Vegetarian diets have many benefits for the human body such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. But is it worth giving up bacon? Speaking with the students of BASE High School, we found a variety of perspectives.
There are many different vegetarian diets people can choose from. In some vegetarian diets people can eat dairy/ animal products and in others they cannot. According to Better Health Channel, the different types of veganisms are, Firstly Lacto -ovo- vegetarians which do not eat any meat and seafood, but include dairy foods and plant foods. Lacto – vegetarians which are people who do not eat meat, seafood and eggs, but include dairy foods and plant foods. Ovo vegetarians which are people who do not eat meat, seafood and dairy foods, but include eggs and plant foods. Vegans are people who avoid all animal foods and only focus on plant foods. Two other diets that are not strictly vegetarian but still focus on reducing or limiting the amount of animal products eaten are, Pescetarians which are people who don’t eat any meat, but include seafood, dairy foods, eggs and plant foods. Lastly a Flexitarian which are people who mainly have a plant-based diet but that sometimes includes small portions of meat and seafood; sometimes also called ‘semi-vegetarian’.
According to NHS inform Vegan / vegetarian diets consist of grains, beans and pulses carbohydrates – such as pasta, rice and potatoes. It also includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. To have a balanced vegetarian diet you have to ensure you are having at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits/vegetables everyday.Base your meals around potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates – choosing whole grain varieties where possible. include some lower fat and lower sugar dairy alternatives in your diet if you don’t eat dairy products. Eat beans, pulses and other proteins, and also drink 6 – 8 glasses of fluid everyday to stay hydrated.
According to Avolon Williams (my dad), having a vegan/ vegetarian diet has really benefited him to get closer to nature and closer to what he eats. He says that he thinks that vegan/ vegetarian diets are better than the normal diet because you’re getting away from Trans fats and other impurities that you may find in meat and dairy. He thinks that most people should adopt a vegan/ vegetarian diet because it makes you live longer by adding years to your life.Avolon says that he thinks the reason why most people choose to be vegan is because it is healthier and is easier on your digestive system. Lastly he does not regret becoming vegan/vegetarian because he feels great and agile.
Try a vegan diet for the weekend and see how it works out for you!
