A vegetarian diet can be very healthy for a person's health, but only if they have the proper nutritional intake! Becoming a vegetarian can cause a person's body to have a decrease of protein, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. The article posted on Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a great informational source for Vegetarians and those looking to become vegetarian! A proper vegetarian diet must include daily servings from all of the main food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy products. The picture listed below is one I found that not only lists the basic food groups for a vegetarian diet, but lists the number of servings one should have on a normal day to day basis.
Even though all the food groups are important, a vegetarian should definitely focus on where they are getting their protein since they are not eating meat anymore! Protein can be found in beans, whole grains, soy products, nuts, dairy, and eggs so make sure you are getting the proper intake of these. Being a lacto-ovo vegetarian (one who does not eat meat, poultry, or fish but still eats dairy products and eggs), I find my protein in all those listed above!
Interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! It is really important for anyone who becomes vegetarian or vegan to know what they need to find supplements for!
DeleteKelley I also found your article interesting. I get this all the time because I myself am a personal trainer and nutritionist. I get this question I'll the time and am curious to see your views on it. Do you think that we as humans were meant to be herbivores?
ReplyDeleteI wish we were meant to be herbivores, but as my brother says, we have teeth made to eat both meat and plants. It is up to us to decide what we choose to eat or not eat!
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