Eat Healthy Without Meat
Alex Fir

As concerns about healthy eating have grown, so has the interest
in vegetarianism. Numerous nutrition experts recommend eating
low on the food chain. In plain language this means eating more
grains, vegetables and fruits, and fewer meats, cheeses and
other animal based products.

There are various levels of vegetarianism, and each type has its
own unique health benefits and some health challenges as well.
Of course vegetarians, like meat eaters, must still make healthy
food choices. Simply pigging out on French fries while avoiding
the burger will not make you a healthy vegetarian.

Some people who consider themselves vegetarians still eat
poultry and seafood, while others avoid all animal flesh, even
fish and chicken. Most vegetarians still eat milk, dairy
products and eggs. In nutritional circles these people are
referred to as lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Vegans, on the other hand, avoid all animal products, including
eggs, milk and dairy products, and even fabrics like silk,
leather and wool. It is vegans who face the largest challenges
and risks when trying to follow a healthy diet. Most vegetarian
diets provide more than enough nutrition, as long as smart
dietary choices are made.

The key to eating a healthy vegetarian diet is much the same as
eating a healthy diet that includes meat. It all boils down to
making smart food choices, understanding nutritional labels, and
cooking your vegetables to maximize their nutritional value.

Choosing the foods that make up the bulk of a vegetarian diet is
very important. For most vegetarians, vegetables, grains,
lentils and soy products will make up the bulk of their diet,
and these staples are included in many vegetarian recipes.

When cooking with soy, however, it is important to remember that
tofu is relatively high in fat. The fat content of tofu dishes
is often comparable to that of dishes that are made with lean
cuts of meat. Those vegetarians following a low fat diet may
want to limit the amount of tofu based products they eat.

The same caution applies to the nuts and seeds that can make up
a large part of a vegetarian diet. Nuts and seeds are excellent
sources of dietary protein, but they can be high in fat as well.

Many newly minted vegetarians worry that they will not be able
to get enough protein and iron without eating meat, but for most
vegetarians this is not a problem. Most diets today actually
contain too much protein, and there are many non animal derived
sources of protein for vegetarians to enjoy.

Proper cooking techniques are of course very important to any
healthy diet. Avoiding high fat cooking methods is important, as
is avoiding the use of high fat creams, butters and sauces. A
vegetable stir fry cooked in healthy olive oil can be a great
addition to any vegetarian menu. And a great fruit salad is both
easy to make and delicious as a snack or a meal.

The only real area of concern when it comes to vegetarianism and
health is the B-complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively derived from animal based
sources, so vegans, who avoid all animal products, should take a
high quality vitamin B12 or B-complex vitamin supplement. It is
also important for vegans to discuss their diet and lifestyle
with their family physicians. As vegetarianism becomes more
widespread, the amount of information on the nutritional needs
of these two groups continues to grow.

The bottom line is that vegetarians can enjoy a very healthy
lifestyle. Making vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans the
centerpiece of the diet is a smart move for many people, and a
good low fat vegetarian diet can be a great way to enjoy a
healthy lifestyle. As with a meat based diet, however, it is
important for vegetarians to follow common sense eating
guidelines and make smart choices when creating meat free meals.

About the author:

A lot of people eat foods that are generally deficient in the
vitamins and minerals. Visit Nutri
tional Supplements Center to learn why it is vital that you
take nutri
tional health supplements.

Tags: animal based products, Animal Flesh, Animal Products, Author, dairy products;, Eating A Healthy Diet, food chain, French Fries, Healthy Food Choices, healthy olive oil, Healthy Vegetarian Diet, Lacto Ovo, Lean Cuts Of Meat, Low Fat Diet, Milk And Dairy Products, Milk Dairy, Nutrition Experts, Nutritional Labels, Ovo Vegetarians, Smart Dietary Choices, Smart Food Choices, soy products, Staples, Supplements Center, Tofu Dishes, Vegetables And Fruits, Vegetarian Diet, Vegetarian Diets, Vegetarian Recipes, Vegetarianism —

Eat a variety of foods for a healthy lifestyle
Zaak OConan

Everyone knows that variety is important when it comes to diet. Not only is eating the same foods every day boring, but it is extremely unhealthy as well. That is because each type of food contains different nutrients, and different levels of those nutrients. The best way to eat healthy is to eat a wide variety of foods from all the food groups.

