How to Make Low Fat Vegetarian Recipes

Being a vegetarian in itself has many health benefits, but if your goal is to lose weight, then you may want to consider low fat vegetarian recipes as part of your daily cooking routine. Vegetarian food is already really healthy, but to lose weight you will need to take extra steps to make it even healthier and fat free for you. Below are some easy tips on making regular recipes, low fat vegetarian recipes.

Tip 1: If a recipe calls for butter or margarine, make sure that it is low fat butter or margarine that you use. This will greatly cut down on the total fat content of your meal.

Tip 2: Many delicious dessert recipes call for sugar. Instead of using regular white sugar, use a zero calorie alternative. The end result will usually taste the same, but you will be cutting the fat content significantly.

Tip 3: Do you love sandwiches or toast? Stop eating white bread. It's high in calories and it isn't going to help your digestive system or your weight loss. Instead of white bread, start using whole wheat bread, which is a much healthier alternative.

Tip 4: Do you love your salads? Although your salad is probably very healthy for you, the type of salad dressing you use could be hurting you in the long run. Switching to lighter salad dressings is going to help you cut back on fat in your salad. Limiting your use of cheese, or using light cheese instead can also help to make your salad low in fat.

It's not very hard to alter existing recipes in order to create low fat vegetarian recipes. All it takes is a few substitutions in your daily routine, and you will start losing weight. Not only will you lose weight, but your body will be healthier and have fewer toxins.

By Bill Hansen

About Author
Bill Hansen is a writer and researcher on low fat vegetarian recipes. If you want to know more about how to follow a healthy vegetarian lifestyle please visit:- http://vegetarianlifestylebenefits.com/

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Blood Pressure: The Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet has been shown in many studies to significantly lower high blood pressure. Strict vegetarian diets though, can easily become deficient in protein, which is essential for building new cells. Eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products are important sources of protein as well as variety for most vegetarians. They are not available for vegans (a group of vegetarians who eat no animal product at all) who must rely on pulses (beans and peas), soya products and nuts as their most protein-rich foods.

Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, but as a source of high blood cholesterol they are no more important than other foods containing animal fats which, when digested, are changed into body cholesterol. Prudent diets generally recommend not more than tow eggs a week, but if you cut down on other fats, you can eat more.

All cheeses except cottage cheese contain large amounts of sodium, so cheeses have to be virtually eliminated from any serious low-sodium diet. They also contain a lot of saturated fat, which raises blood cholesterol. The same applies to butter, except that you can easily get low-salt butter. For reasons, which so far remain unexplained, people who drink a lot of milk tend to have lower cholesterol levels than people who drink little or none. Evidence for this is consistent and apparently reliable. However, milk does contain a lot of salt and has to be restricted in low-sodium diets.

Fish is something that we keep being told is a "healthy food". Fish, particularly oily fish such as mackerel, herrings, salmon and trout, have an important protective effect against coronary heart disease and are therefore an important part of any prudent diet for people with high blood pressure. The effect is probably through omega 3 fish oils, which reduce blood levels of triglyceride, the form in which fat is transported from the gut to the liver. They can be taken as capsules if you really can't stand the taste of fish.

Another important component of any blood pressure lowering vegetarian diet is dietary fiber. Dietary fiber means everything in your food, which you cannot digest and which, therefore, passes through your body until it is expelled in your stools. Although the term "fiber", dietary fiber includes lots of materials which are not fibrous at all, such as gums and mucilages (a gummy substance from certain plants), which affect both the way in which your food is absorbed and the quantity you want to eat before you begin to feel full and tired of chewing.

As well as breakfast cereals whose fiber content you can hardly miss if you ever watch television, wholemeal bread and all fruit and vegetables have a high fiber content, although how much you actually get from your fruit and vegetables depends on whether you cook them and how much. Pulses like peas, beans and lentils have the highest fiber content of any cooked vegetables. Increasing the fiber content of your diet by eating more wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables is one of the most effective steps you can take in any reduced-fat, weight reducing and cholesterol-free lowering diet, which in turn effectively reduces high blood pressure lowering blood cholesterol levels.

By Michael Russell

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Michael Russell has been involved in online business since early 2001, and whilst spending countless hours each month running his business still finds time for various hobbies and interests.

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The Vegetarian Diet and Its Benefits

Just because vegetarians don't eat meat they still must have protein in their diet. A good source of protein is beans and nuts. There are numerous ways to prepare beans and nuts. To find out more read the following article.

The vegetarian way of eating can be a very healthy style of eating. But the rules of healthy eating still apply. You still need to add variety with balance, and moderation.

A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat, whether it is hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish. Vegetarians are sometimes classified by the type of food they are or aren't willing to eat. For example, Lacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh, yet they will eat eggs and most dairy products. A Vegan on the other hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of animal origin.

Because vegetarians don't eat meat they often wonder if they are getting enough protein. Although you may not realize it, the average American consumes more protein than he actually needs. For the lacto-ovo vegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of protein. Vegans on the other hand, get their protein from nuts, seeds, and soy products.

A staple for vegetarians is the bean. There are several types of beans to choose from, including peanuts, split peas, pinto beans, soy beans or nuts, kidney beans, and many more.

Some of them you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and rice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste good as they are, others are available with different flavors to help enhance their taste.

Nuts are high in protein, although they deliver a lot more fat than beans, which means you should enjoy them in moderation. One cup of cooked beans supplies the same amount of protein as eating two ounces of meat!

Since vegans avoid all types of animal food they should be concerned with getting enough vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. In the average North American diet, the primary source for B12 is animals. To have an adequate intake of B12, vegans should regularly consume vitamin B12 supplements or foods which contain vitamin B12, such as soy products or milk.

Vegans can rely on orange juice or soy milk for calcium as they are calcium fortified. Beans and leafy green vegetables also contain some calcium as well.

Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food groups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake is something you should always do. This is very important for eating healthy, as well as staying healthy. If you control what you eat, you'll have many years of healthy eating ahead of you.

