Becoming a vegetarian is a big decision. It can be especially difficult for students to switch to a meat-free diet while living on a tight budget. But with some planning and creativity, it’s possible to make the transition without breaking the bank. As a college student, you’re probably always looking for ways to save money. One way to do that is by eating less meat. Unfortunately, meat can be expensive, and it’s not always the healthiest option.
You might be thinking about going vegetarian, but you’re not sure how to make it work with your busy schedule. Making the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle as a student can seem daunting, but it can also be very rewarding. There are many reasons people choose to go vegetarian, from improving their health to being concerned about animal welfare. First, however, if you’re thinking of making the switch, you should know a few things.
First of all, don’t feel like you have to go cold turkey – try gradually phasing out meat and dairy products from your diet until you’re eating mostly plant-based foods. This will make the transition easier and help ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs. Another thing to keep in mind is plenty of delicious vegetarian foods available, so you won’t have to miss out on anything.
Going Vegetarian as a Student
Protein
There are a lot of reasons to be a vegetarian student. For one, it can be cheaper than eating meat. Second, many delicious vegetarian foods can easily fit into a student’s budget. Third, going vegetarian can have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Finally, being a vegetarian student is good for the environment – meat production is one of the most significant contributors to climate change.
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for the human body. It helps build strong bones and teeth and plays a role in many other bodily functions. A person who doesn’t get enough calcium may be at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to bone fractures.
Good sources of calcium include dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, and nuts. Calcium is also available in supplement form. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, it is important to ensure you get enough calcium in your diet. There are many plant-based sources of calcium, including fortified foods and supplements.
If you are concerned about your calcium intake, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. They can help you develop a plan to ensure you get your body’s nutrients.
Vitamin D
A vegetarian or mostly vegetarian diet is a healthy option even for students. You may be surprised to know that a vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients you need, including protein, iron, and vitamin D. Vitamin D is especially important for students because it helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones.
Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin D, but vegetarians can also get this nutrient from fortified foods like breakfast cereal and some plant-based kinds of milk. Sunshine is another natural source of vitamin D, so try to get outside for at least 10 minutes each day (without sunscreen). If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from food or sun exposure, you can take a supplement.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to function correctly. It is mainly found in red meat, poultry, and fish. However, vegetarians can get their daily dose of iron by eating legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. Iron is essential for many bodily functions, such as producing energy, maintaining a healthy immune system, and transporting oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron can lead to fatigue, poor cognitive function, and a weakened immune system.
Fortunately, there are plenty of plant-based sources of iron that vegetarians can eat to make sure they’re getting enough of this vital mineral. Some good sources include legumes like lentils and chickpeas, nuts like almonds and pistachios, seeds like pumpkin and sesame seeds, and fortified foods like breakfast cereal and plant-based milk.
Vitamin B-12
Meat-free diets may seem like a healthy option, but they can lead to vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Vitamin B-12 is essential for the body’s energy production and the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. A lack of this nutrient can cause fatigue, memory problems, and anemia.
One common source of vitamin B-12 is meat, so vegetarians and vegans are at risk for deficiency if they don’t include fortified foods or supplements in their diets. Some good sources of vitamin B-12 for vegetarians include fortified breakfast cereals, soy milk, and nutritional yeast. If you’re considering a vegetarian or vegan diet, be sure to speak with your doctor or nutritionist about how to meet your vitamin B-12 needs.
