Top 7 Drawbacks of a Vegetarian Diet

The vegetarian diet has many health and environmental benefits. Some people choose to be vegetarians to avoid all the risk factors associated with animal foods, others choose it because of certain ethical and religious beliefs. It is beneficial for health. However, like any dietary change, it has some drawbacks. Here are the top 7 drawbacks of the vegetarian diet.

7. Nutrient Deficiencies

Animal foods contain key nutrients that won’t be included in a vegetarian diet. The list of nutrients includes vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. You should look for vegetarian-friendly supplements to provide you with these nutrients. (1, 2)

6. Food Choices Are Limited

If you consume a lot of traditional foods, you will find following the vegetarian diet difficult at first. You will take time to adjust yourself, taste, and body to the new meals. Find the most satisfying meals and build your new meals around them. (3, 4, 5)

5. You Will Feel Hungry Often

Studies suggest that the vegetarian diet is usually low in carbs, fat, and proteins. You will feel less satisfied than usual and hungrier until your body adjusts itself to the new diet. Choose foods that satisfy you most. (6, 7, 8)

4. Difficult to Follow

You will find food easily. However, you need to read every ingredient list to make sure that it is vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to choose foods that are free from gelatin, casein, and any other ingredients that are not vegetarian-friendly. (9)

3. Not Always the Healthiest Choice

People on the vegetarian diet try their best to find vegetarian-friendly foods. However, nowadays, there are many processed vegetarian foods containing many unhealthy components such as fats, sugars, and sodium. Choose carefully what you eat while following the vegetarian diet for the best results. (10, 11)

2. Consuming More Chemicals

Vegetarians consume plant-based foods in large amounts, which makes them more exposed to herbicides and pesticides. Studies show that it is difficult to find organic fruits and vegetables nowadays. However, most vegetables and fruits are exposed to safe chemical exposure. (12, 13, 14)

1. Vegetarians Don’t Live Longer

It is a common myth that vegetarians live longer. Of course, eating healthier is great but no one lives longer, we only live shorter. Eating unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and decrease physical activities shorten life span. (15, 16)