Should You Become A Vegetarian Or Vegan?

Patients sometimes ask me if a vegetarian or vegan diet would be healthier for them.  I prescribe to the Chinese principles of nutrition:  each person has their own individual nutritional needs and we should all eat according to the seasons.  A vegetarian or vegan diet is a person's own choice and if this is the type of lifestyle one chooses, then I have no issue with it as long as that person is ingesting all the nutrients necessary on a daily basis for good health. 
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you are considering a vegetarian or vegan diet, remember that too many saturated fats and sugars (eggs, cheese, fruits, french fries) can be unhealthy for you.  Preservatives and artificial ingredients added to soy products aren't healthy choices.  Choose wisely.  Whole grains, foods high in vitamin B12, antioxidants, low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium are all heart healthy and can be delicious as well.  If you're not sure what food choices are good for you, hire a nutritionist who specializes in vegetarian and/or vegan dietary needs.

Caveat On Proteins

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Proteins are good for you.  Proteins help move muscle fibres, assist in supporting the immune system and produce various enzymes that are essential for chemical reactions in the body.  Proteins can be animal or vegetable in source, so choose lean meats, fish, dairy, or legumes and mix it up.  Get creative with your recipes.

Almond Milk...Give It a Try

I purchased almond milk the other day and finally broke open the container to give it a taste....pretty tasty!

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Almond milk per 1 cup serving contains:
60 calories, no saturated or trans fat.  total fat 2.5g, no cholesterol, 8g carbs, 1g dietary fiber, 7g sugar and 1g protein.  10% vit A, 30% calcium, 50% vit E and 2% iron.  It's lactose free, vegan, non dairy.  It's pretty tasty in my tea and good for the diet.  Try it, you might like it!

The Vegetarian Diet and Optimum Nutrition

This week, we're going to explore vegetarianism...what is a vegetarian, the different types and even if you're a meat and fish eater, there's some good stuff coming your way as well, so stay tuned this week!!

The Mayo Clinic offers a plethora of information and support for any individual who thinks he or she would like to embark on a vegetarian lifestyle.  There are many reasons why people are vegetarians (religious, social, ethical or health problems such as cardiovascular disease).  But whatever the reasons, make sure you are getting a proper and well-planned diet.  Nutritional needs are paramount to good health no matter what type of lifestyle eating you are engaged in.  If you're not sure about what your individual needs are, consult with your m.d., a nutritionist, or myself and together, we will plot a course to great and tasty nutritious meals!
Did you know that there are three types of vegetarian diets?

■Vegan diets exclude meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products and foods that contain these products.
■Lacto-vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish, poultry and eggs, as well as foods that contain them. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter, are allowed in a lacto-vegetarian diet.
■Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry, but allow eggs and dairy products.

Some people follow a semivegetarian diet (also called a flexitarian diet) which is primarily a plant-based diet but includes meat, dairy, eggs, poultry and fish on occasion or in small quantities.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  stay tuned tomorrow for the vegetarian food pyramid and learn more about healthy food choices (think out of the box here, folks), and Nancy....would you share your kale chip recipe with us???  I've never heard of them before, but they were one of the tastiest treats I've ever had!!!  And anyone else who would like to share some vegetarian recipes, please do!

Ever Wonder Why So Many Vegans Are Obese? This One Is For The BeefEaters Out There

I've always been fascinated how so many vegans are obese.  Just whatever could they be eating that can make them so fat?  I am the antichrist to the vegan as I promote animal proteins into a diet filled with fruits, veggies and the occassional piece of pastry.  It's what makes for good red blood cell production and a happy camper.  Now, I know my vegetarian friends out there will disagree with me, but we've always been good sports to 'agree to disagree'.

Here's a Fun Healthy Tip of the Day:  read this article the L.A. Times published on the vegan diet.  I thought it was amusing to read what a 'health nut' actually eats.  In my opinion, they should just go for the cheeseburger!  If you really want to eat well and healthy, email me - we'll talk!
http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-he-pantry-raid-vegan-20100726,0,3873606.story

Gluten, Wheat, Dairy Egg, Yeast, GMO FREE and VEGAN Link

Here's a Great Healthy Tip for the Day:  If you have food allergies or Celiac's, here's a great company to order products and obtain wonderful tasty and nutritous recipes for you and your family.
Orgran is a leading brand totally focused on health and nutrition. It was founded from sound philosophy to assist people improve their health and provide nutritional alternatives for those with special dietary requirements. For people on special diets, Orgran is an easy and convenient choice without having to read complex ingredients listings. All products are Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Egg free, Yeast Free, GMO Free and Vegan.
Check it out and let me know what you think!  Happy Eats!!

http://www.orgran.com/home/index.php