Eating Healthy For Vegetarians

A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat, rnwhether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish.rnVegetarians are also sometimes classified by the type ofrnfood they are or aren't willing to eat. For example, rnLacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh yet they rnwill eat eggs and most dairy products. A Vegan on the rnother hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of rnanimal origin. Because they don't eat meet, vegetarians will often rnwonder how they'll get enough protein. Although you mayrnnot realize it, the average American actually consumesrnmore protein than he actually needs. For the lacto-ovornvegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of rnprotein. Vegans on the other hand, get their protein rnfrom nuts, seeds, and soy products. Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose rnfrom, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split rnpeas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more. Some of themrnyou are already familiar, such as kidney beans in rnchili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans andrnrice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste goodrnas they are, others are available with different flavorsrnto help enhance their taste. Nuts are hihg in protein,rnalthough they deliver a lot more fat than beans, whichrnmeans you should enjoy them in moderation. By having rnone cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount ofrnprotein as eating two ounces of meat! The nutrients of concern for vegans, who avoid all typesrnof animal food, are vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.rnIn the average North American diet, the primary sourcernfor B12 is animals. To have an adequate intake of B12, rnvegans should reguarly consume vitamin B12 supplements orrnfoods, which contain vitamin B12, such as soy productsrnor milk. For calcium, vegans can rely on orange juice or soy rnmilk, as they are fortified with calcium. Beans and rnleafy green vegetables will also contain some calcium asrnwell. Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food rngroups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake isrnsomething you should always do. This is very importantrnfor eating healthy, as well as staying healthy. If yourncontrol what you eat, you'll have many years of healthyrneating ahead of you.