October is National Vegetarian Month and many massage
therapists use this topic as an opening to discuss diet, exercise
and healthy living habits with their patients. People who receive
massage on a regular basis are generally in tune with their
body's need for proper nutrition and exercise, conversely many
prescribe to a vegetarian diet, or at least a partial vegetarian
diet. A vegetarian diet can complement any health regimen, and a
study done by the prestigious British Medical Association shows
that vegetarians, in general, live longer and healthier lives than
those who eat meat on a regular basis. The report concluded that
vegetarians have a 28% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a
39% lower risk of dying of cancer.
People are going back to basics and many people have
chosen to look into alternative medicine and preventive health
habits to decrease their chances of disease, increase their feeling
of well-being, and to live a healthier and more productive
life.When you feel good, you are more focused, and when you are
more focused, you are more productive! Becoming a vegetarian
has so many optimal health benefits, it's difficult to argue
against them! Lower cholesterol, better weight control ability,
less pesticides and hormones and steroids in the diet can only
benefit your overall health.
Aside from the wonderful health benefits of being a
vegetarian, you will realize that you are becoming more aware of
your body and what goes into it, and how you are treating it.
Vegetarianism also goes hand in hand with an awareness of our
natural resources and how we are treating our planet, and the
ethical treatment and use of our livestock. Many people who have
chosen to become vegetarians also practice regular massage and some
type of exercise such as yoga, bicycling, hiking or swimming
because they are more aware of their bodies need for healthy living
habits and a balanced lifestyle.
Becoming a vegetarian is a life changing decision, but
it doesn't need to be a difficult one! Check out
www.wholefoods.com for information on National Vegetarian Month as
well as ideas for meatless recipes that are easy to incorporate
into your diet and budget. For pre-made products that make
eating vegetarian much easier go to www.almostvegan.com. Try the
one week challenge! Go to www.peta.org/vsk/ for your free
vegetarian starter kit and see the difference eating a vegetarian
diet makes in your life.
*(1986). vegetarianism. British medical association,
*www.wholefoods.com
*www.almostvegan.com
*www.peta.org/vsk/
October 2009 by Shelli Rossignol, L.M.T/
Big Bend Beauty s.rossignol
