The eating habits of a vegetarian can be very healthy. The rules still apply with healthy eating, although you should add variety, balance, and moderation. Meat in any form is stricltly eliminated from vegetarians diets. Vegetarians can be divided up further according to how much they do or don't restrict the types of food they eat. So, somebody who avoids eating animals, but still includes eggs and dairy in their diet, is referred to as a lacto-ovo vegetarian. On the opposite end of the scale we have the vegan, who refuses to eat food that has anything to do with animals.
Quite a few vegetarians are concerned that they are lacking in protein intake since they don't eat meat. Most people do not know that the average US citizen eats too much protein. In the case of lacto-ovo vegetarians, they can get protein through eating dairy products. Nuts, seeds, and soy products are good alternative sources of protein for vegans.
Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose from, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split peas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more. Some of them you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and rice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste good as they are, others are available with different flavors to help enhance their taste.
Even though nuts are a good source of protein, they have a much higher fat content than beans so they should be enjoyed in moderation. By having one cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount of protein as eating two ounces of meat. If all animal food is cut out of a diet, then there may be a lack of Vitamins D and B12, as well as calcium. Most people in North America get their Vitamin B12 from animal products. To have an adequate intake of B12, vegans should regularly consume vitamin B12 supplements or foods, which contain vitamin B12, such as soy products or milk.
Vegans can find alternative sources of calcium in orange juice or soy milk, both of which are fortified with calcium. In addition, calcium can be found in both leafy greens and beans. Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food groups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake is something you should always do. This is very important for eating healthy, as well as staying healthy. Paying attention to what you eat means a long life filled with lots of good for your food.
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A recognized expert in his field, Obinna Heche currently lives in California USA. For more details visit his site at Healthy Eating Tips for Vegetarians
