Black History



 Urban Health

 
Monica Williams

Wellness Consultant- Certified Health Educator

The Vegetarian Lifestyle-What are the options?

There was a time when we would look at vegetarians like they were out of their minds. Remember? We would field them with tons of questions about it and also question why they would do such a thing. Well those days are over. The vegetarian option of eating has grown by leaps and bounds. There are several factors that may lead a person to consider vegetarianism. This includes but is not limited to health, religious and spiritual beliefs, expense, low or no interest in consuming meat, and concern for animals.

How do you define a vegetarian? As long as I have been a health educator this is my own personal definition. "Vegetarianism is a plant based eating lifestyle that limits, restricts, or eliminates the intake of animal meat and their products."

When one thinks of being a vegetarian, we think of bland foods with no life. Well it may have been like that at one point and time but now all of that has changed. Here are some of the types of vegetarian types that are most popular.

Semi-Vegetarian-These are typically folks that eliminate their intake of red meat. I also have my own definition of red meat. "Red meat is any animal that was breast fed and or walks on all fours." That definition has always cleared up any confusion for many people.

Lacto Vegetarian-These vegetarians typically avoid all animal products but some I have met still eat seafood. They especially avoid eggs but do intake milk and milk products thus the term Lacto which means milk.

Lacto-Ovo-Same as the Lacto Vegetarian but they do eat eggs. Thus the term Ovo/Ovum=eggs.

Pescetarian-We know many of these types of vegetarians. The only animal they will eat is seafood. All other animals are excluded.

Vegan-Vegans oppose any and all use of animals for food, clothing, and their products. Products include eggs, milk, honey, wool, and leather. This is the most strict form of vegetarianism.

The vegetarian community has gained momentum and respect as people realize that they have to change their views of eating and how healthy certain foods are. It is hard to guess how a person will react if they get a diagnosis from a doctor that is not good. That is when we start to consider changing how we eat, work out, and do a lifestyle overhaul.

So if a person is considering a meat restrictive lifestyle where do they begin? Here are a few tips and suggestions:

• Talk to other vegetarians. Learn what type they are and what their restrictions are.
• Ask why they made a change and how it has worked for them.
• Consult with your doctor and let him/her know your intentions.
• Visit local health food stores, farmers markets, and restaurants that are frequented by vegetarians. These places are a wealth of information.
• Be gradual. For many going vegetarian can be hard. Find some positive support. Consult with other vegetarians for tasty recipes and restaurants that can help.
• Don't expect family and friends to understand at first. Passing over the ribs and mother's famous beef roast can be to much for them to handles. Expect questions and criticism. Don't announce your intentions. Trust me. They will notice the change in you.
• It is normal to "miss" certain foods. Look for some really good alternatives and substitutes.
• Don't be surprised to learn more about yourself. You will look at everyday household products differently as well. In other words the things we use to clean our bodies and our homes. Many people develop a more natural approach to how they live.

There are many great resources in our area to support folks that are going vegetarian. Places to visit:

Home Economist Healthy Home Market, Traders Joes, Indian Restaurants, Ethiopian Restaurants, just to name a few. Visit vegsource.com for recipes, tips, and support.

Just for the record I am a semi-vegetarian. I don't have any regrets and I feel great. I have noticed that I have really cut back on eggs and cheese. I don't know why. I don't drink milk. Only soy or almond milk.  I love it.

So continue the quest for healthy living, healthy eating, and healthy working. Until next month....stay in good health!

With a BS in Health Education she is known widely as a Wellness Consultant- Certified Health Educator, Certified Esthetician, Certified Zumba Fitness, and Master Soap Maker!

For more info, contact Monica @

healthyfitskin@aol.com