No meat doesn't have to mean no fun. Being “healthy” is a lifestyle choice that involves a balanced diet and exercise. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, smart eating still requires work. When it comes to vegetarian eating, myths abound. Here is a list of the most common misconceptions about Vegetarianism.
Myth # 1 Vegetarians get little protein - Fact: Plant foods offer abundant protein. Vegetables are around 23% protein on average, beans 28%, grains 13%, and even fruit has 5.5%.
Myth # 2 Your workouts will suffer- A vegetarian diet fuels performance just as well as a meat-based diet as long as you're careful to seek out other sources of certain nutrients that are more commonly found in animal products (like protein and vitamin B12).
Myth # 3 There isn’t enough fat in a vegetarian diet- The fact that most vegetarian meals contain much less fat than most meat-centered meals is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Veggie cuisine makes eating healthy a lot easier.
Myth # 4 Vegetarian diets aren't balanced, so they are risking their health for their principles- Fact: First of all, a vegetarian diet isn't out of balance. It has a good proportion of all the complex carbohydrates, protein and fat — the three macro nutrients that are the cornerstone of any diet. Plus, vegetarian food sources (plants) tend to be higher sources of most of micro nutrients.
Myth #5 Carbs make you fat- Fact: Not the carbs found in fruits and vegetables. Refined carbs, like sugar and flour, can make you fat, because they're calorically dense. Fruits and veggies don't have that problem.Myth # 6 You’ll always be hungry- If you're hungry on a no-meat diet, you are doing something wrong—namely, not getting enough fibre, fat, or protein. Fibre, the indigestible part of a plant, literally keeps your gut full and stabilizes blood sugar levels to prevent cravings, while fat and protein are both energy rich and slow to digest. So, if your stomach is growling, grab a handful of nuts. They're packed with a power combo of fibre, protein, and healthy fats.
Myth # 7 Vegetarian diets are limited and boring- Actually the exact reverse is true: so many meals depend on meat that cutting it out as the centrepiece of your diet literally forces you to vary your diet more. Vegetarians and partial vegetarians generally eat a much wider range of foods than the typical meat-eater.
