October has rolled around, which means it’s the World Vegetarian Month. Every year, from October 1 (World Vegetarian Day) to November 1 (World Vegan Day), we celebrate vegetarianism. It increases awareness about the overall health benefits, as well as environmental and humanitarian benefits, of a vegetarian lifestyle.

This October, let’s go myth-busting, with vegetarianism in focus. Here are five myths about being it that we must forget, as compiled from Pinkvilla.

•        Guaranteed weight loss 
A vegetarian diet can never directly cause weight loss as believed by many. However, it may indirectly promote portion control as the fibre and protein found in veggies and fruits will satiate you better, reducing sudden hunger pangs.

•        Fruit sugar is unhealthy
Many people also worry about heightened sugar intake thanks to a more fruit-based diet. There’s really nothing to worry about as much as if you were to consume cakes or pastries, which have refined sugar. The natural variant found in fruits has fructose, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, which reduces the risk of any diseases.

•        No variety! 
A vegetarian diet being boring is perhaps one of the biggest myths associated with it! No, you don’t have to stick to just tofu or plants. You have an array of lentils, tempeh, fresh veggies, and newer options to choose from to make your palate more exciting!

•        Building muscle is hard
Many people fall for this because of the widespread belief that a vegetarian lifestyle does not have enough protein. That is far from the truth. You can easily incorporate protein-rich foods in your diet without meat options and there are many vegetarian options for this. You just have to look for protein-rich foods; a simple Google search would do!

•        Soy is harmful
This one is just plain wrong. Soy is, in fact, one of the most potent sources of protein in a plant-based diet that doesn’t need any other food to complement it! Not just that, it is also known to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Posted in Tribune.com.pk on 06 October.

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• Wardah Arshad

A person who takes food seriously with an "ask me anything about food" attitude. Here to share my love for food with people through interesting and fun blogs!