By Paul Webb

About Author
Paul Webb is the owner of several websites concerning health and fitness. He is a firm believer in exercise and health and has more articles, and information on health and fitness on his websites. You can visit him at http://seniorshealthinfo.com or http://trymyrecipes.net

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A Vegetarian Diet - Lower the Chance of Heart Disease and Create a Healthy Digestive System

The well known saying 'we become what we eat' is generally true, as it has been established over and over again, that healthy people consume healthy foods. When we make the correction from eating meat to a vegetarian diet, our cholesterol levels drop, our body fat reading decreases, we are less likely to contract many types of cancers, the chances of having diabetes reduces, our blood pressure falls into a normal range and generally, our overall health and fitness improves. Moving towards a meat-free way of life has been shown statistically to decrease the occurrence of so many of the diseases of industrialized countries.

A great benefit of this lifestyle is the plentiful supply of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts that assist in the prevention of certain cancers and also create a healthy digestive system. The majority of these people who are genuine about changing the way they eat have also eliminated poultry from their daily diet. They feel repulsive about the way chickens are contained in such crammed and inhumane conditions and filled with growth promoting substances and antibiotics making them taste nothing like chicken should taste with reduced nutritional value.

The best result is to eliminate red meat from your eating habits altogether. At least you are stopping and controlling the worst villain of all when it comes to diseases of the digestive tract and a number of other body functions. Apart from reducing your cholesterol or blood pressure, you may reduce your risk of diseases including colon, breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. All of these cancers have been connected in studies to western style meat-based eating habits. Vegetarians don't eat animal fat known to link to these cancers.

Deciding to make healthy food choices that are known to be good for your heart can really lower the chances of heart disease. Thousands of American people die each year from obesity related illnesses the most common being diabetes and heart disease. Finding out the advantages of vegetarian style eating can change your prospects for the better, of a prolonged and vigorous life. Not taking action about your well being is like waiting for a miracle 'health fairy' to fly down from the heavens and wave her magic powers to make you feel better.

Immediately after the decision has taken place to shift to a more healthy way of living, you will have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of wonderful, nourishing and hardy meals that all of the family will acknowledge and appreciate. With some creativity on your part, you will be surprised the amount of variety you are able to create with your vegetarian meals. By learning about the number of meat-free dishes available you will quickly become the expert and will be able to pass this knowledge on to the people you care for the most.

By Bill Hansen

About Author
Bill Hansen is a writer and researcher on vegetarian food and recipes. If you want to know more about how to follow a healthy vegetarian diet please visit:- http://www.aboutvegetarianrecipes.com

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Vegetarian Food Recipes - 5 Reasons You Should Try Them!

Why go vegan? You'll be surprised how many benefits you can reap from trying vegetarian food recipes. Here are five of them for starters.

Eating dairy products and meat can make you fat. If you think you can load up on meat and still stay lean, think again. Super-sized meals and a greasy fast food diets have made the U.S. a "fatter" nation as a whole. 18 percent of meat-eating Americans are obese. In contrast, only 2 percent of those who are on a pure vegan diet have to worry about their weight.

Heart diseases usually start in childhood. Meat is laden with cholesterol and fat, and has no fiber. It increases the risk of coming down with heart diseases; and this is precisely why Dr. Benjamin Spock urges parents not to feed very young children meat.

A vegan diet may reverse heart diseases. In a study, it was found that vegetarian food recipes can go a long way in helping unclog arteries. This information is not entirely new, though. The medical community has acknowledged the role that one's eating habits play on one's health.

Meat has a high risk of contamination. In the U.S. alone, over 50 million cases of food borne illnesses relating to meat have been documented. This isn't new information, either. For years, people have known animals accumulate dangerously high levels of harmful chemicals in their fat and flesh.

Chicken is not clean. Sure, you love your broiler chicken. But, would you still feel the same way if you knew that 98 percent of all broiler chicken carcasses have detectable presence of E.Coli? This bacterial presence points to fecal contamination. In other words, every chicken package you get for yourself and your family comes with a little poop.

If you value your health, try to eat less meat and use vegetarian food recipes more. Your body will thank you for it!

By Bill Hansen

About Author
Bill Hansen is a writer and researcher on vegetarian food recipes. If you want to know more about how to follow a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and at the same time receive a FREE vegetarian gift within a few minutes, that could prove extremely valuable to you, please visit: http://www.aboutvegetarianrecipes.com

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Changing to a Vegetarian Diet - Take a Gradual Approach!

Some people decide to make the change to a vegetarian diet all at once rather than taking a gradual approach to allow for an easy transition. You need to be able to make changes you can live with right from the start by selecting foods that you are not only comfortable with, but are nutritionally sound. Again, take it steady, as this is a long term approach to a new and more healthy lifestyle. To start, plan to eat a vegetarian meal two or three times a week using foods you know and enjoy.

There are many different ways to plan a healthy nutritious vegetarian diet. As part of this new eating regime it is important to include a wide variety of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits in different meals. Replace meat and dairy with a wide variety of organically grown whole grains such as breads, beans, rice, nuts, pasta and cereals.

When the decision has been made to change to a vegetarian lifestyle, you will have the chance to enjoy a variety of tasty, nutritious and healthy meals that the whole family will appreciate and enjoy. By using some creativity, you will be surprised at the variety you can achieve with your vegetarian meals.

Try out dishes that substitute plant-based alternatives into your old special dishes (eg veggie burgers, veggie sausages, veggie fish cakes, tofu or veggie pies and soy products).

Start your transition by gradually eliminating all saturated fats, junk foods, white sugar, and all meats, as well as fish and poultry.

Making healthy food decisions that are known to be good for your heart can dramatically reduce the possibility of heart disease. You should know that an enormous number of Americans die every year from illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease related to obesity. Your new vegetarian eating habits will help with weight loss. Looking into the advantages of a vegetarian lifestyle, you will soon realize that you now have the opportunity to turn around your thinking regarding your health and have the chance to live a long and energetic life.

