Which is best?

Maybe you’re interested in becoming a pescatarian, but there are more fish in the sea. Vegetarianism and Veganism are two other options available. Lifestyle diets are choices that we make to better ourselves, but with so many choices to choose from it can be hard to know which lifestyle would be the best for you.  

Pescatarians have a lot in common with vegetarians. The biggest difference is that while pescatarians don’t eat meat, they do eat fish.  

Vegetarians do not eat any meat, poultry, or seafood. Their diet mostly consists of foods that come from plants, which includes fruits and vegetables. Animal byproducts can be consumed in a vegetarian diet.  

Vegans only eat plant-based foods. Fruits and vegetables make up a large part of this diet. Vegans also consume plant based dairy, such as soy milk. Vegans don’t consume any animal foods, which would include eggs, dairy, and meat. 

The reasons for choosing to commit to these lifestyle changes can very. Some people do it for religious reasons, and others do it because they think it is better for the environment. Believe it or not though, there are some benefits to committing to these diets.  

According to Webmd.com, including fish is a good source of protein, and it is rich in Omega-3. Some studies have also shown that lowering your consumption of red meat can lower your chances of heart disease and high blood pressure. Due to that, there is a chance that you can live longer.  

Similarly to pescatarian diets, vegetarian diets also can reduce your risk for heart disease along with diabetes and some cancers.  

Vegan diets have a lot of the same benefits of lowering the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. It is also possible to experience weight loss. 

While pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets share a lot of the same benefits, these benefits aren’t automatically guaranteed. You have to know which foods to avoid and which ones to consume. For example, eating a lot of processed food can have a negative effect on your body even if they are technically acceptable in your diet.  

The food that you consume affects your overall health from reducing risk of diseases to improving your sleep and energy levels to helping to provide the nutrients that your brain needs to function.  

However, with so many different diets and advice from many different sources, it can be hard to choose a diet that is right for you and your lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, involving your doctor and considering your personal needs are some of the best ways to find a diet that works for you. For example, choosing something that isn’t sustainable long term is not recommended.  

Sustainable diets give you some flexibility when it comes to eating particular foods every once in a while. A sustainable diet should also include food that you like not just foods that you can tolerate.  

If you are considering becoming a pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan, you should consider whether that diet includes food that you do enjoy or not. You should also consider your reasoning for going on a diet and always reach out to a doctor or nutritionist if you have specific questions or concerns. 

Four misconceptions about pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets:  

You can’t get enough protein without meat.  

It’s expensive.  

There aren’t many food options.  Recipe here

You can’t eat out.

Recipes

No-Fry Rice, Spinach & Mushroom Quesadillas, Peanut Butter Lunch Box

Written by Carissa Zaun