El vegetarianism goes beyond a fad, since today there is growing concern about global warming and the damage we are doing to the environment. Vegetarianism predates veganism and is the first step towards a world that is more respectful of the nature that surrounds us.
Let's see in detail in what is vegetarianism, how to become a vegetarian and also three books with which to better understand this way of life. Today it is indisputable that being a vegetarian goes beyond the simple concept of not eating animal meat, as it has become a lifestyle.
What does it mean to be a vegetarian?
Vegetarianism was born as a form of diet in which meat is avoided of animals so as not to harm them. People who respect other ways of life decided to adapt their diet to this way of life, to avoid senseless slaughter of animals. But over time this diet evolved into other forms of food, since currently there are other modalities such as ovo-lacto-vegetarians who avoid eating animals and any product that comes from an animal, vegans who bring their love for animals to their lifestyle or frugivores, who only eat fruit.
Precautions when going vegetarian
Sometimes some people have ended up with health problems due to restrictions in their diet. Obviously, having a diet limited to fruits cannot be totally healthy, since we will lack many essential nutrients, from fats to proteins. In the vegetarian diet, eating animals is usually avoided, but proteins can be ingested with vegetables such as legumes, so it is a diet that is feasible. However, before making any strict changes in diet we must make a medical check-up and if possible consult a nutritionist.
'Veganomicon' by Isa Chandra Moscowitz and Terry Hope Romero
In September 2013, this country arrived vegan recipe book. If you want to have what seems to be the definitive book on vegan cooking, we have to get hold of this book. In the book they tell interesting things to those of us who are very knowledgeable in the kitchen, from the utensils we need to how to interpret measurements and terminology. In addition, although we are not vegan, this book is very interesting to expand our vision of recipes made with vegetables and without using dairy or animal products.
'Vegetarians with science' by Lucía Martínez Argüelles
This is a perfect book for those who have become vegetarians and want to know the ins and outs of this type of diet. If we have not yet converted because we have doubts about whether it is a healthy diet or not, it is the perfect book, since it clarifies all the concepts and what we should take to stay totally healthy. It is a text that explains the scientific part but in a very pleasant way, so it is suitable for everyone.
'Vegetarianism in the political debate' by Ezequiel Matías Arrieta
This book deals with the responsibility of the large livestock farm in the direct impact on the environment. As the diet and current lifestyle leads to climate change, lack of water and deforestation. It offers us information and scientific evidence to know how our own lifestyle affects the environment and how the vegetarian and vegan option can change many of the current problems with the environment. A reflection for those who want to know the ins and outs of the new lifestyle.