Not eating animal products is also good for the planet. Feeding grain and soy to farm cows, pigs, chicken or fish takes between two and 20 times more resources than directly eating the grain and soy ourselves. Livestock displace wildlife and frequently overgraze, harming the soil. Even our demand for seafood has seriously changed the ecosystems of our oceans. To help ensure an adequate vegetarian diet, it's essential to choose a wide variety of foods and consume a sufficient number of calories to meet energy needs.
Vegetarian food can be delicious, easy to prepare and incredibly varied.
Just think about the few types of meat available to cook versus the large number of vegetables, grains and beans. Try making a spicy chili or a pasta with a red sauce or pesto or have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a big salad with dark green leafy or other vegetables with a vinegar-based dressing or eat pizza without cheese. Vegetarian cookbooks The New Laurel's Kitchen, Simple, Lowfat and Vegetarian, Fields of Greens, and Food for Life are especially good ones to try. If you would like more help with improving your diet and lowering your risks of heart disease and cancer, call the Emory cholesterol clinic at 778-3664. Erica Frank is a preventionist in the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine and the Department of Medicine.