As part of this new lifestyle it is important to include some regular exercise. By walking, jogging or doing some form of exercise for thirty minutes a day it will not only help with weight loss but will also get your heart pumping. Remember to drink plenty of water (preferably 8 glasses a day) as your body is depending on it.

By Bill Hansen

About Author
Bill Hansen is a writer and researcher on tasty and nutritious vegetarian food and recipes. If you want to know more about how to follow a healthy vegetarian lifestyle please visit:- http://www.aboutvegetarianrecipes.com

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The Importance of Vitamin B-12 Supplementation in a Vegetarian Diet

It's something we read or hear about all the time: people, in general, do not eat healthy. The average diet contains too much saturated fat and simple carbohydrates, elements that can lead to heart disease, obesity and other serious conditions. While not all people who follow a vegetarian diet do so for health reasons, such a diet is beneficial to the health.

There are three main types of vegetarians. Lacto vegetarians do not consume any meat, but instead live on fruits, vegetables and dairy. The lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is similar to the lacto vegetarian, with the exception that individuals who follow this diet consume eggs. As the name implies, fruitarians follow a diet restricted to fruits, but they may also eat nuts and seeds. Considered the most strict vegetarian diet, vegans do not eat meat, eggs, or dairy.

The only negative aspect of the vegetarian lifestyle is the high probability of vitamin deficiency. Depending on the type of vegetarian diet followed, an individual may not obtain the proper nutrients their body needs to function properly. One vitamin that is absent in most vegetarian diets is B-12. Vitamin B-12, which exists in meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry and is essential in the development of red blood cells and a healthy central nervous system. The common symptoms of B-12 deficiency include dementia, fatigue, hallucinations, balance problems, and vision disturbances.

People who have followed a vegetarian diet most of their life are more at risk of B-12 deficiency. Since B-12 can be reabsorbed, people who become a vegetarian later in life will typically do not display any symptoms of deficiency for as many as five years. It is a good idea to prevent deficiency from occurring because it is relatively difficult to reverse the effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also result in increased levels of homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an antioxidant that when in high levels can have a toxic effect on the body. This is an important issue because as many as 20% of the people diagnosed with heart disease have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood.

The recommended dosage of vitamin B-12 is 10 micrograms. If you follow a vegetarian lifestyle, it is recommended that you have your blood checked to check for deficiency. If your doctor detects that you have a B-12 deficiency, they will provide additional information about the amount of B-12 you should take.

By John Gibb

About Author
John Gibb runs a series of health websites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition e-book, for more information on our nutrition book.

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How to Survive a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian weight loss is a method of losing weight by employing a strictly vegetarian diet. You can lose more weight faster and more effectively by consuming vegetarian products instead of animal products.

Vegetarian meals are devoid of any harmful fat which means the amount of fat in your body is kept at a minimum.

Unlike animal products, vegetarian meals are rich in fiber. The rich fiber content helps in the excretion process. Fibers just line in the colon and are not directly absorbed by the body so you don't gain any extra pounds.

A vegetarian diet is composed of a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, nuts and foods with good fat. Obviously, vegetables should consist in the largest portion of your meals. A moderate amount of fruit and a minimal amount of nuts, flaxseed, avocado and other vegetarian sources of good fat should also be added in.

"Vegetarian diets" which encourage heavy eating of breads and pastas are not advisable for losing weight. They are not in the true sense a vegetarian weight loss diet. Foods rich with refined sugar like white breads spark insulin surges which make you feel like eating more at the next meal.

Grains and complex carbohydrates should not be totally eliminated from your diet but eating too much of the two might hinder your weight loss progress.

Vegetarian meals are actually not "tasteless" if that's what worries you about being on a vegetarian weight loss diet. Many delicious vegetarian recipes can be found on the internet.

By Jenna Mychaels

About Author
For years Jenna Mychaels has been a beauty skin care and make-up consultant to many professional who want to look their best.

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A Vegetarian Diet to Lower Cholesterol and Control Obesity

Have you ever noticed at a restaurant that some people are able to make three or four trips to the buffet table while others are content with one visit to satisfy their needs. We all have the choice of eating food that is healthy or harmful and usually we are aware of which is which. Unfortunately, at this type of restaurant, we tend to eat as much as we can to satisfy ourselves we are getting value for money rather than thinking about what the excessive amount and type of food being consumed is doing to our body.

Those who love to eat red meat and other fatty dishes are prone to become overweight because of the amount of bad cholesterol that is being taken into the body.

More than any time in our history, people in society to-day are experiencing high levels of cholesterol in the body due to the fast food phenomenon sweeping the world. A diet high in fats such as hamburgers, fried chicken etc. causes high cholesterol and other body malfunctions that eventually lead to high blood pressure, diabetes , heart disease, obesity and a lowering of your energy levels.

Is there one food product that can be called the best to lower cholesterol? The answer is no because a well balanced diet must come from all the food groups. This includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables/salads (including legumes). Eat food that is low in fat, in particular low in saturated fat.

Instead of drinking full cream milk with cornflakes, it is best to use non fat milk instead. The taste is almost the same and it's much healthier for you.

The healthiest thing to have either for lunch and dinner is food that comes from the ocean. This can be fish or shellfish that is known to carry Omega 3, which is very effective in lowering the levels of cholesterol in people.

Foods to avoid include fried, battered, crumbed, fatty takeaways, fast foods, sausages, luncheon and processed meats, pastries, pies etc. Others are cream, cakes, biscuits, puddings, ice cream, chocolates, hot chips.

There must always be a balance including fresh vegetables and/or salad whenever you decide to have meat or fish. Chicken is not good for you, if it is fried and if it is to be consumed it is important to remove the skin.

If you are serious about your healthy eating habits you should consider a vegetarian lifestyle that can be introduced gradually. Vegetarian meals are not only healthy, nutritious and delicious but they are easy to prepare.

