Vegetarian Diet Review

Vegetarian Diet Review

Vegetarian Diet or maybe vegetarian lifestyle, which would you think more appropriate? If you are thinking of starting the vegetarian diet, wanting a vegetarian weight loss or healthy lifestyle this could be the way.

We will look at the history and also the present advantages of a vegetarian diets. This may be the best time to reap the guilt-free benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

Vegetarian Wiki- History

Vegetarianism has roots in civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient India, and is the practice of voluntary non-consumption of the flesh of any animal (including sea animals), with or without also eschewing other animal derivatives (such as dairy or eggs).

The earliest records of vegetarianism, as a concept and practice among a significant number of people, concern ancient India and the ancient Greek civilization in southern Italy and Greece.

In both instances the diet was closely connected with the idea of nonviolence toward animals and was promoted by religious groups and philosophers.

Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in the 4the-6the centuries, vegetarianism nearly disappeared from Europe.

Vegetarianism was of the western world is estimated s to reemerge somewhat in Europe during the Renaissance, and became a more widespread practice during the 19the and 20the centuries. The figures for vegetarians in the western world is estimated to be between 00.5% & 4% according to data collected in 2006.

Earliest in 6th Century

Earliest reliable evidence for vegetarian theory and practice in Greece, dates from the 6the century BC. The Orphic a religious movement spreading in Greece at that time.

Pythagoras, a philosopher and religious leader in the area of Southern Italy colonized by Greek settlers, abstained from the flesh of and did not always practice strict vegetarianism but at least their inner circle did.

For the general population, abstention from meat was a hallmark of the Pythagorean way of life.

In the 5th century BC the philosopher Empedocles distinguished himself as a radical advocate of vegetarianism specifically and of respect for animals in general.

Leaders of the early Christians in the apostolic era (James,Peter and John) were concerned that eating food that was sacrificed to idols (only food sacrificed was meat) might result in ritual pollution.

Many Early Christians

Many early Christians were vegetarians such as Clement of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great and others. Some early church writings suggest that Matthew, Peter and James were vegetarian. The historian Eusebius writes that “Matthew partook of seeds, nuts and vegetables without flesh”

During the Age of Enlightenment and in the early 19th century, England was the place where vegetarian ideas were more welcome than anywhere else in Europe.

English vegetarians were particularlily enthusiastic about the practical implimentation of their principles. In England vegetarianism was strongest in the northern and middle regions, urbanized areas.

Though there were established groups all across England, the movement failed to gain popular support and was drowned out by the other more exciting struggles of the late 19th century.

A prominent advocate of ethically motivated vegetarianism in the early 19th century was poet Perry Bysshe Shelley(1792-1822)

In England, Reverend William Cowherd founded the Bible Christian Church, in 1809. Cowherd advocated vegetarianism as a form of temperance and was one of the philosophical forerunners of the Vegetarian Society. This was the first vegetarian society. English vegetarians were a small but highly motivated and active group.

Many believed in a simple life and pure food, strict moral principles and humanitarian ideals.

International Vegetarian Union

In the 20th century, The International Vegetarian Union was founded, in 1908. This is a union of national societies. In the western world, the popularity of vegetarianism grew during the 20th century. Mainly, as a result of nutritional, ethical, and more recently, environmental and economic concerns.

Indian concept of nonviolence had a growing impact in the Western world. The model of Mahatma Ghandhi, a strong and uncompromising advocate of nonviolence toward animals, contributed to the popularization of vegetarianism in Western countries.

Currently Indian vegetarians, primarily lacto-vegetarians, are estimated at more than 70% of the worlds vegetarians. They make up 20% to 40% of the population of India. Surveys in the U.S., in 2013, found 2.8% of adults eat no meat, poultry or fish.

End Wiki.

I was not aware of how far back this concept was in use, I can’t think of a “diet” that has lasted this long, at this point I would say vegetarian lifestyle. What do you think?

French Bread Pizza

Food Stuff

Typically, vegetarians avoid foods that contain gelatin, which is a thickening agent from animal collagen. Often used in cottage cheese, yogurt, jello, cheese, sour cream and ice cream and other dairy products.

It is also used in gummy candies, check labels carefully to be assured of what you are eating. Pectin and soy based gelatin and agar-agar are substitutes that would be OK.

What can’t and can vegetarians eat? The answer is, it depends, on several factors, one is which type of vegetarian diet you follow.

Lacto-vegetarians, lacto-ovovegetarians and strict vegetarians do not eat any meat, fish and poultry. Semi-vegetarians sometimes eat chicken and fish.

