World Vegetarian Day
Welcome to October! The month starts off with the celebration of World Vegetarian Day and continues with World Vegetarian Month. World Vegetarian Day is observed around the globe. Every year on the 1st of October, this day is recognized. This day was established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. If you are looking to complete the last quarter of the year on a good health note, consider going vegetarian today and for the entire month of October. If you are willing to take your health up a level or two, consider going vegan. However, before you walk, let’s crawl and start with vegetarianism and see how things go. The goal is to let go of meat for one day and then for the entire month.
What is vegetarian?
According to Wikipedia, vegetarianism is the act of abstaining from meat. It may also include abstention from by-products of animal slaughter. Vegetarianism may be adopted for various reasons. Many people object to eating meat out of respect for sentient life.
Why vegetarian?
A vegetarian lifestyle has many health benefits. It is known to prevent diseases like metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is having three of five conditions that may lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, or other health issues. The conditions are low HDL, high blood pressure, high glucose level, large waist circumference (abdominal obesity), and high triglycerides. Although metabolic syndrome is a serious condition, you can reduce your risks significantly by losing weight; increasing your physical activity; eating a heart-healthy diet that’s rich in whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
They are many reasons why people decide to become a vegetarian, sometimes it is for animal welfare, sometimes it is for health reasons, sometimes it is to look and feel more youthful the reasons can be endless.
Ways to Celebrate Vegetarian/Vegan Day/Month
1. Attend or host a potluck
2. Educate/promote the importance of the topic
3. Explore local or farmer’s market
4. Grow an indoor herbal, fruit, and veggie garden.
5. Commit to eating more fiber-filled foods.
6. Take a dish to work/school to share with those in your professional circle.
Foods to Try
1. Curry Dishes
2. Fruit/Veggie/Sweet Potato Salads
3. Fruit Juices
4. Vegetable Juices/Tonics
5. Portobello Bruschetta/Quinoa Cakes
6. Steamed Vegetable Dishes
7. Vegetable Soups like Lentil/Broccoli
8. Fruit, Veggies or Cheese Kabobs/Platters
9. Vegetarian/Vegan Pizza
10.Vegetarian/Vegan Burgers
Conclusion
There is 90 days left in this year. How is your overall health doing? Want to do better? If you are seeking a change prior to the New Year, consider going vegetarian or vegan this October, for just a month to see how you feel. You will be making a difference for your health, animals, and planet by doing so. Living a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle is not hard. It is a choice. Need help? Reach out to one of our Health and Wellness Coaches/Fitness Nutrition Specialists/Behavior Change Specialists to see if they can help you on this vegetarian or vegan journey.
Reference:
World Vegetarian Day