A vegetarian diet can be very healthy, but as ever, you have to make healthy choices. If all you eat is toast, you’re not going to reap any of the benefits!
 
There are studies that suggest that a vegetarian diet can help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
 
Then, of course, there are the ethical reasons behind choosing vegetarianism. These include the animal rights abuses and the environmental impact of animal-based foods.
 
Risks of a vegetarian diet
The biggest risk of a vegetarian diet is nutrient deficiency, mostly protein deficiency.
 
You have to pay a bit more attention to protein intake when you are vegetarian, because some of the densest sources of protein are meat and fish.
You often need to eat more of a vegetarian source of protein to get the amount of protein contained in a smaller amount of meat and fish.
 
However, many vegetarian protein sources are healthier than non-vegetarian sources of protein…so you win some you lose some!
Vitamin B12 deficiency is another risk of a vegetarian diet. It is mainly contained in animal products, however you can find it in eggs and dairy. Make sure you are eating plenty of eggs and dairy and you’ll be fine.
You can also take Vitamin B12 pills. If you are a vegan, you will need to take a supplement.
 
Aside from that, the risks associated with vegetarianism are the same as with any diet; if you don’t eat plenty of fruit and veg and a balance of macros, you won’t get all the nutrients you need to be healthy.
Our meal plans take these risks into account. Each entire meal plan is healthy and balanced, with lots of protein and all the vitamins and minerals you need.