Understanding Vegetarian Eating Plans

Vegetarian meals are a good way to add variety to your eating plan, keep fat intake low and help increase your fiber intake. It's important to understand just what a vegetarian eating plan is and does.

There are several types of vegetarian eating plans including:

Vegan: people who do not eat any animal foods
Lacto-vegetarian: those who eat dairy products along with plant proteins
Lacto-ovo: those who eat eggs and dairy products

The key to healthy vegetarian eating is eating sufficient amounts of protein and consuming adequate amino acids. Vegans must work to ensure nutritional adequacy in their diet by eating enough grains, nuts, seeds and beans.

Adding dairy products and eggs to your diet will also help you meet your nutritional needs.

If you are a vegetarian or are thinking about trying a vegetarian eating plan, remember to choose a wide variety of plant proteins and other plant foods to help meet your nutritional requirements.