Ever wondered what happens when you cut meat out of your life? At Together HQ, we took the plunge and slashed our meat consumption, and boy, are we glad we did! Almost half of our team has embraced vegetarianism or veganism, and it looks like we’re not alone in this leafy revolution. Recent estimates suggest that one in eight Britons is now leaning towards a healthy plant-based lifestyle , making us all the more eager to explore the health benefits of such a shift. Join us as we dive into what it means to ditch the meat and add more greens to your plate!
Reasons to Make the Switch
Why migrate to the greener side, you ask? Well, there are a truckload of reasons! Many of us are horrified by the treatment of animals in the meat industry. Others are coming face-to-face with the reality of what goes into our meat—yes, hormones and antibiotics aren’t just fancy words on a label!
On a personal level, we’ve noticed how much better we feel with less, or no, meat in our diets. Plus, the environment is taking a hit from the meat industry, and we’re all a bit more eco-conscious these days. The call for action is loud and clear, and trust us, once you start that veggie journey, you might wonder why you didn’t hop on board sooner!
Nutrients You May Be Missing Out On
Now, before you think that a plant-based diet is all sunshine and rainbows, let’s talk about a few nutrients that might play hide and seek when you wave goodbye to meat.
B12: The Mighty Nutrient
B12 is the superhero of nutrients, but here’s the catch—it only thrives in animal protein. That’s why many vegetarians and vegans find themselves deficient in it. This vitamin teams up with folate to support everything from DNA synthesis to red blood cell formation. Lack of B12 can lead to a whole host of problems, including anaemia and fatigue. Can you believe that a staggering 66% of vegetarians and 92% of vegans may be B12-deficient? Just 5% of omnivores face the same fate!
Thai Massage Newsletter
To make sure you don’t miss out on any new posts or promotions that we introduce, sign up for our newsletter.
Once a month we run a special promotion for our newsletter members, so sign up now to make sure you don’t miss out.
It’s free and full of great health and nutrition tips and advice on how we can help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Calcium & Zinc: The Unsung Heroes
Interestingly, a pivotal study examining vegetarians and vegans found them lacking not just in B12 but also in calcium and zinc . Insufficient calcium can lead to osteoporosis, while a shortage of zinc can affect your sense of taste and smell. Yes, you heard that right—no more tasty meals!
The Iodine Dilemma
Did you know that a whopping 80% of vegans are iodine-deficient? Iodine keeps your thyroid humming happily, which is crucial for metabolic health. Primarily found in fish and dairy, some iodine can sneak into grains but at low levels. Seaweed is a plant-based source, but like the unpredictable weather, iodine levels can vary!
The Iron Concern
Iron isn’t off the table, but it can play hard to get if you’re going plant-based. The iron from plants (non-heme iron) isn’t absorbed as easily in the body compared to the heme iron found in meat, which can lead vegetarians to higher risks of deficiency. Talk about a sneaky nutrient!
Omega-3: The Brain Booster
Lastly, let’s talk Omega-3s. Without meat, it can be tough to get these essential fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which are critical for brain function. Our bodies aren’t pros at converting plant fatty acids into these types of Omega-3s, leaving our minds at risk of being less sharp. Remember, a healthy brain equals a happy you!
Supplements: Your New Best Friends
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t stress! We’ve come up with a simple solution. Our B12 Vegan Complex is your go-to for ensuring you get key nutrients like B12, calcium, zinc, iodine, and iron—all in one hit!
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our fish-free Omega 3 supplements made from pure algae. They’re sustainably sourced, so you can have your omega-3 and eat it too without worrying about contaminants. Because let’s be honest—who wants nasty additives in their body?
If you’re as curious as we are about your own nutrient levels, consider getting tested. We recommend Medichecks, where you can check your vitamin status and potentially uncover a few surprises—like our colleague who found out they might have an unhealthy love affair with crisps!
I hope that you found the above useful and interesting. You can find similar content on our blog.
