healthy and carbohydrate-rich foods, including brown rice, oats, and rye bread, help regulate serotonin levels. Serotonin is very important for controlling our mood. A plant-based diet has been shown to help treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.

13. Save money

A vegetarian diet can be very economical. When you focus your diet on grains, legumes, legumes, nuts, seeds, seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can cut your monthly food intake in half. Many of these products can be bought in bulk and stored for a long time.

You spend less money if you plan your diet rather than grabbing a double cheeseburger on the run. You can think of (or find) a huge variety of budget options for plant-based food! Another positive is that you don't have to spend a huge amount of money on doctors and medications, as a plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse chronic diseases.

14. Move away from the stereotype that vegetarianism is a complete ban

Many products in the supermarket are vegan. Everyone's favorite Oreo cookies, nacho chips, many sauces and sweets. More and more plant-based milks, ice creams, soy meats and more are on the market every year! Non-dairy production is growing rapidly!

More and more restaurants are offering vegan and vegetarian menus, regardless of the format. There is no longer a problem with food in public places, but now another question arises: “And what to choose from this variety?”. But that's a completely different story.

Is it good to be a vegetarian? given by the author Gray Angel the best answer is Vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, fish and seafood of animal origin. Dairy products and eggs are ignored by only a fraction of vegetarians. Honey is also a controversial product. Mushrooms are traditionally classified as plant food, although modern science distinguishes them in a separate kingdom.
Many vegetarians, in addition to food, also ignore:
clothing and other products, parts of which are made of fur, leather, etc. etc.
products containing ingredients of animal origin (such as glycerin, gelatin)
products tested on animals.
and it is right! we should not kill unfortunate animals, this is tantamount to fascism, when people were flayed and cannibalism!
It has been repeatedly argued that for a complete vegetarian diet, it is not enough just to exclude meat from the diet, but it is necessary to properly plan your meals. Various studies show that, on average, vegetarians have better health and longer life expectancy than non-vegetarians. But, on the other hand, vegetarian food contains some vitamins and minerals, in different quantities and proportions than non-vegetarian food, which should be given special attention in a vegetarian diet.
Vegetarianism, in and of itself, is controversial. There are a huge number of books and articles on vegetarianism, and if you try to present all the information in a single system, you get chaos.
Some believe that meat contains trace elements, which cannot be dispensed with; others - that it is immoral to eat creatures similar to oneself; the third - that in the natural conditions of the middle lane not to eat meat is unnatural; fourthly, that meat is an extremely harmful product, heavy, and in order to process it, the body has to expend an incredible amount of energy, stressing and overloading the digestive tract, which has already suffered in our conditions. Plus, adherents of vegetarianism can be divided into several types: the first ones do not eat only meat, the second ones also refuse fish and eggs, and, finally, the third ones do not even consume dairy products, and eat only plant foods.
Vegetarianism, complete or partial refusal to consume animal products. Contrary to popular belief, the term "vegetarianism" does not come from the Latin. vegetalis ("vegetable"), but from lat. vegetus, meaning "strong", "full of strength", "cheerful", "active". The English vegetarians, who coined the term, gave it the meaning of a philosophical and ethical life principle, and not just the practice of eating vegetables.
In many regions of the world, vegetarianism is associated with economic reasons, since meat products are expensive. Very often it is adhered to due to religious or philosophical beliefs. Many vegetarians have an aversion to meat out of compassion for animals. Others believe that various diseases are transmitted to humans through meat products or that they contain antibiotics, pesticides and other harmful substances. The growing interest in vegetarianism in recent years stems from concerns that meat production consumes far more of the world's resources than plant-based products.
I myself am a vegetarian and I do not complain, everything is in order with my health, so do not be afraid, decide to be a vegetarian and stop eating our younger brothers, this is immoral!

Answer from Sleepy[guru]
Only during Great Lent
and then again a meat-eater.

Answer from Larisa Mirzayan[guru]
But what about proteins? Without them, the body will weaken

Answer from Caucasian[guru]
nuuu .. what is cheaper is for sure ...

Plant foods are able to fully saturate, because with a properly selected menu, it includes all the components necessary for the human body. A balanced vegetarian diet contains even more nutrients and nutrients than a meat-based one. Therefore, it is not surprising that about a billion people on the entire planet are adherents of this lifestyle. And every year there are more and more vegetarians.

