More and more people are going vegetarian or plant based to eat. Are you considering the switch? Then keep in mind that it can have the following effects on your body.
No meat
Have you decided not to eat meat anymore, but vegetarian or vegan? That also has an effect on your body. This is what you can expect:
1. Your bowel movements change
Do you currently not have to go to the toilet so often for a number 2? That can only change if you go vegan or vegetarian. Eating more plant foods such as beans, vegetables and grains will give you more fiber. This can improve your bowel function and make you more likely to have more regular bowel movements.
2. It can leave you feeling bloated
Certain vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cabbage are known to cause extra gas. So are you suddenly going to eat more vegetables because you ignore the meat? Then you may become a bit windier and experience a bloated feeling. Fun fact: vegan farts generally smell a little less.
3. You get more nutrients
If you stop eating meat and have to get your energy from other foods, you probably get more nutrients, says dietitian Kim Rose† “You increase the absorption of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber with a plant-based diet,” she tells The Huffington Post† And that can have a beneficial effect on your health. For example, she says that it can improve your cholesterol, that you are fuller for longer and that you can feel more energetic.
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4. It can also make you unhealthy
It is sometimes wrongly thought that vegan food equals healthy food. In the year 2021 there are many unhealthy vegan and vegetarian alternatives on the junk food market and because of this you can still ingest a lot of processed and unhealthy food. In addition, it is important to do enough research into a vegetarian or plant-based diet before you start. If you eat a peanut butter sandwich every day because you don’t know what other vegan lunch you can eat, your diet is quite one-sided.
5. Your body gets enough protein
Meat may be packed with protein, but plant-based foods can also be rich in these building blocks. Of course it is good to keep an eye on your protein intake, but the chances are small that you will not get enough of this if you follow a balanced diet. “Several nuts, seeds, quinoa, beans, peas and soy-based products are good sources of protein that also contain a range of vitamins and minerals,” explains Rose.
6. Your Body Can Develop a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Today, many meat and dairy substitutes add B12, as this is the only vitamin that does not occur naturally in plant-based foods. Many vegetarians and vegans therefore choose to take vitamin B12 supplements. In addition, it may also be necessary to take other supplements such as iron and calcium, but this strongly depends on your own body and diet. You can obtain additional information about this from a doctor and have your iron level checked.
Source: Marie Claire | Image: iStock