Vegetarian Diets

Vegetarianism is an adopted diet and lifestyle that 7.3 million Americans follow. Its popularity in America is increasing every year and it is the fastest growing category in food publishing.  The demand for more vegetarian recipes, magazines, and other vegetarian-based literature has inspired many to create extensive websites, blogs, and online cookbooks all devoted to helping others convert to the vegetarian diet.

                         

So what does being Vegetarian really mean? Well, the term can have different meanings to different people. Most people who claim to be Vegetarian are Lacto-ovo-vegetarians. This type omits all meat products (beef, poultry, fish, shellfish, or animal flesh of any kind. However, they will still enjoy eggs, milk, and milk products. Pescatarians refrain from eating all meat products, yet still allow fish and other seafood into their diet. Vegans do not eat meat of any kind, dairy, eggs, or any product which has been derived from an animal such as gelatin. They also do not purchase leather, angora, or pelts or fur of any kind. There is some debate as to whether certain foods, such as honey which comes from an animal, yet the animal is not hurt in the process, should be included in the Vegan diet. Vegan Raw foodists follow the vegan diet, yet also exclude any food that has been heated to above 115°F. They believe any food cooked above this temperature has lost a significant amount of its nutritional value and could be harmful to the body. Lastly, there are the Flexitarians. This group mostly abstains from meat products in an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle, yet will still have the occasional chicken dinner. There are 22.8 million Americans like Flexitarians who follow a vegetarian-inclined diet. 

No matter what kind of vegetarian diet is followed, the common ground for these Americans is a healthier lifestyle altogether. Scientific research suggests that the vegetarian diet comprised of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and nuts, and strict avoidance of meat and high-fat animal products, combined with regular exercise has been  linked to lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol,  and less risk for obesity, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. 


Submitted by:
Alice Jablonski, Tennessee Tech University Dietetic Student

3997 Midland Ave

Knoxville, TN 38501

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Cafe 4

Reviewed March 5, 2011 by Angie Sberna and Elizabeth Strawbridge

4 out of 5 Forks

Café 4 is an elegant dining venue in downtown Market Square, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. All sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of the following options:  housemade fries, housemade chips, fresh fruit, or spring mix with house vinaigrette. Breakfast items can be served with fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, grits, or oatmeal. All of Café 4’s menus can be found online.

Angie:  I ordered the Braised Short Rib and Grilled Cheese sandwich off of the brunch menu. This sandwich included a red onion marmalade and cheddar cheese, and was served on wheatberry bread. I chose the spring mix with house vinaigrette as my side. The sandwich was delicious, and the salad was pretty good, but the only vegetables served on the salad were 3 tomatoes! Next time, I will probably opt for the fresh fruit instead :)

Elizabeth:  I also ordered from the Brunch menu, and chose the Breakfast Sandwich. Being a vegetarian, I find I have more options available to me for breakfast/brunch options, especially using eggs as my protein choice. This particular breakfast sandwich had spinach, gruyere cheese and an egg served on my choice of a buttery croissant or bagel (I chose the wheat bagel). I had the choice of fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, grits or oatmeal as my side, and I went with the fruit. The sandwich wasn’t the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had, but it was very flavorful and plenty big (I ended up taking half home for later). The fresh fruit was excellent – a wider selection than most restaurants offer.

We were at Café 4 during the Mardi Growl event at Market Square, so there were plenty of dressed-up dogs, big and small, to watch through the windows for mealtime entertainment!

 Cafe 4 received 4 out of 5 Fork rating as nutrition information is not available.  Cafe 4 is located in Market Square and provides a dine-in experience with patio seating available.

Knox Events for Weekend of April 15- 17

EarthFest

April 16 10 a.m. - 5p.m.

Pellissippi State Community College

 EarthFest is a FREE, “zero-waste” event with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family, including your pets!

• Over a hundred exhibitors and attractions 
• Take part in demonstrations and workshops that specifically define what you can do to be more environmentally friendly

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Healthy Living Kitchen, Sponsored by Food City

April 16 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

• $40 Registration Fee
• Heart Hospital Conference Room at UT Medical Center
• Demonstration on simple low-fat recipes 
• Improving your knife skills 
• Healthy grocery shopping tips
• Learn how to select quality produce 
• How to make healthier meals
• Lunch and demo samples
• Complimentary parking
• Goody bags