Vegan and vegetarian diets can be challenging, but are worth the effort. To list a few benefits of this dietary pattern:
- decreased cholesterol levels
- lower blood pressure
- reduced intake of saturated fats
- decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers
- healthier body weight
A dietitian’s advice is extremely helpful when you opt for veganism or vegetarianism as you need to keep your diet nutritious and healthy. Several patients complain that they gain weight when they start on a vegetarian pattern, which shouldn’t be the case and is an indication they need nutritional support.
Vegetarian and vegan diets should remain balanced, which usually means introducing new foods to our kitchen and this can be a bit challenging in the initial phase. The meal plan that our dietitian creates for you will be balanced in that it will reflect a moderate intake of all nutrients: carbohydrates, protein (including all the amino acids), healthy fats, minerals and vitamins. This will be accomplished with a minimal intake of sodium and sugar, which means limiting processed foods.
