Understanding the Vegetarian Diet
Content by: NCES, Inc.
Vegetarian diets can be healthy, nutritious and easy to prepare, if well planned. Put together a healthy, vegetarian plan.
Calculator
Share Item
Presentation
Author
Understanding the Vegetarian Variety!
1. Vegetarians do not eat foods of animal origin.
2. Vegans eat only plant foods and avoid using products like silk, wool, honey and other animal products.
3. Lacto Ovo Vegetarians eat milk & eggs, but not red meat, seafood or poultry.
4. Semi-Vegetarians eat milk, eggs, poultry & seafood, but not red meat.
Proteins. Protein sources include lentils, peas, beans, nuts, tofu and cereals. Eat a variety of these foods throughout the day to meet your needs.
Calcium. Consume 2-3 servings of calcium-fortified orange juice, calcium fortified tofu, calcium-fortified soy milk, broccoli, bok choy, kale, or turnip greens. For dairy, choose 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy products per day to meet calcium needs.
Vitamin B12. It's a challenge to meet minimums in a vegetarian diet, because B12 comes mostly from animal sources and is essential to your diet. Consume 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy products for lacto ovo vegetarians. Others, consider eating fortified cereals or a plant-based vegetarian supplement.
Zinc. Whole grains, legumes and nuts are good plant sources. Lacto ovos can get zinc from dairy products.
Iron. Rich vegetarian foods include spinach, lentils, dried beans, dried fruits and nuts, bulgur and prune juice. Eat Vitamin C rich foods, such as citrus fruits, to help your body absorb all the iron.
Quick Tips!
* Include at least 2-3 servings of lentils/dried beans or peas per day in your diet. These foods are rich in iron and other nutrients.
* Eat Vitamin C rich foods and iron rich foods together to increase absorption of iron.
* Substitute butter or cream cheese spreads with nut butters or bean dips.
* Add beans to your salad to pump up the protein and sprinkle some nuts on top for extra crunch and nutrition.
Next Steps:
1. Be sure to drink 2-3 servings of calcium-fortified soy milk/soy yogurt/soy cheese/orange juice per day to meet your calcium requirements.
2. Remember to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes to get optimal nutrition.
3. Try something new! Many ethnic cuisines have wonderful vegetarian/vegan recipes that are nutritionally balanced.
4. Watch portion size when you snack on nuts and dried fruit.
Glucose Wands are great for achieving client engagement. In a simple, but effective visualization exercise, clients get a better understanding of diabetes.
Diabetes Education with Glucose Wands
Generally, nutrition requirements continue change with maturity and activity levels. For active males and females, calories are important in fueling the body. Take a look at a few basics in calorie requirements.
The Basics: Exercise and Calories
Everyone is feeling the pinch at the grocery store! Individuals and families are finding it more challenging to maintain a healthy diet and meal plan on a budget. You can offer your clients suggestions and ideas that are easy and practical. Tak...
Grocery Shopping on a Budget