It is never too late to make some lifestyle choices and changes in order to live a longer and healthier life.

Make it your business to learn more about healthy eating habits. You owe it to yourself.

By Bill Hansen

About Author
Bill Hansen is a writer and researcher on vegetarian food and recipes. To receive your instant access to information on various vegetarian food issues please visit http://www.aboutvegetarianrecipes.com

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Are Vegetarian Diets Better for Diabetics?

There are several reasons why people choose vegetarian diets: an indisposition to eat meat, an aversion to killing animals, or a simple choice of a different lifestyle.

There are a number of dissimilar vegetarian diets. None of them need to be a really strict diet. The point here is the avoidance of all read meat (lamb, beef, pork, etc.)

The most common types of vegetarian diets allow vegetables and:

+ Vegan - Eats no food sourced from animals

+ Lacto-ovo - Same as the above but includes milk and eggs.

+ Lacto - Allows milk but will not eat eggs.

+ Ovo - Eats eggs only - but no other animal foods.

+ Pesco - Eats fish but no other animal foods (pescetarian)

+ Pollo - Allows chicken

+ Fruitarian (sub-set of vegan - includes only fruiting portion of plant).

These diets, being based on consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, are high in fiber. Other advantages are that they are low in calories, refined sugars and saturated fat. With careful planning and the right knowledge, any type of the common vegetarian diets can provide adequate nutrition for the diabetic.

Remember that some nutrients must be emphasized: protein, calcium, zinc, iron, and the B complex vitamin.

+ Lacto/ovo diets provide protein by means of egg white and milk.

+ On the other hand, on a vegan diet protein needs are met by legumes (peas, nuts, beans, lentils, etc). By combining legumes with various dishes, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein can be attained.

To keep in mind: because of its high estrogen levels, a factor in the physical maturing process, soy milk could be undesirable for the vegan child, even though it is an excellent source of protein.

Could switching to a vegetarian diet cure diabetes?

No way, man. Switching to a vegetarian diet will not probably cure your diabetes. But it will surely offer several benefits over a non-vegetarian diet. Among them: making your body more responsive to insulin (probably the most important advantage), reducing your risk of some diabetes-associated complications (quite important as well) and helping you better control your weight.

All this, of course, depends on the particular food choices you make when following the type of vegetarian diet you selected. There is not a unique vegetarian eating plan.

The vegan diet is the strictest of all vegetarian diets. Vegans eat neither animal meats nor foods that come from animals, such as eggs and dairy products. Other types of vegetarian diets may allow dairy products and eggs. A strict vegan diet is generally low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.

Vegetarian diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in generous amounts are high in fiber and phytochemicals. Generally speaking, vegetarian diets are lower in calories than are non-vegetarian diets.

Bottom line: good vegetarian diets benefit people with diabetes.

Vegetarian diets generally lead to significant weight loss, which in turn can improve type 2 diabetes in people who are obese. This is true of similar weight loss from non-vegetarian diabetes diets as well.

A vegetarian diet makes your body more responsive to insulin, some studies say, and that is very important if you have diabetes. According to a 2006 study published in a scientific journal, 43 percent of people who ate a low-fat vegan diet reported a reduction on their need for diabetes medications.

The risk of diabetes-associated complications, such as kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, is also reduced with vegetarian diet. But again, all this depends on the specific kind of foods you choose.

Notwithstanding, before you switch to a vegetarian diet, it is always best to talk to a dietitian or doctor, if you have diabetes. They can help you create an eating plan that provides all the nutrients for your body and the right amount of calories to maintain the healthy weight.

By J. Talavera

About Author
Health advisor. Diabetes expert. If you liked my article, please visit my web site to get more free advice and resources: http://conquer-diabetes.blogspot.com

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Vegetarian Diet for Weight Loss - Is It for You?

For those of you would like to take a more drastic approach in losing, control or maintaining weight, you should seriously consider a vegetarian diet.

Studies have shown that not only can this type of diet helps you in controlling your body weight; it can also significantly reduce risks of heart diseases, osteoporosis and cancer. The additional health benefits, besides promoting weight loss, are certainly welcoming.

Besides reducing risks of the mentioned diseases, let us explore the wonders of a vegetarian diet from different aspects. Firstly, it is definitely a healthier diet compared to a typical diet plan. Consumption of red meat has been proven to lead to liver, colon and lung cancer, to a certain extend.

Secondly, animal-rights activists would simply love the fact that you agreed with the idea that it is completely wrong to consume animal meat as food. Talk about preventing animal cruelty while opting for a vegetarian diet.

There are religions in parts of the world which actually forbid followers from eating meat. I am pretty sure that you are familiar with Buddhism, or at the very least heard of it before.

From the economists' point of view, a vegetarian diet costs way less than a normal meat-containing diet. This sounds more promising than costly diet programs, or costly dietary supplements.

The diet for vegetarian is very promising especially to those looking forward to losing weight. However, a word of reminder to all future vegetarians out there: the vegetarian diet is only for those of you who can withstand the allure of bacon or smoked ham.

By Jimmy Law

About Author
Jimmy Law is a regular writer for weight loss related topics. He also writes on jansport rolling backpack and buy clean and renew.

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Vegetarian Diets for Our Dogs?

In the past decade, the number of dog owners who have placed their pets on a strict vegetarian diet has grown substantially. But from the perspective of the dog’s health, is vegetarianism really a good idea?

During the last few decades many Americans have, for perfectly valid reasons, decided to exclude meat and dairy foods from their diets. Whether they determine to become a vegan or a vegetarian, the large majority feels their decision has improved their physical and spiritual well-being.

Many of these people also own one or more dogs. As a result of their personal philosophies and their own satisfactory dietary experiences, a substantial number then make the decision to feed their dogs a diet derived exclusively from plant sources.

But is this decision a good one, from their pet’s perspective?

