Myths about vegetarianism. Who are vegetarians?

There are a lot of stereotypes about vegetarianism and veganism. Many people mistakenly assume that all vegetarians have a weak immune system, are unable to exercise and lead an active lifestyle. In fact, for most, vegetarianism is not just a style of eating, but a lifestyle. Someone refuses animal food to improve health, others – out of pity for animals. To dispel all the most common myths about vegetarianism, “Championship” talked to the coach and founder of the movement “Vegetarian Power” Oleg Smirnov.

Veganism and vegetarianism: what is the difference?

Many people mistakenly do not distinguish between these two concepts. Of course, both vegans and vegetarians do not consume meat, but there are other differences.

Oleg Smirnov, trainer: “Vegetarians do not use products obtained by killing animals. They do not eat meat, fish, do not wear skin and fur. Vegans, on the other hand, in addition to all of the above, also do not eat products derived from the exploitation of animals. They don’t eat dairy products, eggs, wear wool, silk, or use cosmetics that are tested on animals.”

Giving up meat can help you lose weight

Having given up meat, a person still does not stop eating sweets and flour. Excessive consumption of these products can also lead to overweight.

“It is a misconception that giving up meat will help a person lose weight. One loses weight from a lack of calories, not from any particular type of food. If you get fewer calories than you expend, you will lose weight, and it makes absolutely no difference what you consume in the process.”

“I’m always surprised when people ask me: what do vegetarians eat, where do they get their protein from?”.

Vegetarianism and protein deficiency

Many people think that protein is found exclusively in meat. However, this is not entirely true. Protein in sufficient quantities is also found in plants.

“Protein is not at all absent from the diet of vegetarians. It’s just that animal protein is replaced by plant protein, that’s all. Vegetarians consume some animal products that are high in protein. For example, eggs, cottage cheese. That’s why vegetarian athletes don’t have problems with food either. To be honest, I am always surprised when people ask me what vegetarians eat, where they get protein from. Go to any supermarket and you can buy everything you need. Vegans have a bit more difficulty in this respect, but again if you work hard you can find the necessary products in the stores to help you feel good.”

Giving up meat is harmful

Many people can safely say this, however, not everyone will be able to justify the harm of vegetarianism. This stereotype is based on very old data that modern science has disproved.

“Usually people who say that giving up meat is harmful can’t substantiate why. They can just hear it somewhere and repeat it. Vegetarians don’t have any problems or complexities associated with giving up meat.”

“The approach to training is absolutely no different between vegetarians and meat-eaters. If you’re eating right, getting everything you need, you’ll train like everyone else.”

Advice for aspiring vegetarians

If you do decide to become a vegetarian, you shouldn’t resort to drastic measures right away. To begin with, you need to learn how to organize your diet. It is important not just to cut out meat from your diet, but correctly replace this product with another.

“You need to eat right, and it doesn’t matter whether you are a vegetarian or not. We have a certain need for calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals. We have to cover this need 100 percent. A beginning vegetarian needs to know this. For example, if a person is used to potatoes with a cutlet, and then, becoming a vegetarian, he simply eliminated the cutlet, without adding anything in its place, then naturally, he will reduce the total caloric content of the diet and the amount of protein in the body. The person will begin to lose weight, experience problems. It is important to replace the product you have eliminated from your diet with a product with the same properties and nutrients. Sometimes people do not replace the product, but simply exclude it, which is wrong. You need to understand the basics of good nutrition, they are not that complicated.