Some people think that being a vegetarian means that you will have to eat strange foods, really restrict your diet, or carefully combine foods. If you are interested in becoming a vegetarian, get the facts.
Not true. It is tough to find anyone in the US—vegetarian or not—who is protein-deprived. Most Americans meet their daily protein needs, with many people exceeding their needs. While there is no doubt that meat is protein-packed, almost all foods contain at least small amounts of proteins. This means that just by eating a variety of foods, vegetarians get plenty.
Not true. Diners are demanding more meatless menu options, and restaurants are responding. Meatless dining out is easier than ever. Even if there are not a lot of choices, with a little creativity, it is not difficult to put together a tasty meal. Most restaurants are happy to prepare items without meat. Even fast food restaurants will usually accommodate requests for burgers ordered as "hold the meat, add extra vegetables."
Vegetarians, like meat eaters, should follow the pattern set out by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid and eat a diet based on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, with smaller amounts of low-fat dairy products and protein foods and limited amounts of added fats and sweets. The USDA does say that vegetarians may need to pay particular attention to protein , iron , calcium , zinc , and B12 . Here are some common sources of these nutrients:
According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), "well-planned…vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy." Moreover, says the ADA, meatless diets, when appropriately planned, also "satisfy nutrient needs of infants, children, and adolescents". Like all pregnant women, vegetarian women should take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.
Babies born to vegetarians are just as likely to be a healthy, normal weight as those born to non vegetarian mothers. Kids are fine without meat, too. Vegetarian children grow normally. It may be a good idea to see a registered dietitian who can spot any potential problem areas and address fears that parents might have.
Just because you are not eating meat, does not mean you are eating healthy. A vegetarian who eats a diet full of fried foods and foods packed with sugar (like cake and candy) is not eating well.
Not true. There are plenty of vegetarians who have never allowed tofu to pass their lips. In general, though, vegetarians do tend to experiment with different foods to replace the meat that they may have grown up with. But, this is not a requirement of the vegetarian way of life. Vegetable pizza, bean burritos, broccoli stir-fry, pasta with marinara sauce, and other "classics" are all meatless dishes. And then there is macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, French toast…
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
International Vegetarian Union
http://www.ivu.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Council on Food and Nutrition
http://www.ccfn.ca/
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
References
10 tips for following a vegetarian diet. My Pyramid.gov website. Available at: http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/TenTips/VegetarianTipsheet.pdf. Updated September 2009. Accessed March 23, 2010.
Frequently asked questions. European Food Information Council website. Available at: http://www.eufic.org/index/en/. Updated December 2010. Accessed March 23, 2010.
How much protein do you need? NIH News in Health website. Available at: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2008/March/docs/01features_01.htm. Accessed March 23, 2010.
Vegetarian diet. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596/NSECTIONGROUP=2. Updated June 2009. Accessed March 23, 2010.
Vegetarian diets. My Pyramid.gov website. Available at: http://www.mypyramid.gov/tips_resources/vegetarian_diets.html. Updated September 2009. Accessed March 23, 2010.
Last reviewed March 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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