What is vegetarianism?

A lifestyle that involves the rejection of meat products is called vegetarianism. Initially, the term was used to describe a moral and harmonious lifestyle, and only over time it began to refer to a special type of diet that excludes the use of meat-containing products.

Types of Vegetarianism

There are also more radical forms of vegetarianism, whose adherents refuse any products of animal origin: meat, eggs, milk, fish, leather and fur products, medicines that have been tested on animals. They may cook their food, but in most cases they practice a raw food diet.

Distinguish traditional, or absolute, vegetarianism - a way of life that excludes all products that have anything to do with animals. And kill-free, or alternative, - allowing the use of eggs and dairy products.

Vegetarianism is popular in many countries of the world, among different segments of the population, in different cultures and religions. In order to understand why people become vegetarians, it is necessary to look at the main reasons for avoiding the consumption of meat and animal products. Although each meat eater has his own personal motivations for starting a new type of diet, they can all be classified according to the following reasons.

Moral cause

Most adherents of a vegetarian diet are guided by moral principles when refusing meat food. They are convinced that meat-eating is an unjustified killing of animals, since, in fact, a person does not need meat to stay alive and healthy, especially in the quantities in which we are used to eating it. To support your life and stay alert, it is enough to make the right plant-based diet, which includes the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements.

There is a belief that meat carries the fear, shock and pain that the animal experienced before death. This information is capable of energetically influencing the state of a person, prompting him to aggression and self-destruction. A program of self-destruction is launched, and negative emotions overwhelm the one who abuses meat products.

Naturally, we are accustomed to enjoying a fragrant steak sitting at a beautifully served table, but one has only to imagine a slaughterhouse where the cries of poor animals are heard, and many begin to feel disgust for an exquisite dish. Such images often shape the idea of how to become a vegetarian.

medical reason

Medical reasons for becoming a vegetarian include avoiding meat to prevent the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, as well as to prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Meat contains bad cholesterol, which, when it enters our body, pollutes the vessels and reduces blood flow to the heart. As a result, blood pressure rises, and there is a threat of a stroke. If you replace the meat protein with vegetable protein, then the cholesterol level will normalize after a while.

In addition, scientists argue that a meat-containing diet accelerates the wear of internal organs, provoking earlier aging of the whole organism. Moreover, cancer is much less common in those who do not eat meat or reduce its presence in their diet to a minimum. And if we take into account the "environmental friendliness" of modern meat products, you can understand why they become vegetarians.

religious reason

Vegetarianism is an important aspect of many religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism. These teachings imply belief in the law of karma - reincarnation after death (including in animals). Therefore, it is believed that the murder of our smaller brothers for the sake of gluttony creates serious consequences for karma. Finding happiness becomes impossible if, in order to satisfy your passion for delicious food, another living being suffers.

Partial or complete rejection of animal products contributes to spiritual and physical purification in the Christian religion, especially during periods of fasting and fasting days. Meat-eating is considered unnatural, and people who use it are compared to predatory animals.

Eco-friendly reason

For growing animals, a variety of chemical additives are used, which are very toxic to humans. And in order for the meat to look and remain fresh for a long time, it is treated with nitrates. Such an abundance of chemicals, of course, does not improve the health of consumers. In addition, many chemicals are carcinogens, which means that they can cause cancer if used for a long time and often. Therefore, everyone decides for himself whether it is worth becoming a vegetarian, but the benefits of a plant-based diet are undeniable.

What are the benefits of a vegetarian diet?

A vegetarian diet can be considered one of the healthiest for our body, especially if it is made according to all nutritional standards. Despite the exclusion of meat and fish from the diet, the plant menu cannot be called monotonous, since more than three hundred different types of legumes, vegetables, leaves, flowers, grains and stems, as well as many fruits and more than 150 types of nuts are used for food.

Vegetarians get a lot of protein by eating soy, peas, lentils, beans, wheat. Fats come with vegetable oils. And here, too, vegetarians are real gourmets. While many of us are only familiar with sunflower and olive oils, they also use corn, walnut, cottonseed, coconut, linseed, hemp, poppy, mustard, almond and many others.

Vegetarianism contributes to the spiritual and intellectual development of a person. Adherents of a kill-free type of nutrition are, as a rule, educated people who are fond of self-improvement, thinking about their diet, studying different cultures and religions.

