Vegetarians were in healthy eating seventh-heaven at a roadshow in Newcastle. Craig Thompson finds out how going green can keep you fit and feeling great.
A church in Tyneside has been playing host to a very different kind of congregation this week. Vegetarians from across the North East packed into St James United Reform Church, Newcastle, for a veggie feast. The Viva Incredible Veggie Roadshow stopped off in the city to promote the benefits of a vegetarian diet. And, with more Tynesiders than ever opting for a healthier lifestyle, the event proved a massive hit. Cookery demonstrations, free veggie food tasting, veggie stalls, competitions, talks and a mother and baby section were all available on the day. While those who were considering making "the switch" and turning green were given advice and healthy eating tips. The event has even attracted attention from one of the North East's most famous exports. Heather Mills McCartney, wife of Beatles legend Paul, pledged her celebrity support to the show. She said: "Newcastle is one of Britain's most vibrant cities - and it can soon be one of its healthiest. "Congratulations Viva for bringing their fun, upbeat Incredible Veggie Roadshow to my home city. "It's the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of healthier, cruelty-free, environment-saving, people-protecting vegetarian living." Health campaigners claim turning Veggie can have a life-changing impact. Juliet Gellatley, director of Viva, said: "Everybody who goes veggie can improve their health, help the developing world, protect the environment and save animals. "The Newcastle show was an upbeat event, and all free of charge." Vegetarians argue there are a lot of misunderstandings about the impact of a vegetarian diet. They claim too much animal protein can be damaging and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Veggie kids, they argue, get more than enough protein because all plant foods contain it - some in large quantities, such as beans, peas, lentils. While "green" youngsters are no more at risk of anaemia than meat-eaters, according to the British Medical Association, the American Dietetic Association and all the other big health bodies. Loads of everyday foods contain iron - baked beans, wholemeal bread, green leafy veg and even cocoa beans. They claim meat contains almost no calcium and dairy products are not the richest nor best source. While they say the high protein content of milk actually causes calcium to be lost from the body because the acid it produces is neutralised with calcium leached from the bones. A spokeswoman for Viva said: "There is plenty of calcium in dried fruit, such as apricots, figs and prunes, greens, nuts, seeds, tahini and fortified soya milk and tofu." What is a vegetarian? A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, fish, poultry or any slaughterhouse by-product such as gelatine. Vegetarians live on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit, with or without free-range eggs, milk and milk products. Vegetarians not eating anything containing dairy products or eggs are called vegans. Simple ways to stay a vegetarian include: 1. Take your time. Some people give up red meat first, then poultry, then fish. Work out what's best for you. 2. Don't be put off by people teasing or by ill-informed scare stories. 3. Look at it as an opportunity to try something new, like tofu, Quorn, pulses, cous cous, or more unusual vegetables. 4. Buy a vegetarian cook book or borrow one from your local library or have a look at www.vegsoc.org 5. Take some time to learn about nutrition and what food does what, that's the easiest way to stay healthy. 6. Once you've cut meat out of your diet, try going for vegetarian cheese and free-range eggs. 7. Don't go it alone. Make sure you tell any vegetarian friends you are going veggie and to avoid embarrassment at dinner parties always tell people well in advance you don't eat meat. Full and balanced diets A vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients a child needs, according to North East nutritionist Amelia Lake. She claims a well-balanced vegetarian meal, including the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, can help growing children feel great. Amelia, from Newcastle University, said: "As long as each meal is prepared carefully, there is no reason why vegetarians cannot get all the nourishment they need. "You often find vegetarians have a very full and active lifestyle from a very young age." According to The Vegetarian Society, there are three million veggies in Britain, with 5,000 people converting to a meat-free life every week and around 60% choosing to have a meatless meal once a week. Cutting meat from your diet can save your health too. There are claims being veggie can reduce your risk of certain cancers by 40% and decrease chances of heart disease by 30%. It may also lower your cholesterol, cut your risk of kidney and gall stones and help you avoid fatal diseases such as vCJD, E-coli and other forms of food poisoning. Be a veggie and eat for life What to eat every day: *Four or five servings of fruit and vegetables *Three or four servings of cereals/grains or potatoes *Two or three servings of pulses, nuts and seeds *Two servings of milk, cheese, eggs or soya products *A small amount of vegetable oil, margarine or butter some yeast extract that has been fortified with vitamin B12. *Vegetarians should also include the following in their diets: Dairy Products Milk, buttermilk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, goats' milk, cream, crème fraîche, smetana, soured cream, yogurt. Dairy products are an important source of calcium as well as protein, but be careful not to overdo it on cheese by making sure you eat plenty of pulses too. Vegetarian cheese - cheese made using a non-animal rennet - is now widely available, so look out for the words `suitable for vegetarians' on the packet, the Vegetarian Society's logo - or ask if you're buying from a cheesemonger. Eggs As well as hen eggs, look out for quail eggs, duck eggs, goose eggs, turkey eggs and gull eggs. Many vegetarians who eat eggs will insist on free-range eggs. Grains, Rice and Cereals Grains: Wheat (whole, cracked, bulgar, flakes, bran, germ, semolina, couscous), amaranth, buckwheat, barley, farro, corn (or maize - sweetcorn, popcorn, polenta), millet, oats, rye, quinoa, wild rice. | 
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