It is important to eat a good combination of meats, beans, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. All these foods contain important nutrients, and no vitamin pill in existence can provide the vast variety of nutrients your body needs every day.

Of course simply eating foods from a variety of sources is not enough. It is also important to make smart choices within those food groups. After all, nonfat yogurt and an hot fudge sundae are both dairy products! The best choice in that situation should be obvious, but other choices are more subtle.

Fortunately, the nutritional labels which are required on all packaged foods are a big help for those pursuing a healthier diet. Not only do these labels contain information on the number of calories, fat grams, etc., but they provide detailed information on the levels of many important vitamins and minerals as well.

When choosing healthy foods, small changes can have a huge impact. Simply exchanging fresh, low fat fish for higher fat meats can greatly lower the amount of fat in your diet and increase your level of health.

Replacing highly processed grains for more nutritious whole grain products can also have a great impact on healthy eating. In nutritional terms, less is often more – that is less processing and less refining. Processing and refining methods can strip many vital nutrients from foods, so choosing less refined whole grain foods is important.

Cooking techniques are also very important when maximizing the health benefits of the foods you choose. After taking the time to choose the healthiest, freshest broccoli in the supermarket, it would be quite a waste to slather that cooked broccoli with cheese and butter, for instance.

It would also be a mistake to overcook that broccoli, especially by boiling it in water for a long time. That is because vegetables can lose significant amounts of nutrients through overcooking. When preparing fresh vegetables, it is best to quickly steam them in the microwave or on the stove, using as little water as possible. Use only enough water to keep the vegetables from scorching.

When cooking potatoes, it is a good idea to eat the entire potato, including the skin. Potato skins contain significant levels of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Cooking a baked potato in the microwave, or on the grill, is a great way to make the skin moist and delicious. In addition, these methods of cooking minimize the need for high fat butter or sour cream to flavor the potato. In place of these high fat options, why not use a dollop of plain nonfat yogurt, or some low fat cottage cheese?

Choosing a variety of foods is important to a healthy lifestyle, but it just as important to limit the amount of certain foods. Foods high in sugar, and those high in sodium should be avoided as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that piece of cake or serving of potato chips as an occasional snack; it simply means limiting regular consumption of these high fat, low nutrition products.

When adopting healthier eating habits, it is important to make changes that you can stick with for the long run. After all, a healthy eating lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle. Changing your shopping, cooking and eating habits are not easy, but the many benefits make healthy eating an important habit to get into.
About the Author

Zaak O’Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You’ll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com

Tags: Author, Best Choice, Choosing Healthy Foods, dairy products;, Food Groups, food;, Fruits Vegetables, Good Combination, Health Benefits, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyle, less processing, low nutrition products, microwave;, Nonfat Yogurt, Nutritional Labels, nutritious whole grain products, Potato Chips, Small Changes, Smart Choices, Type Of Food, Vital Nutrients, Vitamin Pill, Vitamins And Minerals, Whole Grain Foods, Whole Grain Products, Whole Grains —

How does a bacon and egg omelet sound for breakfast? For dinner, 8 oz T-bone steak with a yummy Greek salad. I will show you how to lose weight using a low carb menu.

First, I will begin with the basics of how a low carb diet works. Any food substance you put in your body is used for fuel. Either fuel for now or fuel that is saved for later. The “fuel” that is saved for later, is stored as fat.

Your body is going to use the easiest fuel first. If you eat a diet high in carbs your body will choose to burn the carbs first. Eat a diet that is low in carbs, the body has no other choice but to use what is left. And that my friend is the fat stored in those good ole love handles, thunder thighs and of coarse, lets not forget that bubble butt.

You may ask, “How do I make a low carb menu”. A little bit of advice before you go grocery shopping, get rid of those high carb snacks! They will be nothing but temptation once you start a low carb diet.

Your grocery list may include: Fish, shellfish, poultry, pork, red meat, etc… Stay away from anything breaded. That’s right no more breaded chicken tenders or fish fillets.

