5 Myths About Vegetarianism

Myth 1: Being a vegetarian is not safe if you are pregnant.

False. Health.com says that you probably should try to go into experimenting with vegetarianism after you become pregnant if you have no experience, but if you have already been following this lifestyle, there is no problem with continuing to do so throughout your pregnancy. Sticking to a vegetarian diet while pregnant can actually reduce the amount of pregnancy weight that you will gain and can also lower your risk for gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. They suggest that you should eat more nut, soy beans, and dry fruits. 

Myth 2. Being a Vegetarian is expensive.

Every time that I experiment with new diets and eating plans, I always find myself saying that is proving to be more costly than the standard American diet would cost me. However, Health.com points out that meat is one of the most expensive items in your grocery cart. They also suggest that if buying fresh produce is getting expensive than you should consider substituting fresh plants with frozen ones. 

Myth 3: Being a Vegetarian decreases your energy.

According to Health.com and Dr. Ramsey, once you are able to cut out all processed foods from your diet you should actually see an increase in your energy levels. If you should see a decrease in your energy, it could be due to the fact that you are not getting enough iron or B12 through your diet and should incorporate plant foods such as spinach, lentils, beans, oranges, and tomatoes. 

Myth 4: You will never feel full.

Being a vegetarian means that you are loading up on a lot of fiber rich foods and fiber fills your stomach and curbs your appetite. In addition to that legumes also help make you feel satisfied. Often times, we confuse the feeling of hunger when we are actually just thirsty. Staying hydrated is important to feeling full and energized.

Myth 5: Milk is necessary to build strong bones

Dr. McDougall states that plants are sufficient to grow strong bones. "Where does a cow or elephant get the calcium needed to grow its huge bones? From plants, of course." Humans are the only living beings who continue to consume milk after being weaned off of it as infants. In addition, dairy products contain a large amount of proteins from animals and an excessive amount can cause major health risks. While we are able to survive off of a wide variety of foods, it does not mean that they are good for us.