Humans are omnivores. We are provided with saliva that contains various enzymes to predigest the starches in our diet, specific teeth to grind and breakdown the plant fibers we eat and a digestive tract of medium length. In addition, our jaws work in a manner that allows them to move not only in an up and down direction, but also from side to side, so we can easily eat foods derived from both plant and animal origins.

Dogs, on the other hand, are carnivorous. Unlike us, the jaws of dogs can only move up and down. Canine teeth are pointy and sharp, having evolved for tearing animal tissue, as opposed to the grinding of plant matter. Canine’s saliva does not contain enzymes for breaking down grainy foods and they have a digestive tract that is short, for easy digestion of animal proteins and fats.

Besides these basic physiological differences between dogs and humans, there are a number of other concerns the dog owner should be aware of if considering placing their pet on a vegetarian diet. We’ll touch on just a few of them here:

• If the owner’s concern is to ensure that their dog will not suffer from high cholesterol or heart disease as do humans whose diets are high in meat intake, they should be aware that dogs do not suffer from coronary disease or cholesterol problems at anywhere near the incidence humans do. So cutting out meat and dairy products from the dog’s diet may not provide any benefit.

• Dogs require a high amount of proteins, which are needed to support proper organ growth. Proteins are comprised of different amino acids. The best source of the required proteins is from animal sources. While there do exist some plant sources such as soy that contain high protein levels, the amino acids within soy are not as well-balanced as those derived from animals. Specifically, dogs require taurine and l-carnitine found in meat products. While one can add taurine and l-carnitine to a dog’s diets, this raises another concern. Animal sources hold more protein, gram for gram, than do starches, grains or vegetables. So in order for the dog to get the required amount of taurine and l-carnitine, they will have to ingest a much greater quantity of food daily, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

• Another essential nutrient required by dogs for good health is vitamin B12, which is not found in most plants.

While theoretically a dog owner can supplement his pet’s diet with nutrients to overcome these dietary deficiencies, it can be expensive to do so. In addition, it is very difficult to monitor the amounts and the balance between the nutrients when they are inserted into an animal’s diet not through natural foods, but with supplementation.

The bottom line is that dog owners should think seriously before putting their pets on a diet that excludes all animal sources. Prior to changing their dog’s diet in such a fundamental manner, they should first consult with their veterinarian as well as thoroughly research the issue. Then, if they decide to go ahead, they should strictly monitor the dog’s health on a consistent basis and upon any sign of a problem, seek the advice of their veterinarian.

By Michael Rupkalvis
About Author
Michael Rupkalvis oversees the TakeCareofYourPet web site. The web site provides information about a new product called Hope for Pets Nutrition, an all-natural powder that is the very best nutritional supplement on the market to aid in optimizing the health and longevity of our dogs.

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Vegetarian Diet - Is It Good For Your Child?

If you are already a vegetarian or are planning to become a vegetarian and have children you may be concerned about whether a child can get enough nutrients on a vegetarian diet. It is commonly thought that a growing child needs meat and that children should not be vegetarian.

This is a fallacy. A child can eat a balanced vegetarian diet that provides all the nutrients needed for healthy growth. All that is required is some knowledge and planning on your part.

The main problem that emerges with a vegetarian diet where children are concerned is the same as with any other diet. Children's appetites are small in comparison to those of adults but their nutritional needs are high.

Children need small, frequent meals. Those meals need to be packed with nutrients. Otherwise they are just eating empty calories that can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Children are hungry when they come in from school for very good reasons. They are highly active and need to eat something right then and there. You should aim to keep a range of vegetarian snack ready.

Peanut butter on a slice of whole meal bread is ideal. It contains protein in the bread and the peanuts, which are both also a good source of zinc and calcium. If you select a brand of peanut butter that does not have sugar added to it this is healthy vegetarian snack.

Children are often reluctant to eat vegetables. They often seem too much like hard work to a small child. But few children will refuse a raw carrot cut up into sticks or grated carrot.

Pulses and grains are often unpalatable to children. But they can be mashed and formed into burgers that children love. Tomato sauce is always a favorite but avoid commercial sauces that have sugar added.

When you need to make children's food sweet use honey, unrefined sugar or pureed fruit. If a child does not become accustomed to sweet food it will not crave for the high levels of sugar that are found in many processed foods.

Iron is an important nutrient. In a vegetarian diet it is often derived from whole grains and leafy green vegetables. Where children are concerned it is often a good idea to include eggs in a vegetarian diet. They are a good source of iron.

Dairy produce such as milk, butter and cheese are valuable to the vegetarian child. Milk and cheese contain calcium, while butter contains essential fatty acids.

If your child cannot tolerate cow's milk, then try goat's or sheep's milk, which are often more digestible. The vegetarian child needs these sources of animal protein far more than an adult vegetarian.

It is not wise for a child to eat an entirely vegan diet. A child's body is still growing and it needs these animal products. If you source your eggs and dairy produce from farms that have high animal welfare standards then you need have no moral qualms.

By Abhishek Agarwal

About Author
Abhishek has got some great tips on becoming a Vegetarian Download his FREE 108 Pages Ebook, "The Advantages Of Being A Vegetarian!" from his website http://www.Health-Whiz.com/81/index.htm Only limited Free Copies available.

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The Vegetarian Diet - Frequently Asked Questions

What foods do lacto-vegetarians eat?

Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products, such as yogurt, butter, and milk, along with fruits, grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes (beans, lentils, etc.).

Can I and my children get enough protein if we become vegetarian?

It is very easy, if one eats a reasonably varied diet, to get plenty of protein. Milk is a complete protein, which means that it contains all the essential amino acids. Other foods such as beans, grains, soy products, fruits, and vegetables, provide varying amounts of amino acids. Meat substitutes made with high quality vegetable protein are now widely available in supermarkets and natural food stores.

How can I get a substantial, satisfying meal as a vegetarian?

Whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit contain complex carbohydrates which provide optimum energy and a feeling of satisfaction. When adjusting to the vegetarian diet, it is best to substitute high quality vegetarian protein for the meat portion of the meal. Make a list of filling, nutritious vegetarian items that appeal to you and rotate them into your diet. Either use prepared mock-meat substitutes or try new recipes. Since vegetarianism has become so popular, there are hundreds of vegetarian cookbooks on the market. They are available for a range of ethnic preferences: low-fat and specialty diets, vegetarian teens, entertaining needs, quick-and-easy recipes for those on-the-go, gourmet meals, etc. We recommend Vegetarian Creations by SK Publications. This book was developed with the new vegetarian in mind as well as the experienced vegetarian cook. It has excellent kitchen-tested recipes that can be used for entrees, side dishes, breads, soups, appetizers, desserts, salads, and more.

Are vegetarians really healthier?

Not only are they healthier, but research shows that their quality of life is better. An excess of protein, which is common in Western meat-centered diets, can put a strain on the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Meat is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which impact cardiovascular disease. One of the unique benefits of a vegetarian diet is a reliance on natural grains and vegetables, which in turn reduces the risks of colon cancer and diverticulosis.

The director of the renowned Framingham Heart Study (1990) concluded: "Some people scoff at vegetarians, but vegetarians have a fraction of our heart attack rate and they have only 40 percent of our cancer rate ... On the average, they outlive other men by about six years, and they outlive other women by about three years." Dietary cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that the public reduce its consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol, and "increase consumption of whole grain foods, cereal products, vegetables, and fruits." (Sources: Science, Feb. 1974, pg. 416, and Burkitt, D., British Medical Journal, 1:274, 1973; National Research Council, Recommended Dietary Allowances, 9th ed., p.46. British Journal of Urology, 51:427, 1979)

An interesting note: The most common cause of death in the United States is heart disease. The risk of death from a heart attack for the average American male is 50%. The risk of death from heart attack for an American male who consumes no meat is 15%. (Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, 215; 1617, 1971)

By H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

About Author
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, current head of the Science of Spirituality/ Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, is internationally recognized for his work toward inner and outer peace through spirituality. Born in India and educated as a scientist in the United States, he has a keen understanding of both mysticism and science. His training in both these disciplines has helped him express the age-old mystical teachings in clear, logical language.

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How to Lose Way Eating a Vegetarian Diet

Obesity is a growing problem in the world today. Countries which embraced the Standard Western Diet, such as the United States, find that at least one third of their residents struggle with maintaining optimal weight. Two thirds of Americans are obese and more people are searching for a natural weight-loss option in order to avoid taking prescription medications or exercising for four hours a day. For many people the vegetarian lifestyle fits the bill exactly.

Although the commercial market is overflowing with the number of diet supplementation and weight-loss options available for individuals to try, researchers and primary care physicians well understand that natural weight-loss options are the safest and most successful way that people will lose weight and maintain that weight loss. As well as meeting these criteria, a vegetarian lifestyle also helps individuals to improve their overall health and increase their intake of essential nutrients.

Researchers have found that people who have a higher level of raw fruits and vegetables in their diet are at less risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke and immune mediated diseases, such as lupus. An added benefit to this is the weight-loss, which individuals who practice a vegetarian lifestyle will experience, occurs almost effortlessly. Almost all of the weight-loss programs available to people today allow individuals to eat as many vegetables as they desire and only limit fruits, nuts and seeds as they rank higher in calories and fat.

People whose search for a lean healthy body are also usually interested in improving their overall health. While eating the right foods and getting regular exercise should be included in this regimen, drinking enough water is also essential.

One big question that most new vegetarians ask is, "How will I get my protein?" Like any other weight-loss program, large helpings of high fat sources such as peanut butter, nuts or cheese can cause people to gain weight. So, instead of using peanut butter or nuts as a snack, people who are interested in weight-loss should turn to whole-grain snacks, fruits and vegetables during the day.

Unfortunately, while it is easier to lose weight eating a vegetarian diet, it is not automatic. Because of the high density calories and fat in nuts, seeds and high carbohydrate meals people who practice a vegetarian lifestyle must also keep track of the calories they eat. What makes it easier than most other programs is that your energy level increases significantly and you can become much more full eating as many vegetables as you like than trying to severely limit calories and suffer through hunger pangs all day long.

As in all other weight-loss programs people should plan their choices during the day because last-minute grabs for the candy bar are usually higher in calories. Even though chips, cookies, power bars and candy are still meatless they all contain sugar, fat and processed calories. Do not resort to junk foods and convenience foods in the grocery store or to fill in the gaps. Instead, use a daily multivitamin and fill up on apples, bananas and fruit smoothies.

Vegetarian trail mix can be made at home and stuffed in premade bags to grab on the go. Because you are including your own raw almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for a nutritious healthy snack you aren't including other high calorie nuts or chocolate chips that some of the prepackaged trail mixes include.

Preparation of the foods can be just as important as the foods themselves. For instance, vegetables which are cooked to mush, microwaved or unwashed will do just as much harm (or at least not any good) as eating a diet of processed foods and meat. Heat will destroy the natural living enzymes in the food that deliver the vitamins and minerals, while leaving pesticides on the vegetables will increase the amount of toxins you ingest each day.

Eating a vegetarian diet will provide a natural and healthy weight loss option when followed and combined with decreased calorie intake and regular exercise.

By Jane Morrison

About Author
Jane Morrison has a passion for teaching health and wellness topics to her readers. She also writes at Plus Size Swimsuits

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Here's Why You May Want to Switch to Vegetarian Diet!

Many people generally have misunderstanding about vegetarian practice, or eating foods from the plant kingdom.

Are you one of them?

How about read on to find out why you can have a second opinion on vegetarian practices, and what this lifestyle is about.

Generally, vegetarians may be divided into four groups:

1. Vegans
2. Semi Vegetarians
3. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians
4. Lacto Vegetarians

Generally, you don't have to follow these categories strictly. It is entirely up to you. These categories are easier for you to identify the types of food suitable for each category.

