Growing up, Lucy Bamforth had three friends who became vegetarians and then progressed into disordered eating. When she decided to become vegetarian, her parents understandably balked. In an effort to calm her parents, Lucy dedicated herself to learning about proper vegetarian nutrition.
People engage in restricted diets for a variety of reasons. Many have food allergies and sensitivities, others are concerned with animal rights, and some are concerned about health and weight. Regardless of motive, experts agree that the primary difference between unhealthy and healthy vegetarians is a firm grasp of basic nutrition.
For those who have decided to become vegetarian, it's important to understand the nutrients that meat provides and how to replace those nutrients with special combinations of plant-based foods. Simply 'eating around the meat' will almost guarantee nutritional deficiencies. This tactic is often utilized by people who are avoiding meat in an effort to slim down. Significant diet restriction for the sole purpose of weight loss can easily progress into disordered eating simply because these individuals tend to avoid proper self-care in favor of weight loss results.
Meats provide what are known as 'complete proteins'. Plant-based foods contain incomplete proteins and must be eaten in certain combinations to provide the same nutrition. In addition, meat provides iron, a nutrient that is often deficient in vegetarians if they do not make a special effort to eat iron-rich vegetables. If iron-deficient vegetarians also drink caffeinated beverages, (which can block iron absorption by the body) they can quickly develop health problems.
Another key nutrient provided by meat is zinc, which is vital for proper brain functioning. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to depression, anxiety, anorexia, and hyperactivity. Vegetarian sources of zinc include nuts, eggs, and seeds. (Source: www.Charlatan.ca)
Posted By: jgarcia