Recognize that some of the health reasons to eat a vegetarian diet include reducing your risk of heart disease. Therefore, to obtain the benefits of a plant-based diet we just need to reduce the amount of meat we eat per day. Although, eating vegetarian may seem too extreme for some people. Nevertheless, a semi-vegetarian diet may offer a healthy alternative, and here are some reasons why this way of eating will improve so much of our health.
Understand that meats and full-fat dairy products, such as whole-milk cheese, contain saturated fats that raise the cholesterol levels in our body, which affect our heart health. So, decreasing the consumption of animal fat will decrease your saturated fat level.
When you are aware of meat playing the main role on your dinner plate, you will then be able to substitute with more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Realize that eating more high-fiber whole grains, beans and legumes, unsalted nuts, lower-fat and fat-free dairy foods that are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other important phytonutrients, may help to decrease your risk of chronic diseases.
If meatless is not for you, it’s ok. Be aware that you can still adopt a heart-healthy eating style by eating skinless poultry and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. These are good protein choices and are easy foods to prepare in healthy ways. Just remember, people who eat less meat tend to consume fewer calories, and foods such as beans are one of the most cost-effective sources of protein available. Meat typically costs more per pound than other protein sources.
Know that when you choose to eat meat, you may select the leanest cut available, or reduce your portion size to no more than 5 oz. (the size of the palm of your hand once the meat is cooked).
Begin by going meatless one day per week. Eat a bean burrito, Teriyaki rice with vegetables, whole wheat pasta with mushrooms, tofu and marinara sauce, or a burger made with portabella mushrooms. These are some of the many delicious vegetarian options now available in restaurants and supermarkets. Try some of these dishes and you will be amazed with the flavor!
American Heart Association Vegetarian
American Heart Association Main Dishes
Bilingual Opinions 