Lacto-vegetarians do consume some dairy products. Lacto-ovovegetarians eat dairy and eggs.

Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs, no dairy. Strict vegetarians are known as vegans. Click here to read the Vegan Diet review.

Are there substitutes

does anything replace the things I am giving up?

Meat substitutes for stews or soups:

  • Tempeh (cultured soybeans has a chewy texture)
  • Tofu (freezing and thaw gives this a meaty texture although the color will change to an off-white)
  • Wheat gluten or seitan ( made from wheat, texture of meat)

Replacement for Eggs

  • Ener-G egg replacer
  • 1 small banana for 1 egg (Pancakes and Cakes)
  • 1/4 cup tofu for one egg (Blend tofu smooth with liquid ingredients before adding to dry)
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch for 1 egg.

Dairy substitutes in cooking

  • Almond, rice, cashew or coconut milks
  • Soy milk and margarine or sour cream and  Almond yogurt.

There are also vegetables burgers, bacon and hot dogs, I will be trying some of these, will you? Have you? If so, I would like to hear from you. What did you think.

You can leave a comment at the bottom, that would be great. Thank you.

BistroMd makes their meals to order and takes orders from all different types, check out what they offer may be able to save you time in the kitchen. who doesn’t need that?

 

Vegetarian Diet, Eating Healthy

These are a few tips, things to keep in mind when eating vegetarian to get or stay healthy.

    1. Calcium, know what foods supply calcium. Depending on which type vegetarian you are, lacto-ovovegetarians and ovovegetarians eat dairy and that would cover the calcium. Others would need to look for fortified foods. Some soy milk, breakfast cereals and tofu are fortified with calcium.
    2. Vitamin B12, Naturally found only in animal sources. Again you will need to seek out products that are fortified with vitamin b12. Possibly take a supplement, if free of any animal products.
    3. Protein, Watch you protein, you should have no problem meeting you goals. Protein sources are beans, nuts, soy products, peas.
    4. Small changes, simply, like a pasta dish. Vegetable lasagna, tofu stir-fry, pasta primavera, or just pasta with pesto or marinara. Some of these are vegetarian and others are easy to convert.
    5. Restaurants, most anyway will make changes for you. If not there are usually some no meat options, then get up and leave. (my opinion)
    6. How about a cook out? Many veges are great grilled. And maybe some vegetables burgers and hot dogs. Give it a go. And maybe some potato salad, non egg mayo, of course.
    7. Beans and peas, these are available in vegetarian versions, these contain protein. Don’t slack on the beans..
    8. Variety, mix it up. Try all kinds of vegetarian fare. Try nuts as snack, soy based sausage and others find your favorites.
    9. Have fun, you are changing your lifestyle! Doing something for yourself, getting healthy!

 

Reasons

Many nutritionists and doctors suggest a low-fat diet high in vegetables, nuts and fruit. Research is finding that reducing or eliminating red meat might cut risk for heart disease. A  Vegan or Vegetarian diet can also reduce chances of type 2 diabetes. Lower blood pressure, triglycerides, gluclose level and body mass index are also possible benefits.

I say possible because not everyone will have the same results, but what are your chances if you continue on your present path, do nothing to improve?

There are vegetarians from all walks of life. Paul McCartney and Alex Baldwin are vegetarians. Reportedly regard a meat free life as both healthful and a more ethical way of life.

With the history, the doctors and nutritionists saying what they say. I mean has a doctor or anyone ever said to you, hey your not eating enough red meat!

Anyone say you should eat more veggies, maybe mom? And mom is always right, correct?  Losing weight, eating healthier is only part of being truly healthy.

 

   Thrive Market

Thrive is an online market of organic foods shipped directly to you. They have   Vegetarian and Vegan selections, along with other diets and Superfoods TOO.

You may read the Mediterranean Diet Review by clickng the link.

Mediterranean Diet – click here,

 

18 thoughts on “Vegetarian Diet Review

  1. I really enjoyed reading the history of vegetarianism, it was something I never really thought about, but found very interesting.

    I do eat a diet that is largely vegetables, but am a meat eater as well, although I could live without it. I was always concerned about where that protein would come from. What do you suggest as an alternative to meat protein?

    1. Thank-you for the comment. As an alternate to meat, you can use beans,hemp powder is also an excellent non meat source of protein

  2. Good article, the long history of the vegetarian diet says a lot for it. There are a lot of good reasons to switch to a vegetarian diet. Would like to see something that stands out more in the background visually.

    I would consider switching to a vegetarian diet but it seems to be more costly and time consuming to cook that way.

    1. Thank you for the comment Eric.

      the diets and eating plans that call for fresh foods are generally more expensive, as fresh foods are. But as you state time to prepare is something each one will need to account for themselves. could be problematic for some..