Thus, you may want to know the difference between them...

Vegans eat no animal foods at all; while Semi Vegetarians generally avoid meat but eat poultry and selected animal foods. As for Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians avoid meat, poultry and fish, but take in milk and eggs. Finally, Lacto Vegetarians consume milk products but not other animal foods.

In addition, some vegetarians also go as far as avoiding clothing made from animal products like fleece, fur, and leather.

In rare cases, some avoid processed foods, alcoholic beverages, and foods bred with pesticides. These are very noble practices, but you don't have follow if it is inconvenient to do so.

Historically, vegetarianism can be traced back to philosophical beliefs; especially religious traditions and teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Whatever their teachings are about for doing so, it is mainly out of compassion and loving-kindness: that one cannot bear to inflict injuries and harm to a living being. Let alone eating their flesh!

But, to relate vegetarian practices purely with religions, it is not fair, as you may see shortly...

During the 19th century, the practice of eating meatless diet has passed the religious boundaries when the Vegetarian Society, a British non-religious organization, became famous in 1847. Obviously, the religion elements in vegetarian practices have been diluted.

On top of that, if you were to ask, modern vegetarians uphold meatless diet for the cause of animal welfare, while labeling the killing of animals for food as a violation of their rights. This practice has already gained worldwide acceptance. Perhaps, it is aligned with the compassionate foundation as in religions.

You may ask, "Aren't these animals breeded to feed our mouth?"

Yes, you may be right. But, how do we know, for certainty, that these animals are INDEED born into this world, and brought up with the sole purpose to feed our mouth? Who are we to determine their lives and destiny?

If you've noticed, animals which were sent to the slaughter house have tears in their eyes. Their cries are solemn and sad. This obviously shows that they have feelings, emotions, just like us, human.

Even if their destiny is in the slaughter house, many of these poor animals were not even given a decent living, in the process of their growing up. I've seen such video before, and many researches has been conducted which prove this is the case.

If they are not commercially produced, for the purpose of feeding our mouth, they probably would have chance of getting a decent living, and humane treatment, don't you think so?

Of course, I personally don't believe that you'll change into meatless diet overnight. But, I do hope that you'll be more aware of how the meat come onto your dining table, and perhaps, reducing meat intake for the sake of your health as well. As the title of this article implied: You may want to switch to vegetarian diet, starting today!

By Janice Hoo

About Author
Janice Hoo has been doing extensive research on vegetarian diet and practices. She's now sharing her discovery in her latest e-report, "The Shocking Truth And Statistics About Your Food" which she's currently giving away for FREE at her site: http://www.VegetarianRecipeGuide.com

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Healthy Vegetarian Diet - Know the Right Vegetarian Foods to Eat to Strip That Fat off Your Belly

Vegetables have always been associated with eating healthy, as it provides the body an array of health advantages. Following a healthy vegetarian diet means eating plant-based foods that include grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.

These foods are sprinkled into the following healthy vegetarian diets:

Total vegetarians, commonly called as Vegans, exclusively eat plant foods. These people never eat red meat, poultry, fish, milk products, eggs, and any foods from animals like honey and gelatin.

Lacto-vegetarians, on the other hand have a diet consisting of milk products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. While Lacto-ovo vegetarians are health-conscious people who only eat milk products and eggs.

Finally, the last group of vegetarian dieters called Semi-vegetarians can include poultry and fish in their meals; but absolutely no red meat.

Proper planning and discipline can aid vegetarians to gain the following health benefits:

Lowered cholesterol levels from the time, healthy vegetarian diet is applied.

Next benefit is the lowered mass indexes of the body.

Reduced risk of coronary heart disease failure.

Reduced risk of high blood pressure.

Reduced risk of acquiring prostate cancer.

Reduced risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.

One common concern of a healthy vegetarian diet is the dilemma if these particular dieters are getting enough proteins. This nutrient can be found in milk, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and seafood.

Vegetarian foods have varying amounts of amino acids that is why it is important that one eats equally varied plant foods. Experts strongly advised to mix and match vegetarian foods to meet the needed protein requirements.

By Kajay Williams

About Author
I am a researcher and I love to help people in whatever way I can. There are many problems people face in this world and I can't solve all of them. But I believe there is something that I can still do that helps people.

I have always believed that you can enjoy life a lot more by having a good health. Too often people with good health take life for granted. It is only when you fall ill or sick or are diagnosed with a disease that you empathize with the pain and agony that rules the lives of millions of people around the world. It is with this issue that I strive to make a difference- a positive difference.

One of the problems in this information overloaded world today is that there is just too much junk information especially with regards to health. If you were to follow this crap, you can do yourself and your family a lot of harm.

It is for this purpose that I fight for, because I believe everyone is entitled to KNOW THE RIGHT SHIT. I believe in giving top notch high quality information on whatever topic I am writing on. Though not an expert, I do in-depth research by reading a ton of journals, books, articles etc.

I want all of you to feel you are in safe hands when you read my articles or purchase any of my products. I strive for the highest quality and believe in giving my best to all my readers.

May God Bless You, Your Family and All Your Loved Ones With Health and Happiness.

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Vegetarian Diet Secrets: Vegan Foods Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

The major source of heart disease is cholesterol circulating in the blood stream. Scientists agree that the levels of cholesterol should stay balanced in order to avoid serious health conditions, like heart attacks or blood pressure problems. If you suffer from heart disease your doctor will prescribe all sorts of chemical medication to reduce cholesterol.

Now scientists have come up to the conclusion that eating vegan foods like vegetables, seeds, nuts and other "Green Foods" may be as effective at reducing cholesterol as medicines. Experiments involving different types of vegan foods proved that a balanced vegan diet with vegetables, soy products, bread, fruits and nuts could be a possible drug-free alternative to reduce cholesterol and protect your body against heart threats.

