You are what you eat

A few years ago I had a major decision regarding my diet.  I didn't have a medical problem or anything. I just felt like I have to be responsible with what I eat.  I wasn't getting any younger and I know metabolism will slow down. Twenty years ago, I could eat whatever I want. And I would.  But now, I have to watch what I eat. I'm more concious now. It's like I don't wanna put garbage inside me. Lol.

I became a pesco ovo lacto vegetarian. I was gonna say i was pesco vegetarian but then i also eat egg and other dairy products. Basically, I just stopped eating meat (pork, chicken and beef). Pesco-vegetarian or pescetarian is a semi-vegetarian diet that includes fish and seafood along with vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. Lacto ovo vegetarian diet includes egg and dairy products along with vegetables and fruits etc. So when people asked me, I  just say I'm pesco ovo lacto vegetarian. Which is ironic. It's either you are a vegetarian or not. No meat of any kind. Some people doesn't accept this kind of diet as vegetarian.

But it only lasted a year. I started eating chicken again. But just a couple of times a week, sometimes not even.  So now I call myself semi vegetarian. Semi- vegetarian or flexitarian is a diet of vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains with occasional meat like fish, chicken or ground turkey.  Once in a while I would take one small bite of pork or beef, but that's about it. And I would feel guilty afterwards. I haven't eaten a whole pork chop in years, or a slab of beef ribs. I can't stand the sight of it on my plate, much less eat it all.

Now you may be wondering what do I get from this change of lifestyle? For I think, this is not just a change in diet, but a change of lifestyle. First, being a semi-vegetarian, or vegetarian of any kind, lowers the risk of certain diseases like cancer  up to 50% and heart diseases for as much as 20%. It also lowers cholesterol level, improve blood sugar and lower rate of obesity. It was also claimed that it will increase a life span up to 3.6 years longer. So not only it will help me become healthy, it will also keep me from buying clothes that are one size bigger!

The benefits of a healthy diet can also make an impact on our environment. If you eat less meat, the less animals will be slaughtered/tortured, less animals will  be raised, thus less pollution. Have you been in an animal farm? Have you noticed the smell? Raising animals requires more land, food, energy and water.

I know , I know, who can resist lechon? Fillet mignon? Korean barbecue, pork chop, lamb chop etc. But before you take that one bite, know this.  Meat hardens blood vessels, shortens life span, increases risk of diabetes (type 2), Alzeimer's disease, and cancer.

But I'm not saying that if you stop eating meat, then you are eating healthy.  There are a lot of things to consider too.  Like regular exercise. And minimizing processed food intake. Studies compared all types of diet including low carb, low fat, Mediterranean, vegetarian etc. It all boils down to one.  The best diet is the one that has minimally processed food close to nature.

But this doesn't end here.  What about what you drink? Sodas and sports drinks has high calories and no nutritional benefits. Coffee has caffeine that causes insomia, nervousness, restlessness etc.  Alcohols, of course, causes liver damage, brain damage, ulcers etc. Red wine, in low amount, is known for decreasing heart disease. Studies show that water, obviously is the healthiest and safest. But our option doesn't end on water.  Pomegranate juice, low fat milk, green tea, fresh orange juice, beet juice, hot chocolate, kale juice, lemon juice, ginger tea, cranberry juice and coconut water are also healthy options.

So let me end this by challenging you. Do you have what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle? Two thumbs up if you do.. if not.. its not too late.