Vegetarianism yeah!

So last night I decided that I am going to be a vegetarian. I know that sounds like I'm jumping on the bandwagon, but really, I've been considering it for a while. Fear not, I've been researching the benefits of vegetarianism and the different types of vegetarian diets. 

Many people tell me, "Oh, your body needs the protein and animal fat from meat." But really, it doesn't. I've read a few articles so far that say that there are no studies showing that your body needs meat, or that eating meat is beneficial to your health. There are many other ways to get the protein you need. Many vegetables, nuts, and beans have the necessary amount of protein that you need in a healthy diet. Also, different types of vegetables and nuts have the different vitamins that you need in a healthy diet as well. I also take a daily multi-vitamin, so I get the different vitamins that I need that way was well. 

There are definitely health benefits of taking a vegetarian diet. You feel better, have more energy, and are less sluggish throughout the day. 

I've decided to go vegetarian because of these health benefits. Vegetarians are at lower risk for heart disease because you aren't getting the cholesterol levels you get from meat. They also take in fewer calories and generally just feel better. 

I still need to do a lot of research, but I'm slowly transitioning into it. Okay, not really. I've given up meat cold turkey (haha) but I still eat eggs and dairy products. YES, this is acceptable. It's called the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. This means that I am allowed to eat eggs and dairy products, I just don't eat meat. NO, I am not vegan. Vegans do not eat any animal by-product. This is a form of vegetarianism but is too extreme for me. I've been doing my research and lacto-ovo vegetarians are still vegetarians and get the same benefits that vegetarians receive from this type of diet. 

If you have any tips/links/websites that are helpful on this topic, please let me know! I would greatly appreciate it since this is something that I am trying to take seriously. 

I hope you all are having a great year so far!!! 

Love, 

Rachel