The Health Benefits of Vegetarian Meals

People adopt different dietary preferences for personal, religious, cultural, and medical reasons. Vegetarianism is one of the most popular diets people adopt due to ethical, environmental, or social beliefs. According to the International Journal of 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.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition respects each person’s right to choose their diet. People receiving home-delivered meals can choose from a wide range of vegetarian meals.

What Are Vegetarian Meals?

Vegetarianism includes several different types of diets and dietary restrictions. Some people who consider themselves vegetarians abstain from all meats and animal by-products. Most vegetarians do not eat fowl, pork, beef, lamb, or seafood. According to MedlinePlus, “Vegetarians also do not eat products containing gelatin or rennin (an enzyme found in calf’s stomachs that is used to produce many cheeses).” However, some vegetarians may eat dairy, eggs, and certain meats depending on their personal beliefs, preferences, and medical needs.

Vegetarian meals generally consist of the following foods:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Seeds
• Nuts

People who avoid eating meat get protein from lentils, beans, and peas. Most people can eat a balanced diet without dairy or meat products.

Is Vegan the Same as Vegetarian?

The differences between vegan, vegetarian, and other similar diets are often confusing for people unfamiliar with the terms. According to the previously mentioned article by MedlinePlus, “Here are the different types of vegetarian diets:

• Vegan: Includes only plant-based foods. No animal proteins or animal by-products such as eggs, milk, or honey.
• Lacto-vegetarian: Includes plant foods plus some or all dairy products.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Includes plant foods, dairy products, and eggs.
• Semi- or partial vegetarian: Includes plant foods and may include chicken or fish, dairy products, and eggs. It does not include red meat.
• Pescatarian: Includes plant foods and seafood.”

Anyone who wants to observe a vegetarian or partially vegetarian diet can choose from various delicious and nutritious meals. A registered dietician (RD) at LifeSpring Home Nutrition may collaborate with clients who have medical, religious, or cultural dietary restrictions to ensure the meals they receive have the right balance of vitamins and minerals.

Why Do People Choose Vegetarianism?

Individuals may choose a vegetarian diet for medical, religious, cultural, or personal reasons. Vegetarianism is also often a social statement. People may want to show their support for the environment or other movements by switching to a vegetarian diet. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “By some estimates, about 2% of the U.S. adult population follows this type of diet.” Everyone has different motivations for choosing vegetarianism. LifeSpring Home Nutrition makes maintaining or switching to a vegetarian diet easy.

Health Benefits of Vegetarian Meals

Vegetarians experience many health benefits. Research has shown people who avoid processed meats and animal by-products have a lower risk of common preventable diseases. Whole foods also improve overall health and can increase longevity.

Some of the health benefits of vegetarian meals include:

• Lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol
• Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack
• Fewer or less severe age-related health issues, including dementia
• Reduced risk of hypertension
• Fewer instances of type 2 diabetes
• Better weight management
• Reduced risk of some cancers

Physical health is directly connected to mental health. Vegetarians may experience fewer mental health issues related to depression and anxiety. People who follow a vegetarian diet are also more likely to report fewer medical concerns as they age.

Vegetarian Meals by LifeSpring Home Nutrition

LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers various vegetarian and vegan meal options to individuals with restricted diets. A registered dietician ensures individuals with medical conditions receive the best meals to meet their needs. Clients often collaborate with their healthcare provider and LifeSpring Home Nutrition to create a comprehensive vegetarian meal plan for each week.

Some of the vegetarian foods offered include:

• Delicious vegetable soups
• Tasty baked dishes
• Meals with fish and other accepted animal products

Individuals interested in a vegetarian diet can browse the online LifeSpring Home Nutrition meal catalog to learn more about the available options.

Exploring Vegetarian Meals

Some people have never tried vegetarianism and want to explore vegetarian meals. Switching to a vegetarian diet is not always easy. Many people try vegetarian meals while still eating eggs and drinking milk. The lacto-ovo vegetarian diet ensures people get enough proteins and other nutrients. According to the European Heart Journal, “[A]ppropriately planned and supplemented vegan and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets are nutritionally adequate and suitable for individuals in all stages of the life cycle and may provide health benefits in disease prevention and treatment.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition makes the change simple by providing delicious and popular vegetarian meal options for people to choose from.

Vegetarianism provides people with a wide range of meals and reduces how many ultra-processed meats and other unhealthy foods people eat. A vegetarian diet promotes the use of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts in daily meals. Vegetarian diets have many potential health benefits. Most people find it easier to maintain a healthy weight and support an active lifestyle with a vegetarian diet. Home-delivered vegetarian meals from LifeSpring Home Nutrition are made with the highest quality ingredients to ensure people receive enough vitamins and minerals in each serving. LifeSpring Home Nutrition encourages people to take advantage of our vegetarian options. To learn more about our services and the meals in our catalog, call us today at (800) 798-5767.