MeatLess March

Rumors abound when it comes to vegetarians and veggie diets. These unfounded myths often deter new people from trying a vegetarian diet, and paint vegetarians in a negative light. Here, we offer rebuttals to the seven most common myths about vegetarianism.

 
Myth #1: Vegetarians are unhealthy and sickly.
False! In fact, the average vegetarian lives ten years longer than his carnivorous counterparts. Fruits and veggies offer our bodies every nutrient they need to remain healthy. Veggie diets are actually more healthy, as they lack unwanted additions like saturated fat and cholesterol that are found only in animal byproducts and meat.
 
Myth #2: Vegetarians have to take lots of pills to avoid malnutrition.
This is simply not true! All that is necessary to maintain a healthy dietary balance is a good mix of fruits, veggies, grains, and nuts. This is easily achieved, as many vegetarian dishes contain each of these elements in one pan. If you eat your daily recommended amounts, there is no need for vitamin or mineral supplements in order to maintain a healthy body.
 
Myth #3: Veggie diets are “rabbit food”.
Of course not! Vegetarian diets offer a wide variety of delicious and nutritious flavor profiles. While salads are certainly yummy and healthy, they are far from the only food on offer with veggie fare. Piping-hot vegetarian lasagna and chili, delectable veggie stir-fry, an endless variety of flavorful soups, tasty subs, and mouth-watering egg-free quiches are just some of the items on the vegetarian menu.
 
Myth #4: Being a vegetarian is hard work.
Not at all! Making the transition to and maintaining a vegetarian diet is quite simple. Due to the rising population of vegetarians, most restaurants even offer vegetarian menus, making it that much easier to integrate a veggie diet into your lifestyle.
 
Myth #5: Vegetarians diets are very strict.
Nope! There are many different levels of vegetarianism. Some vegetarians still eat poultry, others partake of fish, and still others enjoy dairy products and eggs.
 
Myth #6: Vegetarians are fanatical and extreme.
Couldn't be less true. Every group of people will have its extremists, and vegetarians are no exception. However, this is certainly not the norm; take it from someone who's been a part of the community for many years.
 
Myth #7: Vegetarians are tree-hugging animal rights activists and hippies.
How ludicrous! Vegetarians are a diverse and interesting group of people. While it's certainly true that some vegetarians decided to eliminate meat from their diets due to inhuman treatment of animals or a love of the environment, many others enjoy the vegetarian lifestyle because of it's ease and health benefits.
 
Take the time to talk to a few vegetarians, and you'll see for yourself how ridiculous and damaging these myths are. Don't let the uninformed sway you from making the decision to live a healthier lifestyle.  Think about it, if you only ate vegetarian food for 30 days, would you be any different than you are now, other than healthier, thinner, and wealther perhaps :-)