What’s your weekly meat consumption?
National Vegetarian Week (15th to 21st May) in the UK is the perfect time to reflect on this kind of question and explore the benefits of incorporating vegetarian days into your diet.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages of reducing meat consumption and how it can positively impact your health and the environment.
Benefits for Your Body and Health:
Did you know that animal protein is more difficult for our bodies to digest? Animal protein is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. In contrast, plant-based proteins, such as beans, lentils, and nuts, are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fibre and antioxidants. It can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Small Detox:
A vegetarian diet can also serve as a small detox for the body, allowing it to flush out some toxins from animal protein. Furthermore, increasing vegetable intake can help to alkalize the body, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Additionally, a vegetarian diet can provide the body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate. These are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, healthy skin, and good vision.
Did you know that reducing your meat intake can be beneficial for both your health and the environment?
Benefits for the Environment:
Reducing meat consumption is a simple yet effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the entire transportation sector. By reducing meat consumption, you can help to decrease the demand for animal products, which in turn reduces the number of animals that need to be raised for food. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of land, water, and energy needed to produce food.
How do I incorporate vegetarian days into my diet?
Incorporating vegetarian days into your diet is easier than you might think. You can start by swapping out meat for plant-based proteins such as tofu, lentils, or beans. You can also increase your intake of fruits and vegetables by having a salad for lunch or adding more vegetables to your meals. Start small by having one or two vegetarian days per week, and then gradually increase the number of vegetarian days as you become more comfortable.
Make meat a treat
If you flip around your menu and make more vegetarian dishes, having meat as a treat twice a week can have a significant impact on your health, your waistline and your Gut health.
Rethink your habits
National Vegetarian Week is a great time to start thinking about the benefits of reducing meat consumption and incorporating vegetarian days into your diet.
It’s easy to start, and we’re here to help. Count on us to provide you with the best Vegetarian recipes like this Spanish Tortilla – Vegetarian from our blog. We’ll be happy to help you on your vegetarian journey.
So why not give it a go and see how you feel?
Do you want to learn more secrets about Spanish cuisine? Take a look at our next available class.
Or want to discover the amazing Pickling, preserving and fermenting world? This class will make a revolution to your vegetarian world.
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Written by Kumud Gandhi – Food Scientist, nutritionist, writer & broadcaster. Kumud Gandhi is the science lead at The Cooking Academy and is a pioneer of science-based nutritional coaching to support people achieve productivity and wellness through nutritional management. She leads the ‘Wellness in the Workplace‘ division at The Cooking Academy
Kumud Gandhi is a Nutritional Food Scientist bestselling Author, Broadcaster, and Keynote Speaker on the subject of nutritional health for productivity & performance in the workplace. In 2010 Kumud founded ‘The Cooking Academy’ a cookery school that focusses on cooking for nutritional health and wellbeing. Kumud regularly presents to international audiences on a variety of topics such as ‘Eating for Immunity and a Lifetime of Wellness’. She is an expert in the field of Wellness in the Workplace and works with organizations to create transformational change in employee health & well-being through nutrition and health coaching.
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