With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to take command of your health. One of the best ways to improve your diet and overall health is to take up a vegetarian diet.
Even if you don’t fully commit to the vegetarian lifestyle, incorporating a few vegetarian meals into your diet can make a notable difference.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the health benefits that come with vegetarian food to give you extra motivation while changing your eating habits for the better. We’ll also go over a few simple recipes for you to get started with.
For a vegetarian (or any other diet), Hungryroot can create a food profile for you and stock your fridge with healthy and hearty products to help you keep up your diet! Pressed Juicery is also a great option to get your nutrition in. Be sure to use CODE: ROOTS-MWK-10.
3 Surprising Vegetarian Health Benefits
Here are 3 excellent health benefits that will make you excited about your decision to adopt more of a vegetarian diet.
1. Heart Healthy
Veggies are loaded with soluble fiber that can help keep blood sugar levels at a minimum, reducing your risk of developing hypertension.
Plus, an increased intake of vegetables can also protect you from heart disease: According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vegetarians may be up to a third less likely to be hospitalized or die from heart disease.
2. Builds Strong Bones
Contrary to popular belief, many vegetables are full of bone-building nutrients like calcium. One cup of spinach or other comparable dark, leafy vegetables can supply up to 30 mg of calcium. Vegetables are also some of the best sources of Vitamin C which supports bone cell growth.
You’ll also find that you won’t lose bone density when eating properly. Vegetarians have almost identical bone density to those with a traditional diet, despite what you may have heard in the past.
3. Can Help You Lose Weight
Most vegetables have very low calories and are low in fat. Unlike many other foods, vegetables have no cholesterol whatsoever, so you’ll be able to enjoy your vegetarian diet guilt-free.
Vegetables are also full of natural fiber which can help you digest food more easily and give you more overall energy than other or more traditional diets.
On a side note: If you’re looking to take a break from cooking? GrubHub can deliver your favorite food from local restaurants right to your door! Use PROMO CODE: GRUBFREE for Free Delivery on Orders $15+
How to Transition to a Vegetarian Diet
Transitioning to a healthy vegetarian diet can certainly be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you consult with your doctor or nutritionist for helpful suggestions to ensure that you transition in a healthy manner.
If you don’t know where to start, you may find it helpful to try out a meal delivery service like Freshly or Sun Basket. These services deliver delicious, well-rounded dishes packed with fruits and veggies to leave you feeling full and satisfied. They are a great place to look for recipe inspiration as well.
Just because you’re vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite foods! For example, there are tons of easy recipes online for delicious options like vegetarian chili, veggie burgers or vegetarian lasagna. Here are 3 quick recipes that you can quickly whip up to help you fall into your vegetarian diet.
1. Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 Ripe Avocado
- 1 Cup of Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Cups of Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Can of Cooked Black Beans
- 1 Cup of Cooked Rice
- Seasonings To Taste
How to Make It:
Step 1: Simply combine your ingredients in a bowl and you have yourself a filling meal.
Step 2: For a more textured approach, mash up your avocados with a pinch of lemon juice in a food processor from Target and diced tomatoes for super laid-back guacamole. Feel free to mix and match different vegetable options!
2. Vegetarian Super Simple Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- ½ a Pound of Potatoes cut into even chunks
- 2 Cups of Vegetable Stock
- 1 large Red Onion Finely Chopped
How to Make It:
Step 1: For this soup, pour the stock, potatoes, and onion into a deep pot or slow cooker from Target for about 30 minutes or until potato chunks are thoroughly heated and tender.
Step 2: Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste for a light, savory soup you’ll love especially during these cold winter months. And Enjoy!
3. Vegetarian Baked Kale Chips
This is a great recipe to make ahead of time for snacking at home or on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 Full Bunch Of Kale
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
How to Make It:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Next, cut your kale bunch so that only the leaves remain. Cut into reasonably sized pieces before washing them thoroughly with a salad spinner.
Step 3: Lay out your kale piece onto a lined cooking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and seasoning.
Step 4: Cook kale for about 10 minutes, or until slightly browned on the edges. Store in an air-tight container.
Becoming a vegetarian is not as hard as it seems. Your commitment to better health will pay off and leave you feeling confident and energized.
Looking for more health-related articles, check out our articles on Health benefits of Jackfruit, Mushroom health benefits and recipes, Foods for weight loss, and even an article on Is spaghetti actually healthy?
