Vegetarian food is now also popular with many over-55s, according to research by Green Chef. At first glance a positive development, but is this actually that healthy as you get older? Daniet Shachar, dietitian and recipe developer at the meal box maker explains what you should pay attention to if you start eating less meat and more plant-based.
Why is it that vega and vegan are so popular with 55+?
“Our survey* at the end of last year showed that 11% of the over-55s in the Netherlands follow a vegetarian diet. That is a lot! The reasons for eating vegetarian or completely plant-based are diverse and often cannot be reduced to one belief. We do see, however, that health considerations are often the most decisive, together with care for the environment. Of course it can also be a matter of taste or time and interest to experiment and make more conscious choices in the kitchen.”
Is plant-based food really that healthy?
“A plant-based diet is healthy if you fill it in in a varied way and, of course, with healthy products. As with other eating patterns, variation and balance are essential to feed your body sufficiently and fully. This can be done by preparing rich meals with many different ingredients such as a mix of vegetables, vegetable protein sources such as tofu or tempeh, grains, seeds, kernels and/or nuts. That way you combine all the macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats and proteins – you need in one meal.