Morgane, 35, started out in vegetarianism. His new “no steak” diet worries him. Being a vegetarian, is it risky? Dr Patrick Serog will reassure her by telling her what to do next.
Vegetarianism does not seem to have nutritional disadvantages as long as it is applied while respecting the dietary rules of diversity. The practice of a vegetarian diet, in accordance with the basic principles of a balanced diet advocating the consumption of the three main plant families (cereals, legumes and oilseeds) and the regular absorption of dairy products, could even have beneficial effects on health. Especially since the practitioners of this diet often adopt a rather favorable lifestyle.
However, Morgane, a new vegetarian, is worried, she would like to know the risks of this type of diet.
Dr Patrick Serog’s answers,
nutritionist doctor in Paris
Are there different types of vegetarian diet?
The benefits of vegetarianism? Is it better for my health?
J‘have a few extra pounds, can being a vegetarian make me lose weight?
I am new to vegetarianism, can you give me a typical menu?
Are there any risks in this diet?
And for protein, where can I find it if I no longer eat meat?
Can my children also become vegetarians?
I want other children, are pregnancy and a vegetarian diet compatible?
why-docteur.com: Are there different types of vegetarian diet?
Dr Patrick Serog: Yes, there are different types of vegetarian diet. All of them do away with meat. Some will preserve fish as well as animal by-products, it is the pescovegetarian diet. Others will only keep animal products such as eggs, without milk, so they are ovovegetarians. If we keep dairy products but not eggs, in this case, we are lacto-vegetarian. There is a whole range of diets that can be done from the vegetarian diet.
The benefits of vegetarianism? Is it better for my health?
Dr Patrick Serog: They are not extremely well demonstrated. Some studies have found that not eating fish or meat would decrease the number of diseases and that we would live better. But being a vegetarian is also a lifestyle. When we practice a little more physical activity and pay a little more attention to ourselves, of course we have beneficial effects on health that are not only linked to our diet. diet highlight the economic and nutritional benefits of reducing saturated fat intake, increasing fiber intake and limiting salt intake.
J‘have a few extra pounds, can being a vegetarian make me lose weight?
Dr Patrick Serog: When we have some curves and we suddenly change our diet, we lose weight. We lose our fat, because by excluding a certain number of foods, we will reduce the amount of energy consumed. We can never compensate for the loss of meat or fish by an extraordinary increase in vegetables, cereals or starches. This is true for other diets as well. This weight loss will stabilize when we keep this diet over the long term.
I am new to vegetarianism, can you give me a typical menu?
Dr Patrick Serog: A vegetarian meal will, for example, consist of raw vegetables or a soup as a starter. Then, as a main course, we will eat two eggs and cereals, with why not also green vegetables. For the dessert, yogurt and fruit. And there, the diet will be fairly balanced and without problems.
Are there any risks in this diet?
Dr Patrick Serog: If we completely eliminate meat and fish, we still risk having iron deficiencies. This may be the only problem with vegetarianism. Especially for women, because they lose iron during menstruation. They then risk in case of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia. If this is really the case, I recommend taking a blood test regularly to see if you have enough iron. If you do not have enough, you will then have to supplement your diet with tablets.
And for protein, where can I find it if I no longer eat meat?
Dr Patrick Serog: For proteins, we will get them through animal products. Animal proteins are found in eggs and dairy products, for example. We will also combine it with a lot of vegetable proteins that we will find in pulses and cereals. This mixture will ultimately be fairly balanced for the body..
Can my children also become vegetarians?
Dr Patrick Serog: VSIt is much more of a problem for children to make them vegetarian because they are growing. This period requires very large amounts of iron and protein. Children will not be able to compensate for these shortcomings with vegetarian diets. I therefore strongly advise against this vegetarian diet for children, which is not at all the same problem for adults.
Pregnancy and vegetarian diet are they compatible?
Dr Patrick Serog: Pregnant women do indeed need more iron and therefore it is a real problem for them. It is better not to have a strictly vegetarian diet for pregnant women. We could very well in this case make a combination of fish and dairy products, that would then be quite acceptable. On the other hand, if these women have removed meat and fish from their diet, then that can cause problems. This is why in general gynecologists give systematic iron supplements for vegetarians.
Interview by Bruno Martrette
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