Apparently smarter kids become vegetarians. Now I'm a vegetarian!
Ok, I'm not. But I have thought about it. I enjoy meat. Steak on occasion. Chicken sometimes. Pork. That rules me out, huh? lol.
While I was actively following Weight Watchers it became more obvious to me that a vegetarian lifestyle is a healthier lifestyle. We decreased our dinners with meat, increasing our meals with whole grains and beans. (It's amazing how healthy beans are!) I hate to admit I have fallen away from those better eating habits since getting pregnant and moving. (I know, I know, pregnancy is a reason to only make eating healthier!)
This article is highly interesting to me. A few points worth sharing,
"Children who scored higher on IQ tests at age 10 were more likely than those who got lower scores to report that they were vegetarian at the age of 30," Gale said.
There was no difference in IQ score between strict vegetarians and those who said they were vegetarian but who said they ate fish or chicken, the researchers add.
Vegetarians were more likely to be female, of higher social class and better educated, but IQ was still a significant predictor of being vegetarian after adjustment for these factors, Gale said.
To throw out the question to any of you vegetarians reading this...have you always been a vegetarian? For what reasons do you follow this particular diet/lifestyle? Is it the whole "save the animals" idea, or health reasons?
5 comments:
I've been a vegetarian for about 5 years now...it was for two main reasons...health and philosophical. I learned of how animals are raised for food and it was appalling and decided I would not support the practice. The health benefits are huge, too, though. I actually lost 20 pounds in the first two months of being vegetarian (actually, for the first 2 years, i was vegan - no anmimal products whatsoever) and i find i can eat whatever i want and not gain weight...plus my cholesterol is very low (142) and i just feel really good. My husband isn't veggie, although he is at home since i dont buy or prepare meat, but Jack is and Sophie will be too (at least until they're old enough to choose for themselves).
20 pounds that fast?! Wow. Do you feel your meals are repetitive? I'm afraid I'd get into a meal rut, not having many things to cook for dinner. That's when I tend to binge. I look over my meatless sections of my cookbooks. The recipes are good, but how much of rice and beans can you eat before it gets old? (unfortunately I am not much of a seafood person)
I suppose a few good cookbooks could make a difference.
I am always on the fence and can totally go without meat for a long time, but then get the occasional craving! I eat mainly vegan with the occasional meat (ha!) since Gray is allergic to dairy & eggs! So, I love vegan items and you'd be surprised how much variety there really is! I love beans and veggies, hummus, chili, etc! Check out this site this site for other "mainstream" options, too!
Thanks for the link, Stephanie.
What's the term for a person that doesn't eat vegetables??
That's what I am!! LOL!
I know, I know... I need to eat my fruit and vegetables like a good little boy. Maybe I'll try harder in the New Year.
:)
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