If you’ve read my previous blogs, you may know that I’m a flexitarian—meaning that I eat a plant-centric diet with occasional servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish—for most of the year. I also follow a strict vegan routine during the winter months.

Though sometimes friends and readers question my choice to leave animal protein largely out of my diet, I’ve always explained that with careful planning, my eating habits are just as healthy, if not more so, than anyone else’s. Now a new study finds that more people are taking my view.

(Being flexitarian, by the way, is something I do for my health and weight control; the vegan part of the year is a statement I’m trying to make—with my wallet—about not supporting many of our nation’s animal farming practices.)

Vegetarianism is increasing in popularity in the United States, according to a recently published position paper in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Among adults, 2.3% of the population is vegetarian and 3% of 8- to 18-year-olds follow a vegetarian diet. That doesn’t sound like much, but—compared with just a few decades ago—there is a definite movement from Americans to give up their beloved burgers, at least some of the time.

(Getty Images)

According to the American Dietetic Association’s new position paper, released in July, “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. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.”

In summary, vegetarian diets offer health advantages and are appropriate for all ages and stages of life—from pregnancy to old age. In fact, some of the significant health benefits of eating a vegetarian diet include lower rates of:

• Overweight and obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain cancers
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Now it’s up to the USDA to see if the many benefits of eating a plant-based diet are addressed in the next edition of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, to be issued next year.

Until then, it certainly can’t hurt—and will most likely help your health—to try going meatless at least a few days a week. Here’s how to make sure you get the nutrients you need, and here are plenty of tasty recipes to get you started.