Perhaps you are considering making the transition to a vegan or vegetarian diet or maybe you have already embraced this lifestyle and are looking for way to enhance your experience and your health! For others, the goal may be to incorporate more vegetarian meals into their lifestyle. Whatever stage you find yourself at in this process, the most important foundation to long term health and success is balance:

Balance in macro nutrients (carbs/proteins/fats/fibre)

Balance in vitamins/minerals 

Balance in lifestyle choices

Common Challenges: 

One of the biggest challenges that is most often encountered with both Vegans and Vegetarians diets is the high intake of carbohydrates (often processed). Bread, pasta, cereal and rice based meals are often seen as the simple, quick meal solutions for new vegetarians, in many restaurants and social settings. Unfortunately, this has the most damaging impact on health in terms of creating blood sugar fluctuations, weight gain, increased inflammation and the potential for insulin resistance in the long run. 

The second biggest concern is relying on one or two types of foods for the primary proteins sources. Soy, for example, contains a high amount of protein and is widely available. However, soy products are often processed, have elevated sodium and are combined with artificial flavors and wheat gluten for texture. Most importantly though, soy may affect hormone levels when eaten in large amounts. With this in mind, creating balanced meal options with a wide variety of food choices is essential for long term success.  

Health Benefits:

Dr Watkins has been a vegetarian since the age of 11 offering vast personal and clinical knowledge of how to use this lifestyle for optimal health. When a wholesome and balanced approach is taken, there are positive health benefits even for those who would like to continue eating meat but would like to incorporate more vegetarine/vegan based meals into their lifestyle. These benefits can be attributed to the increased dietary fibre, increased whole food and vegetable consumption, reduced saturated fats and reduced processed/high sodium foods.

• Improved bowel health, elimination and detoxification
• Reduced cholesterol
• Reduced inflammation benefits skin, joints, digestion
• Weight management
• Increased dietary vitamins and nutrients 
• Blood pressure control