Becoming a vegetarian is a big decision, as it may force you to say goodbye to a lifetime of dietary habits. It doesn’t matter if you’re switching diets due to personal beliefs or health reasons; you must absorb the right nutrients to maintain a healthy, happy body.
You will not only need to adopt new habits, but you must find replacements for meat to provide your body with iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. If you have recently become a vegetarian, read the following ways to stay healthy.
- Enjoy a Mix of Fruit and Vegetables
Incorporating a mix of fruit and vegetables into your diet will provide your body with various vitamins and minerals. Plus, these products contain fiber to support digestion and prevent constipation. Enjoy at least five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables each day, which can be fresh, frozen, juiced, canned, or dried. Remember, the more colorful the fruit and vegetables, the more nutrients they will offer.
- Take Vitamins Daily
Fruit and vegetables are superb sources of nutrients; however, they will not contain an equal amount of vitamins and minerals. If you don’t find the right balance, you could develop malnutrition.
Taking vitamins daily will increase your confidence that you are receiving the right nutrients for a healthy body. Find the perfect vitamins for a vegetarian lifestyle at Vitaminology, including iron gummy vitamins, magnesium citrate, and multivitamins, to name just a few options.
- Consume Low-Fat Protein Sources
Despite your beliefs about meat, it may have served as a healthy protein source in your diet. If you are switching to a vegetarian lifestyle, you will need to replace meat with low-fat alternatives such as:
- Pulses, including beans, lentils, and peas
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Meat alternatives, such as Quorn or textured vegetable protein
However, don’t just pick one of the above sources and stick with it—incorporate a combination of low-fat protein sources to receive a mix of amino acids that will support the formation and repair of cells.
- Don’t Overindulge in Junk Food
You mustn’t overindulge in junk food, as it will provide little nutritional value while increasing your calorie consumption. Instead, adopt a healthy, balanced diet to receive many nutrients each day, which will help you remain in tip-top health. If you want to treat yourself to foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat, you must do so in moderation.
- Eat More Starchy Foods
Starchy foods should account for more than a third of the food you eat per day, which can help you maintain a balanced diet.
Consume a mix of the following:
- Cereals
- Potatoes
- Bread
- Rice
- Pasta
The above starchy foods are healthy sources of energy, especially if you choose whole-grain varieties. Also, they will provide your body with fiber, iron, calcium, and various B vitamins.
Switching to a vegetarian diet might not feel easy at first, but the above tips could help you quickly adjust to your new lifestyle, while also protecting your health.