This article was originally published on Suite101.com. To see the article in its entirety and its original state (along with original embedded sources), click on this link: The Truth about Becoming a Vegetarian.
Some people have considered changing to a vegetarian diet but hesitate because of the myths they've been told. Here are some myths debunked.
Myth 1: People must have large amounts of protein to survive and thrive.
Fact: Protein - particularly protein from animal sources - is overrated. Yes, it is necessary to survival but vegetarians do just fine on vegetable protein alone. Vegetable protein is complete and is truly all vegetarians (any human beings, for that matter) need to survive. It is difficult, if not impossible, to not get all the protein needed in a vegetarian, vegan, or any other type of plant-based diet.
Myth 2: Vegetarian diets are severely lacking in necessary vitamins and minerals.
Fact: Most necessary nutrients are available through a vegetarian diet. Even Vitamin D can be obtained just by spending a few minutes in the sun every day. There was a time when people believed that strict vegans could become deficient in Vitamin B12, but health professionals tell vegans that B12 deficiencies have been disproved.*
Just like meat-based diets, vegetarians should rely on variety - in this case, different types of fruits, vegetables, and grains. They will get all the nutrients they need through their plant-based diet.
Myth 3: Vegetarian diets are boring.
Fact: Simply not true! While it does take time to adjust one's diet from being meat-centric to based solely around vegetables, once a person rethinks his diet, he is amazed at the variety! Vegetarians (even vegans) need never be bored, there is such variety in the plant world. New vegetarians would do well do check out vegetarian websites, buy vegetarian cookbooks, and find recipes online. People can also rethink some of their favorite recipes that are already vegetarian - can they now perhaps become a main, rather than side, dish? And what about adapting old recipes? For example, products using TVP (textured vegetable protein) such as Boca Crumbles and Morningstar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles can be substituted for ground beef in dishes. The texture and taste are similar to ground beef in these products but so much healthier and less fatty.
New vegetarians also discover the beauty of simplicity. A few steamed vegetables, a salad, and some rice with a few spices and herbs can become a tasty, satisfying meal. Really, for most people it just takes a little imagination and rethinking the way they were raised to prepare meals.
Fact: Vegetarian Diets Can Be Healthy, Satisfying, and Delicious
People who have shied away from vegetarian diets simply because they believed they lacked variety or were unhealthy or tasteless can discover that none of these things are true. While some people convert to vegetarianism because of ethical or environmental reasons, plenty of people stop eating meat for their health. And they discover that it is, in fact, a delicious way to dine!
(Original article publication date: January 14, 2010.)
* I have since changed my stance on this issue somewhat. A good many vegan foods (such as soy milk) are fortified with Vitamin B12, and because our food is super-clean today, this vitamin is difficult to get in a vegan diet. Supplementing is recommended by nutritionists, doctors, and vegan experts.
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