Vegetarian

A vegetarian diet consists primarily of whole foods and reduced use of animal products. According to Environmental Research and Public Health, “Following a vegetarian diet may lead to better health outcomes and a lower risk of noncommunicable diseases, which could positively influence” people’s quality of life. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers vegetarian meal options to individuals who prefer or require specialized diets.

What Is a Vegetarian Diet?

A vegetarian diet is primarily natural foods with reduced use of meat or animal products. Vegetarians are careful about what foods they choose to consume. In many cases, individuals decide to follow a vegetarian diet as a way to reduce their eco-footprint or improve their health. Other individuals may have religious or spiritual reasons for choosing vegetarianism.

Most people know vegetarians prefer whole foods and avoid meats. However, there are different types of vegetarian diets, including:

• Flexitarians: People who eat meat infrequently
• Pescatarians: People who avoid all meats except fish or seafood
• Ovolactovegetarians: People who avoid all meats while still eating animal products, including dairy and eggs
• Vegan: Not eating meat or any animal byproducts
• Raw Vegan: People on this diet only eat natural raw, organic, or self-grown foods
• Frugivore: Up to 80% of all foods eaten are fresh fruits with some nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables

The type of vegetarian diet a person follows influences which meal plans best meet their preferences and health needs. A vegetarian diet is an excellent way to limit empty calories. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), “When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition accommodates a range of vegetarian preferences while ensuring weekly deliveries include a balance of essential nutrients.

Do Vegetarian Meals Have Enough Vitamins and Minerals?

Some people may want to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. However, they may wonder how to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals without regularly eating meat. Most vegetarian diets provide people with the same mix of vitamins and minerals found in meat products.

Meats primarily add B vitamins, zinc, iodine, iron, phosphorous, and essential fatty acids to a person’s diet. People get those same vitamins and minerals from other sources in their diet, including:

• Phosphorous: nuts, seeds, dairy, and whole grains
• B Vitamins: peas, fresh fruits, and whole grains
• Zinc: eggs, dairy products, avocados, fruits, and berries
• Iron: nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, dark leafy greens, and tofu
• Iodine: some vegetables and fruits

According to MedlinePlus, “Compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians usually eat:

• Fewer calories from fat (especially saturated fat)
• Fewer overall calories
• More fiber, potassium, and vitamin C”

The weekly meals provided by LifeSpring Home Nutrition contain an ideal balance of whole foods to ensure individuals on a vegetarian diet get the nutrients they need to improve their overall health and maintain energy throughout the week.

How Does a Vegetarian Diet Improve Physical Health?

A dietician tailors all vegetarian diets to reduce empty calories and improve overall health. A vegetarian diet has the following health benefits:

• It helps people maintain a healthy weight
• Decreases the risk of heart-related health issues
• Lowers blood pressure
• Decreases cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of developing some cancers

Everyone has different dietary requirements. LifeSpring Home Nutrition has a registered dietician (RD) on staff who is responsible for ensuring meals are tailored to each person’s unique needs. The RD ensures all vegetarian meals accommodate any medical conditions and symptoms people may experience. Having an RD on staff makes accommodating changes to a person’s diet or health easier.

Mental Health Benefits

A vegetarian diet is often a lifestyle choice. According to the previously mentioned article in Environmental Research and Public Health, “Vegetarianism can be considered a social identity, as it reflects the motivations, feelings, and attitudes of those who choose to adopt it.” Often, “The main motivations for choosing a vegetarian diet are related to ethical and health aspects.”

Eating vegetarian meals can improve mental health by doing the following:

• Allowing people to follow their moral code by choosing foods meant to reduce harm to animals or the environment
• Improving mental health by reducing some symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood-related disorders
• Vegetarians are part of a community and often find comfort in engaging with others who adopt similar lifestyles

The mental health benefits of vegetarianism mainly depend on how supported a person feels when following their diet. Experts at LifeSpring Home Nutrition provide meal delivery services and practical nutritional guidance for individuals who prefer vegetarian dishes.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition Prioritizes Using Whole Foods

Whole foods are an excellent way to boost overall health and body function. Individuals with chronic health conditions benefit most from whole foods. According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, “Research indicates that 80% of chronic diseases are preventable with simple lifestyle changes, such as tobacco cessation, improved diet, moderate exercise, and maintenance of a healthy weight.” Medically tailored vegetarian meals are available for people with severe or persistent medical issues and dietary restrictions.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition uses whole foods to accommodate individuals who otherwise may not have access to meals fitting their medical needs, personal preferences, and lifestyle choices. The wide range of vegetarian dishes allows people to choose a different meal each day of the week to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

A vegetarian diet improves the cardiovascular system and other body functions, reducing a person’s risk of developing age-related health issues. Some medical conditions, including obesity, can be improved by switching to a vegetarian diet. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers vegetarian meal options to communities in Southern California. Call (800) 798-5767 to learn more about how to access our services.