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Some people for personal reasons or even for religious, ethical and environmental reasons choose to have a differentiated food life, completely removing any type of meat from their menu. The vegetarian diet is not considered a common weight loss diet or with the aim of improving health and much less indicated by nutritionists, but with the concept of not eating animal foods.
Even though it is not a focus for weight loss, research indicates that people who choose the vegetarian diet have a low prevalence of overweight , because they have in their diet a very low number of cholesterol and saturated fat that contribute and a lot to gain excessive weight. Its food menu basically consists of preparing dishes with fruits, vegetables, seeds in general, nuts, cereals and roots. In relation to milk derivatives, some choose to eat dairy products and eggs, also known as vegetarian lacto ovo. Others, called lacto vegetarians do not consume eggs, but do consume milk and its derivatives such as cheese and yogurt.
The only disadvantage pointed out for fans of the vegetarian diet is that following this menu, many very important nutrients and essential for the correct functioning of the body are left aside , as is the case with vitamin B12, iron, zinc and also the calcium that is found in foods of animal origin. However, if followed correctly and in a balanced way, these nutrients can be obtained in foods such as dark leafy vegetables, obviously every diet must be followed and accompanied by a nutritionist. A curiosity that few people know is that vegetarians tend to suffer more from gas than those who eat meat. And do you know why? Why meat helps in the metabolism of some digestive enzymes, helping to process the gases created by the body.
Vegetarian Children
Many children, followed by the teachings and habits of their families, end up following vegetarian rules and diets. But one factor that must be taken into account when opting for this choice, is the lack of nutrients that this child may have and be totally harmful to his health and development. Research has shown that vegetarian children have higher grades and better behavior and concentration during classes, but care is taken so that every meal is supplied with all the necessary nutrients.
Children in their full phase of development and growth spend a lot of energy and have the meal as their main supply. That is why it is recommended to eat caloric foods so that the burning of this energy is proportional. And since the diet of vegetarian children is low in calories, what is recommended by specialists in the field of child nutrition is that foods with a higher caloric content, such as avocado and nuts, for example, be included. The intake of other essential vitamins for the correct development of the organism is essential and cannot be replaced. If not eaten through foods that contain these substances, the use of supplementation or vitamin supplement is advisable.
The lack of these nutrients can cause serious disorders to the child’s health and directly affect their development, including changes in their metabolism and nervous system, which will extend not only to childhood, but also to adulthood. The feeding of children is the sole responsibility of the parents and any adaptation or differentiated choice in the food menu should be followed by advice from a specialist in the area, who will indicate the best foods to replace meat in general with foods that meet the real needs of nutrients of the child and his body.
See also: Food Allergic Reaction
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
