Why Veggies? A Look at the Benefits of Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
It would be an understatement to say that, at Chef V, we love veggies. Sourcing great organic vegetable ingredients for our green drinks, and everything else in our 21 day cleanse, is our passion. Of course, we’re not alone in our veggie love. From your parents when you were young, up to your nutritionist, you’ve probably been informed plenty of times about the health benefits of vegetables.
But what exactly makes vegetables so great? Is going full vegetarian the right idea? What role do vegetables play in the Chef V Cleanse? All these questions will be answered here!
What’s the Hype With Vegetables?
Understanding what makes vegetables so great involves understanding both what they contain, and what they don’t contain. Every food out there has at least some sort of nutritional value to it. At the very least, it won’t let you starve. However, a lot of foods also come with more sugar, fat, or carbs than our body doesn’t really need.
Vegetables are so great because so many of them are naturally low in fat or calories and contain fiber that keeps us fuller longer. There also hasn’t been a single vegetable discovered out there yet that contains cholesterol. This means that you can snack on veggies pretty much guilt-free.
And when it comes to what Vitamins do contain, well… a full list would be too long for this article! Exactly what nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you are getting depending on the veggies in question. However, overall, vegetables are an important source of…
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Folic Acid
- Phytonutrients
If you’re not a nutritionist, that might just be a list of long words, but that set of nutrients is vital for your overall health. Vitamins and phytonutrients are important for keeping your immune system healthy, and for maintaining cell health – slowing the damage to cells that comes naturally with aging, and help prevent diseases caused by inflammation and the breakdown of cells, such as heart disease. There is even some evidence that it can reduce the risk of cancers!
Meanwhile, veggies that contain fiber are excellent for your digestive health and can help you manage your cholesterol levels. Folic acid helps promote the creation of healthy blood cells, and potassium helps keep your blood pressure under control. Basically, if there is a system in your body, vegetables are going to help you maintain it at healthy levels.
Is Going Vegan Worth It?
If veggies are so great, then clearly the best option is to simply go fully vegetarian, or better yet vegan, right? Well, the short answer is that it depends. Everyone has their own special dietary needs, and it’s a good idea to do your research (and consult a doctor or nutritionist) before you do any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
By the same token, however, you shouldn’t be afraid to embrace a vegan lifestyle out of fear that you are not getting all the nutrients you need. One major concern that keeps people from adopting a fully vegan diet is the worry that they won’t be getting enough of certain nutrients, such a protein. However, nutritional information has come a long way – we now have a pretty good idea of which vegetables can be used as a great source of protein, or of any other kind of nutrient. (Even our own 21 day cleanse features protein-filled smoothies to complement our green drink!)
So, in the end, going vegan is a personal choice – but one with plenty of great reasons behind it. For some, it can be a moral or ethical choice. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t ignore the many health benefits of going vegan as well. It’s an excellent way to cut back on the sugars, carbs, fats, and calories, allowing you get a better handle on your weight, energy levels, and overall health – and what’s better than that?
How to Get More Vegetables In Your Life
Even if you’re uncertain about going full vegan, it’s absolutely true that many of us can stand to get some more fresh leafy greens in our diet. Whether to lose weight or just feel great, more fruits and veggies are always a great idea. And it doesn’t require a big shakeup in your lifestyle either.
For one, including more vegan dishes in your diet is easier than you might think. While writing this, it’s a very cold winter in many parts of the world. Since you probably would be wanting soup anyways, why not go for some delicious vegan soups?
With a little creativity, it’s also easy enough to readapt your favorite meat-based recipes into healthy and delicious vegan versions with beans, lentils and greens. You can get the same delicious meals that you enjoy, but also get a good heaping of your favorite veggies along with the mix as well.
It’s also important not to underestimate one of the best vegetable eating strategies out there – snacking. With minimal prep work, you can whip up some tasty vegan snacks that will be ready for the rest of your day. Even if you have a sweet tooth and aren’t sure about veggies, there are plenty of foods that let the natural sweetness of vegetables and fruits shine through.
Of course one of the best ways to boost your veggie levels is to undergo a 21 day cleanse, or get our green drink plan. By focusing your diet for a few days across it on the most nutritious (and low sugar and low-fat vegetables), our Chef V cleanse can supercharge your weight loss goals. It can also help cut sugar cravings, leading to healthier future eating habits. Just check out these success stories of those who have tried our Chef V cleanses and green juice recipes!