You can eat up to 3-4 ounces of cheese a day. Such as: cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese. Be sure to buy salad vegetables. Most of the green vegetables are lower in carbs.

Don’t forget the eggs. Lots of dishes you can make with eggs. Most spices and herbs are no carb to low carb. Stay away from sugar; try some of the artificial sweeteners that are available in the stores.

Here are some easy low carb diet menus made from the above list. Breakfast- sausage and egg omelet with sharp cheddar cheese. Coffee with tsp of real cream. Lunch: tuna salad made with real mayonnaise, tsp of diced pickles placed on top of fresh green salad.

Dinner- Grilled pork chops, cooked greens seasoned with bacon and a cup of mixed vegetables. Anyone can make meals that are lower in carbs. It just takes some time looking at the nutritional labels.

So, there is the low carb diet menu in a nutshell. All it takes is a little willpower and a little research. Give your body the advantage it needs, eat low carb.

Tags: Artificial Sweeteners, Atkins, Bacon And Egg, Breakfast Sausage, Carb Snacks, Chicken Tenders, Egg Omelet, Fish Fillets, Fish Shellfish, Food Substance, Fruits And Vegetables, Goat Cheese, Green Vegetables, Grilled Pork Chops, Healthy Diet, Losing Weight, Low Carb Diet, Low Carb Diet Menu, Low Carb Diet Menus, Nutritional Labels, Salad Vegetables, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, T Bone Steak, Thunder Thighs, Tuna Salad —

You may be wondering how you are going to lose your belly fat. One of the surest ways to have a smaller belly is to diet and exercise. That’s right good old fashion hard work. And consistency is the key.

Think about it, if you want to direct your daily life and your life in the future, you must take control of your consistent actions. It’s what we do consistently that shapes our lives. Have you ever heard that saying “Daily decisions determine destiny”? It’s so true.

Have you dieted more times than you care to count? Or spent a fortune on exercise equipment, only to let it collect dust. If so, you are not alone. Familiar with yo-yo dieting or are you convinced there is a quick fix? No, unfortunately not.

Making daily healthy lifestyle changes is key. It is better to lose weight slowly. Or start exercise regimens you can build upon rather than putting yourself through major deprivation that you know you want be able to sustain for a lifetime.

To lose belly fat or any fat cut back on calories and fat grams. Calorie intake needs to be less than calories burned. It is very easy to over eat. Most people are unaware of what a true serving size is. Be sure to look at the nutritional labels. And keep a food diary.

One way to cut back on calories is to cut out sodas. Can’t live without soda? Try to switch to diet soda at least. But plain fact is your body needs water. Drink at least 64 oz of water a day. Your body needs this for hydration and to flush out toxins.

Not a morning person? Find it hard to make yourself eat breakfast? A cup of coffee will do? It is a fact that those who start their day with a low fat high protein breakfast, their metabolism burns faster. That’s what you want, a faster metabolism.

Help your body work for you. Give it the right fuel it needs. And that is low fat, high protein foods. Your body will thank you. It is true that high protein foods create more of a sense of satiety than other foods.

Let’s not forget the exercise. Are you really out of shape at this point? Not quite sure how you are going to be able to start an exercise regimen, much less stick to it? Well, you got to start somewhere. Get moving, even if it is 10 minutes here or there. It is a start.

Walking is always a safe way to get started. Going to buy groceries? Park at the end of the lot instead of circling around and around trying to find a spot close to the front. Those extra steps are a starter. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Climbing stairs is an excellent cardio workout.

Once you get a good cardio workout established. Try adding some weight lifting to your regimen. This will help you tighten up. Whereas the cardio will help raise your metabolism and burn fat.

This whole process is a journey, its a long winding road that can go all the way to the top. That way when you look down at where you came from; you can sit back and smile

Tags: burn, Burns, Calorie Intake, Calories, Calories And Fat Grams, Cup Of Coffee, Diet Soda, exercise equipment;, Exercise Regimens, Food Diary, Healthy Diet, Healthy Lifestyle, High Protein Foods, How To Lose Your Belly Fat, Life In The Future, Lifestyle Changes, Losing Weight, Low Fat High Protein Foods, Morning Person, Nutritional Labels, Old Fashion, Plain Fact, Right Fuel, Satiety, Sodas —