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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
October is Vegetarian Awareness Month
By: Marilyn Gordon Ed.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
October 1 is designated as “World Vegetarian Day,” but you have the whole month of October to enjoy the benefits of vegetarian cuisine. There are numerous reasons to “GO VEG,” even if it is just one day a week. Check out these reasons:
- Your health—it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
- The health of others—plant- based diets (beans and rice) can feed the hungry around the world much cheaper than a meat-based diet.
- The health of the animals—13,000 + chickens are killed each hour in modern slaughterhouses.
- The health of the planet—19% of all methane gas (a greenhouse gas) is emitted by cattle and other livestock. Twenty-two billion pounds of fertilizer and 17 trillion gallons of water are used annually to grow feed grains for American livestock.
- Your wallet—the annual cost of drugs to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes is $37 billion. Just think how much money you will save!
“It is the position of The American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” (American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109:1266-1282).
So what is NSU doing to support vegetarianism? Every Tuesday and Thursday, Culinary Table offers the Whole + Sum program, a distinctive world cuisine for 600 calories or less. Many of the options are vegetarian and you have the chance to try many unfamiliar whole grains such as Farro, Quinoa, and Bulgur. The offerings are also low in fat and sodium. The seasonings are representative of Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
If your interest is piqued, come to the nutrition table at the Health & Fitness Expo on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to learn about nutrition and vegetarian eating!