What is really important when implementing this diet is to combine all sorts of food. Researches proved that a combination of vegan foods can cut cholesterol by up to three times more than when you insist on eating a single vegan food (e.g. only vegetables and soy products).

Here's the diet I recommend for a typical weekday.

- In the morning consume soy milk, cereals, fruits and nuts. You can also eat some bread with vegan butter and honey.

- For lunch you can have a vegetable soup with lots of bread and fruits for dessert.

- For dinner you can have a fruit salad or a vegetable salad combined with nuts like almonds or walnuts.

A similar diet was adopted by a dozen of people during experiments done by Canadian scientists. The results were amazing. Their cholesterol levels had dropped by almost 30% in just a few months. This combined diet could be as effective as medication according to the researchers.

Even though a lot more experiments and research are needed before the diet could be recommended to people, one thing is certain. There is hope for a natural treatment that doesn’t involve chemicals, for people with heart disease or high cholesterol.

By Maria Markella

About Author
Maria Markella is a webmaster of DigitalStarProducts Directory of Digital Products. Are you following a vegan diet? If not maybe its time you reconsider. And here's the raw vegan diet secrets guide that can bring you boundless energy and amazing health. Increased energy, improved appearance, outstanding performance and brighter eyes is what you will get. There's also a free weekly newsletter with how-to articles and practical advice for vegetarians.

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Vegetarian Diet Plan - How You Can Plan for Success

When you are trying out a vegetarian diet plan, the key word is "plan". You've already made the decision to take care of yourself, to lose weight and be healthy. And just like you've heard countless times, the most effective way to lose weight is to make a real, sustainable change in your lifestyle. That means changing the way you eat, and exercising more.

And to make sure you do both of those things, planning is required. It's a little easier to budget some time on your schedule to go to the gym, or go for a walk. When it comes to eating a healthy vegetarian diet plan, the good news is you only need an hour a week to do it! When you take just one hour for yourself to plan, you can eat in a healthy way, and not drive yourself crazy in the process!

Here is an example of what can happen to your vegetarian diet if you don't plan ahead. Say you're running late after work and there's nothing to eat at home. You go to a popular chain and order a veggie burrito, with black beans, rice, vegetables, cheese, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and guacamole. That tasty, totally vegetarian package adds up to almost 1000 calories!

As you can see, if you are trying to lose weight, not all vegetarian food is created equal! And when you want to lose weight, eating this many calories just for one meal pretty much means you've busted your calorie limits for the day.

To avoid pitfalls like this with your vegetarian diet plan, the best thing you can do is to set aside an hour once a week when you can plan out your meals for that week. (I like to do this on the weekend.) During this important time:

1. Get your shopping list out so it's ready to go!

2. Look in the fridge, freezer, and cabinets to see what needs to be used up this week, or what you haven't had in a while.

3. Look for recipes or other inspiration, either in cookbooks or online (vegetarian food blogs are a great resource for recipes and ideas). Especially look for low carb vegetarian options, like meals that involve a lot of vegetables or whole grains, rather than a bunch of heavy pasta dishes.

4. Pick out some recipes you'd like to try: a rough guideline is 1-2 for breakfast (to give you some variety), 2-4 for lunch, 3-5 recipes for dinner (including a few that will leave leftovers for lunch), and perhaps a few healthy snacks. In addition to finding recipes that use up things you already have, also look for recipes that share some ingredients, so you'll use up what you buy at the store.

5. Assign times during the week when you'll prepare each recipe. For example, you may cook several meals on Sunday so you don't have to cook from scratch every night.

Once you've spent this hour on creating your healthy vegetarian diet plan, you just need to go shopping to pick up the ingredients!

That's it -- one hour a week to a healthier, fitter you! And there's even a bonus: you'll also be saving money in the process, because you'll be stretching your food and your food dollars further.

By Jessica Robinson

About Author
Jessica is a life coach who helps her clients achieve their amazing dreams. She recently lost 20 pounds by switching to a vegetarian diet plan and adding daily exercise to her routine. She is excited to share her success with others!
Vegetarian Diet Plan
Vegetarian Diet to Lose Weight

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Announcing: The Top 9 Easy Steps to Take When Starting a Vegetarian Diet!

Here's How To Get Started On The Way Towards Better Health and Vegetarianism:

1. Start your transition by dropping junk foods, white sugar, and all meats, including fish and poultry.

2. Find others who are already vegetarian who can guide and support you during your shift e.g. veg forums, meet-ups and societies in your area.

3. Read books on vegetarianism and veganism. Or contact your state’s Vegan and Vegetarian Society who would be happy to send you a Veg Starter pack.

4. Try out recipes that substitute plant-based alternatives into your old favorite dishes. (e.g. veggie burgers, veggie sausages, veggie fish cakes, tofu or veggie pies and soy products). Hint: Convenience foods cut out cooking time. Natural food stores stock many such things for you to choose from.

5. Eat less and less meat and dairy (if you couldn’t give-up all meats at once, gradually delete them from your diet over a week or so), and eat more and more fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Eat large salad every day (hint: make your salads as colorful as a rainbow for maximum nutrient content, with plenty of dark leafy greens).

6. Replace meat and dairy with a wide variety of organically grown whole grains like breads, beans, rice, nuts, pasta and cereals.

7. Don’t worry about protein. There is protein in all whole foods. Humans need only 8% dietary protein - that percent amount is found in an orange!

8. Get regular exercise, fresh air, and plenty of clean filtered water. Enjoy your journey, soon you will have more energy, a cleaner body, better skin, plus you'll feel much healthier and lighter, too!

9. Join the veg community, and educate yourself more about animal and cruelty free living.

PLUS, the easiest way to shift into veg living is to educate oneself by reading books and learning as much about nutrition on the subject as possible.

By Rebecca Bennett

About Author
Rebecca has worked in the vegetarian and vegan industry for many years. She is the founder of http://www.VeganSecrets.com
a portal with many interesting vegan and vegetarian books, articles, veg living tips and tricks plus answers to questions on vegetarian living.

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