The phrase “meat withdrawal symptoms” makes a minor issue sound like a great, big problem. In fact, if you’re eating a healthy diet, you won’t experience very many issues at all. Here’s a little bit more about cutting meat out of your diet and what you can expect when you take the leap to a healthier you.
Why Going Meatless Benefits Your Health
Research confirms that in three to six months of cutting meat out of your diet, you can eliminate several health problems, including:- Heart Disease — Overconsumption of meat causes heart disease. In the blog article, “Ten Proven Reasons Why Meat Ruins Your Body” there are 11 studies cited that includes over 745,000 people from several countries who were studied in these prospective cohort studies, with a combined 11 million people-years of follow-up. That is an absolute mountain of consistent data showing that eating meat results in more cardiovascular death.
- Obesity — Most people eat far too much meat and bread and not enough fruits and vegetables. People following the Hallelujah Diet consumed 11.5 servings of vegetables and 6.5 servings of fruit daily. So, most people get less than that. Naturally, this leads to weight gain and obesity. It’s not the fat that makes you fat — it’s the excess calories and the extra refined carbohydrates. Fortunately, when you switch over to a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, organic whole grains and legumes, you cut out the extra fat, the excess protein, and a lot of sugars. This goes a long way in reducing obesity.
- Cancer Reduction — Studies show that those who follow plant-based diets have a much lower cancer risk than people who eat meat. Some scientists suspect that is the overuse of growth hormones and antibiotics within the meat that is causing the surge in cancer. However, there have been studies of people eating very clean diets who still had excessive rates of cancer due to their high “clean” meat consumption. The link between meat and cancer goes back further in time and farther in global scope than the use of antibiotics and hormone injections and feedlot beef production in the USA. So far, the mechanisms for provoking disease do not include antibiotics or unnatural growth hormones. No, the problems with meat apply to “clean” meat as well as feedlot meat.
- Depression Avoidance — Changing your hormones increases your risk of depression. Meat tends to suppress serotonin and dopamine production, making you feel sadder and more withdrawn.
How to Avoid Craving Meat
When we start cutting meat out of our diet, it can be a challenge. We don't need meat, and we act like we’re addicted to it causing the meat withdrawal symptoms. But the body likes what it is accustomed to, and if you cut out meat, you might find yourself craving meat. This is one craving you don't need to give into. As you fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, organic whole grains and legumes, your body will obtain protein from these sources. You do not need to pay attention to your protein consumption unless you are overly concerned about it. Or you can use HD Essential Protein Powder to waylay your concern. Regardless, it is almost impossible to not get enough protein if you are getting enough calories to meet the body’s energy needs on a plant-based diet.
Problems with Going Meatless
- Not Getting Enough Vitamin B12 — Deficiency of the B12 vitamin in vegetarians and vegans and can cause fatigue, depression, and delayed healing response. You can easily supplement your lack of this essential vitamin with a B12, B6 & Folate supplement.
- Bone Loss — Some people may be concerned that going meatless will cause greater rates of bone loss. However, a study on vegetarianism, bone loss, fracture, and vitamin D comparing vegans and omnivores found that bone loss was great among the omnivores and that bone loss was association with corticosteroid use and high intake of animal protein.
If you're going meatless, be sure to get regular bone density checks and supplement appropriately with bone health supplements that contain vitamin D3 and K2. Eating organic whole grains is important, as a high phytate diet is protective to bone density. Vitamin C, found at high levels in the Hallelujah Diet, is also protective for your bones. In general, a more alkaline diet protects your bones as well. And be sure to do weight-bearing exercises regularly, as this increases bone strength. So, your fears about increased bone loss on a meat-less diet are actually unfounded. You are likely to have better bone health by going meatless.
Going meatless is a great way to improve your health. There are a few issues that can occur, but if you follow the guidelines mentioned above you will do fine and the gains are well worth it. Be sure to stay in touch with your doctor so you can monitor any problems and you’ll be able to enjoy health for the rest of your long life.
