*Disclaimer: This is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of all the facets of this diet. It is an overview focusing on lifestyle changes required. As with any diet change, we strongly recommend you speak to qualified professionals, including your doctor, regarding your health and wellness.
Whew, I can already see all the hate I am going to get from this one! I will start by asking you to go up and re-read the disclaimer. This is just a brief look at a way of eating as it relates to lifestyle changes required and ease of maintaining it.
Eating vegetarian and being healthy is absolutely possible. I have known several extremely healthy individuals who were strict vegetarians.
Unfortunately, maintaining a healthy ratio of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) is not always easy while sticking to this way of eating. It requires careful planning and being smart about how you rotate food through.
Protein is one of the big sticking points I see when people first adopt the diet. It is quite possible to get all of the protein you need from plants, it is not always straightforward though. People really need to research their sources and get a well balanced protein intake from several different sources.
This planning can really get to people and make it difficult to keep your food intake at the correct ratios to maintain your health and well being. And with any eating plan/lifestyle change, you should ask yourself WHY you want to eat in that way. Knowing why and what you hope to get out of your eating choices will help you stick with it longer and change it from a fad diet to a lifestyle.
If you really want to go this route, go for it. Just make sure you do your research and take your advice from reputable people who have your health and well being at the forefront of their advice, not just pushing an agenda. And don’t skimp on the planning time!