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What are the Best Tips for Vegetarian Dieting?

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Vegetarians choose to eliminate meat and animal products from the diet and focus primarily on eating plant products such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. This will often increase the intake of healthy vitamins and minerals, while eliminating unhealthy components found in some animal products such as fatty or chemically altered meats. However, careless vegetarian dieting can also lead to a lack of protein and other nutrients typically derived from animal products. Vegetarians must take caution to ensure the diet remains well-rounded and as healthy and inclusive as possible. There are many tips that will positively influence vegetarian dieting.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet are protein, vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and iron. Including enough protein is typically the first concern for those who are new to vegetarian dieting, as it is the primary component of meat. However, vegetarians can ensure adequate quantities of protein are ingested by adding a variety of beans, rice, peas, nuts, and soy products. The only unfortified sources vitamin B12 are eggs, dairy products, and meat, but fortified vegetarian sources are available in products such as veggie burgers, yeast extracts, and vegetable margarines.

Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad, a vegetarian dish.
Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad, a vegetarian dish.

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Vegetarian dieting should include calcium sources such as tofu, soy beverages, green leafy vegetables like collard greens and bok choy, as well as calcium-fortified products such as orange juice and cereals. Zinc can be found in a variety of foods. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice for zinc, as are lentils, whole grain cereals, yeast, and beans. Sources of iron include blackstrap molasses, wholegrain flours, and kidney beans. Some plant foods can inhibit the absorption of iron, so vegetarians should include food sources containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits, which will improve absorption.

A vegatarian dish.
A vegatarian dish.

Vegetarian dieting may seem complicated at first, but once one is familiar with vegetarian food sources that include the desired nutrients for optimal health, it becomes second nature to make the appropriate selections. Many dishes are easily converted to vegetarian options simply by leaving out the meat or substituting a vegetarian alternative. As with any diet, the best actions to take are to include as much variety as possible, choose whole foods over processed foods, and to make an effort to maintain a balanced diet that includes all the essential foods recommended by doctors and nutrition professionals.

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...

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    • Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad, a vegetarian dish.
      By: James Cohen
      Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad, a vegetarian dish.
    • A vegatarian dish.
      By: Marco Mayer
      A vegatarian dish.
    • Blackstrap molasses, a good source of iron for vegans.
      By: Kenton
      Blackstrap molasses, a good source of iron for vegans.
    • Lentils are a good source of zinc for vegetarians.
      By: gitusik
      Lentils are a good source of zinc for vegetarians.
    • Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.
    • Vegetarians can get their zinc from pumpkin seeds.
      By: areif
      Vegetarians can get their zinc from pumpkin seeds.
    • Collard greens are a good source of calcium, which can be lacking in a vegetarian diet.
      By: Onionhead
      Collard greens are a good source of calcium, which can be lacking in a vegetarian diet.
    • Meat substitutes, like soya mince, are often incorporated into vegetarian meal plans.
      By: andystjohn
      Meat substitutes, like soya mince, are often incorporated into vegetarian meal plans.