  3. Hi,
    I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I don’t eat meat for ethical reasons and the health benefits are definitely a plus.
    As for the gelatin issue, this was something I learned late in my vegetarianism. Gelatin can also be found in beauty products like shampoo and face masks so if anyone is a vegetarian for ethical reasons like me, they should watch out for this too.
    Since becoming a vegetarian I didn’t think to look up the history. Thanks so much for including this in your post – it can be hard to find unique info like this.
    Amy

    1. Thank you for the comment Amy. Seems there is something animal all over and in so much these days. Although there are a lot of products that are dropping and replacing them.

      I am not vegetarian, but while researching this post I found many things did not know. I have a better understanding of this lifestyle.

  4. Hi Cowboy James,
    What a great review of the vegetarian diet. I for one have been a paleo guy myself for the last several years. But as posted in another blog of yours i do it in moderation. I am not super strict but having a lot of vegetables in my diet is something I have long ascribed to. I have purchased and eaten vegetarian burgers and dogs as well which you speak of on your website. Actually my oldest daughter prefers vegetarian burgers – go figure! Thanks for the information and keep up the great work. Mat A.

    1. My son was a vegetarian burger guy, couldn’t figure it out. Never did. Glad to see you liked the article. Be sure to come back, more to come

      Thank you for the comments.

  5. Hi James,
    Thanks for your post on this. I’m a vegetarian myself so but never had taken the time to look into the history of the diet so it was a pretty interesting read. It did take me awhile to get used to the taste of tofu but now I love the stuff!! Looking forward to reading more.

    Cheers
    James

  6. You have an interesting post about vegetarian diets. Did not know it has so much history. I am not a vegetarian, but I eat a chosen few. I do like soy and tofu which you said are substitutes. But then I like gelatin. It is good for the stomach. Some of the items you mentioned I do eat, lucky me. But not all vegetables. Your post if very informative, I have learned new benefits by eating vegetables.

    1. Glad to be of help Rebecca. Keep eating the good stuff and you body will thank you.

      Thanks for the post and stop back there will be more coming.

  7. I use to be a meat eater, then I started cutting down on eating alot of meat.I tried becoming a vegan, but it was hard.I do eat sea food.Ever since I stop eating meat I have felt so much better. I lost weight and my skin look and feel better.Its nice to learn alot more about vegetarian, and all the things to look forward to. And good receipt. Love the site.lots of insite.

    1. Thank you Yolanda. I feel we must all do what we feel is best. Sometimes that is a combination of different things.

      Personally, I eat everything I want. Portion control and moderation work for me. Decrease to bad for you and increase the good.

      Stop back anytime, glad to have ya here.

  8. I never knew there was so much to a vegetarian diet. Foods like milk, cheese and eggs never crossed my mind that they would not be allowed in a true vegetarian diet.
    For someone who has always been eating meat would it be advisable to just switch or would it be better to wean yourself off your meat diet and do the switch gradually?
    Thanks for the great info!

    1. Yes, too restrictive for me. If vegetarian is what you want, easing in may be best for you.

      There will bae a new article coming next week for another diet, no so restrictive.

      Thank you for stopping by Maureen

  9. I am what I call a natural vegetarian. I just prefer vegetables, nut, pulses etc to meat. I was really interested to read about the history. Who knew?
    I do however like dairy products so not sure I could go the whole hog with veganism. I have also heard from friends that have tried, that it is really hard and can throw up some health issues when first adopting it.
    Really interested in the fact that you can substitute an egg with a banana. I will be trying that out.

  10. Wow, I’ve always been attracted towards the vegetarian lifestyle, but I didn’t know about the full history of this type of diet. Thanks for all the info, it shows you’ve done your research before presenting this info to us.

    As I said, I’m attracted to this lifestyle and am very slowly transitioning. I know I’m doing things upside down, but I’ve recently cut dairy products out of my diet. This is because dairy was further exacerbating my hormonal issues. I know both meat and dairy product contain lots of things that are bad for us; that they both can worsen our live health, but for me, that’s what was more feasible. And so far, I’m doing great.

    I’m glad I was able to stumble on your article, as it gives me a nice list of substitute and also things to be mindful of when cutting meat from my diet.

    I feel more prepared to do the next step which would be to cut meat altogether. I know I’d end up being somewhere between vegetarian and vegan but that alright with me.

    1. Sounds like you are doing great. Glad you liked the article. Anyway you get to where you are going is ok. Do it at your pace and in your comfort zone.

      Thank you for visiting and be sure to come back soon.

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