Are there health benefits of becoming vegetarian?

Hi Hayden!

Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community! People choose to become a vegetarian for many reasons-it's truly a personal decision that can have great health benefits! 

Some experts suggest that a vegetarian diet may even lower the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. When you are vegetarian, eating a balanced diet requires a bit more attention because certain foods have been removed from the diet. Since nutrients found in meat products have been removed, it requires extra attention to make sure that these nutrients are replaced by adding other foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, soy products, and whole grains. 

If I may make another suggestion, be sure to get enough iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega–3 fatty acids when planning your diet. 

Hayden, here is a great article from the EmpowHER community about vegetarian meal planning https://www.empowher.com/diet-amp-nutrition/content/vegetarian-meal-planning

I hope you found this information helpful! Are you a vegetarian? Please share your experience with the EmpowHER community so that you can inspire others!

Best,

Kristin