Scientists have conducted studies and proved that those vegetarians who became followers of a plant-based diet from childhood have a higher IQ than those who gave up meat at a later age. This means that plant foods have a positive effect on the intellectual development of a person.

From a medical point of view, vegetarianism also has many advantages. Adherents of plant foods are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and more likely to live to a ripe old age. In addition, if you become a vegetarian, you can lose weight, improve overall well-being and improve the functioning of the digestive tract. The absence of harmful fats and smoked meats on the menu allows you to adjust your metabolism and no longer face the problems of excess weight.

Cons of a Vegetarian Diet

A plant-based diet also has disadvantages that must be considered before becoming a vegetarian. The main argument of meat eaters is that the diet of vegetarians is inadequate due to the lack of certain amino acids that are important for the balanced functioning of our body. For example, if we eat 100 or 200 grams of meat and get everything we need, then a vegetarian should eat three times the portion of plant food in order to provide the body with the same amount of important vitamins, proteins and trace elements.

Vegetarians often suffer from iron deficiency anemia, which is also difficult to treat. Meat-eaters easily solve the problem of increasing hemoglobin by including more liver, offal, and beef in their diet. And adherents of a plant-based diet in such cases have to use medications that have a number of side effects. Pregnant women who follow a vegetarian diet should be especially careful about their diet and monitor blood counts.

Meat eaters versus vegetarians. So is it or isn't it? That is the question!

Anyone who thinks about the problem of eating meat should examine this issue from all sides. Solutions: "I want to become a vegetarian!" - not enough. It would be useful to consult a nutritionist about the correct preparation of the menu. You should also analyze the state of your health. If there are any diseases, it is better to consult a doctor about whether changing the diet will harm and whether it will exacerbate existing diseases.

If you pay enough attention to the composition of the diet and consider all the details of how to properly become a vegetarian, you can avoid the negative consequences of eliminating meat. In a plant-based diet, careless attitude to your diet is unacceptable. Many people are used to snacking on anything, eating on the go, ignoring the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in their diet. With the transition to a new lifestyle, this approach will not work! If a person is interested in how to become and remain a vegetarian, he must plan a diet, depending on the daily energy expenditure of his body.

How to switch to a vegetarian diet?

Not all people are ready to immediately give up meat. Even having made the decision to switch to a plant-based diet, many will suffer from a lack of this component in their diet for a long time to come. There are some rules that make it easier for the body to adapt to the new menu. Moreover, these rules will be useful both for those who are ready to completely abandon meat over time, and for people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce the negative impact of eating meat products.

Try to make your diet from vegetarian dishes, eating meat only once a day at first, and over time, reduce the amount of meat in the diet to two or three times a week.
In the summer it is better to give up meat completely, replacing it with fish. The body easily adapts to the exclusion of this nutritional component in the warm season, since a person's energy costs are much less (there is no need to constantly warm the body), and all vitamins can be obtained from fresh, seasonal plant foods.
People engaged in intellectual work, the rejection of meat will benefit. Those who work physically or are actively involved in sports should carefully select protein replacement products so as not to suffer from iron deficiency anemia or malnutrition.
One of the most effective ways to change your lifestyle or transition to a new diet is with support from like-minded people. If the decision to become a vegetarian is really very strong, you can find the same opponents of meat-eating and stick to the principles of nutrition together.
Many great people were vegetarians and urged to follow the principles of kill-free nutrition. So if you're thinking about becoming a vegetarian, reading the writings or biographies of these well-known opponents of meat-eating will be an additional motivation. Their eloquent and persuasive words will not allow you to deviate from your goals. Leo Tolstoy, Pythagoras, Bernard Shaw and many others professed the principles of vegetarianism. And Leonardo da Vinci wrote: "The time will come when people will look at the killer of an animal in the same way as they look now at the killer of a man."

Prudent Vegetarianism

It should also be remembered that food is only a means to replenish energy reserves. A fanatical attitude towards food can cause various disorders of the body, therefore, as in any other matter, one should adhere to prudence in nutrition.

If your health does not allow you to think about how to become a vegetarian, you should not force your body. But in the case when a plant-based diet has a beneficial effect on the general condition and corresponds to moral or religious principles, it is necessary to satisfy the needs of your body and mind.