A Vegetarian Test Drive
How About a One-Month Trial for Being a Veggie?
Have you ever been curious about what it would be like to be a vegetarian? Every parent’s dream come true, September has been deemed as Fruits & Veggies month by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services. So it is recommended that you decrease or eliminate your consumption of animal products, and try dieting with a program of primarily fresh grown produce. Perhaps you already indulge in a variety of fruits and veggies? Why not make it a formal test program for four weeks, evaluating how you feel at the end?
What to consider when shopping
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) the market for organic produce is a booming industry. ‘Organic’ has become a word popular amongst numerous household, as the shift to a healthier lifestyle extends beyond the rich and famous. So, next time you go grocery shopping spend extra time in the produce aisles, research the vegetables and check out the variety of available fruits. You may even find some organic products, and choose to make the switch from conventional produce.
Top Tips
Look for recipe cards. It is important to prepare your fruits and veggies in a wide array of styles in order to avoid boredom.
There are no federal regulations that can control fraudulent organic labels produced by private vendors, thus look for USDA Organic labels.
When shopping, buy only the quantity of produce you can consume before it goes bad. Wasting food is never good. Unless you can compost it!
Shop with reusable bags.
Benefits…
… to your wallet
Purchasing more fruits and veggies, while decreasing your consumption of meats, will save you a significant amount of money on groceries. In addition, if you choose to shop locally, you’ll be investing your money in your community and delicious organic produce!
… to your health
According to the CDC, people who frequently eat fruits and vegetable are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. In addition, a well-balanced diet of fruits and veggies can help maintain a proper weight.
… to the earth
By purchasing local foods you can positively impact the environment by eliminating the need for additional transportation and fuel consumption. Shopping for organic products also promotes sustainable agriculture practices, because the produce is grown without pesticides or other toxic chemicals.
Common Mistake
Remember that fruits and vegetables may not contain all the required nutrition, especially proteins. Thus incorporate your beloved produce with nuts, grains, and other healthy products. If you are striving to go vegetarian or vegan, consult your doctor or pharmacist for nutritional supplements.
Pick Your Flavor
Make sure to eat a variety of greens and fruits. Most supermarkets and farmers’ markets provide their customers with a wide variety of produce. Have a little fun, try them all! Follow our food calendar for monthly suggestions, or create your own.
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September 21st, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I was unaware that “There are no federal regulations that can control fraudulent organic labels produced by private vendors, thus look for USDA Organic labels.”
I often see organic certified by QAI http://www.qai-inc.com What are your thoughts about this org and have you seen/heard of other private certification orgs being “busted”? Are their watchdog orgs that are following these companies?
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I don’t know if I go a week without eating SOME type of meat, but I think I might try it. I want to support my local farmers!
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
No way, I can’t give up steak!!! I love the site though.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
WDvumQ I want to say – thank you for this!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am
ZssoMW I want to say – thank you for this!
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
cool article, i had no idea about the lack of federal regulation either. heres a really cool tip i saw on tv the other day: check the stickre on the produce you buy- if it’s a 4 digit number its grown conventionally. if it starts with an 8, its genetically modified. and if it starts with a 9 its organic!
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
GREAT TIP LARA.
IS WASHING FRUITS AND VEGGIES WITH WATER ENOUGH?
November 6th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Jenny, what i usually do is wash my product with this pesticide removing cleanser stuff. I hope that works?
November 6th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I don’t think I could ever go vegetarian because I love meat too much, but I will try to pick organic, free range meats to compensate. I feel that meat is important and nutritious.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Are nectarines even in season in November?
December 9th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I like your suggestions. I’ve been a vegetarian for a few years, and since I change my diet, I’ve felt so much healthier.
January 15th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
i tried being a vegetarian once, but its just so hard. what about lab grown meats?