It has been quite some time since our classic menu was enriched with a meat-free option. The Vegetarian Menu from NutritionPro is packed with energy, protein, and all the nutrients your body needs!
And this is no ordinary menu. Our vegetarian meal boxes were named the best vegetarian meal prep diet of 2023 by the Testado website! So, if you are concerned that meat-free eating is not nutritious, varied, and delicious, our meal boxes will immediately prove you wrong. And why should you actually try vegetarianism?
A little about vegetarianism
Vegetarianism falls under alternative nutritional trends, meaning it differs in some way from generally recommended dietary principles. Meat is completely excluded from the vegetarian diet. This way of eating originates from the philosophical traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism; however, today’s reasons for choosing vegetarianism are usually ethical or an effort to improve one’s lifestyle. We distinguish between many types of vegetarianism based on the range of animal products a given group refuses to consume (e.g., pesco-vegetarianism, lacto-ovo vegetarianism, or fruitarianism).
Benefits of vegetarian eating
Certain forms of vegetarianism bring a number of benefits. First and foremost, it can be assumed that a person who takes this path is trying to improve their lifestyle in some way, meaning they will focus more on the composition of their diet. They may also incorporate more physical activity, start getting enough sleep, pay more attention to their mental health, and so on. These changes are usually associated with the person starting to feel better.
With this way of eating, a lower intake of energy and animal fats, and potentially sugar and salt, is common. Conversely, fiber intake may increase, which is usually insufficient, and not only among the population of the Czech Republic. Furthermore, water intake, which should automatically increase with fiber intake, may also rise, along with the intake of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
TIP: Why else is it important to drink water? Find out in this article.
However, it is important to keep in mind that every individual eats differently and approaches vegetarian food in their own way. For some, the transition to a plant-based diet represents a change toward a better lifestyle; others simply stop eating meat without modifying their diet in any other way. The benefits or disadvantages will then manifest depending on the specific person’s approach to this alternative dietary trend. If you want health benefits from vegetarianism, you must focus on your overall lifestyle.
What to watch out for as a vegetarian
If you decide on vegetarianism, you should be aware of the risks involved and adapt your diet accordingly. A vegetarian diet can carry a risk of essential amino acid deficiency, primarily due to insufficient protein intake. Animal proteins contain a complete profile of essential amino acids, which is why we call them complete proteins. In contrast, plant proteins usually contain only some essential amino acids; therefore, it is necessary to combine their sources—a task that requires thought and special care when planning a vegetarian diet. If you are unsure which protein sources to combine, try our vegetarian meal boxes, which ensure your daily protein intake is always optimal and complete.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the intake of iron, zinc, and calcium. Regarding vitamins, there is a risk of insufficient intake, particularly of vitamin B12. A deficit of these macro and micronutrients is primarily a risk in strict forms of vegetarianism, such as veganism or fruitarianism. If we are talking about classic vegetarianism—that is, meat-free eating—these risks are not as significant, as replacing only meat is not so difficult nowadays.
The choice of specific foods is also important in a vegetarian diet. It is necessary to study what is appropriate to eat instead of meat. If you only consume ultra-processed, fried, or carbohydrate-heavy substitutes, it is impossible to achieve the benefits of vegetarian eating.
Conclusion
If you were to take away only one thing from this article, it should be that variety is the most important factor in vegetarianism. However, variety decreases with limited food options, so it is all the more necessary to make an effort to replace foods. Devoting time and energy to the composition of your diet is not always easy, especially when it requires special attention. To ensure your diet is full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients, leave it to us and try NutritionPro vegetarian meal boxes, which are the ideal choice whether you are just starting with vegetarianism or have experience with meat-free eating. You can never have enough inspiration. Besides being varied and balanced, our vegetarian meals are also very delicious and will convince you that vegetarian eating does not have to be boring or monotonous at all. Try it for yourself!
Author: Ing. Kristina Heřmanová
