Vegetarian Healthy Diet
If you decide to follow a vegetarian diet, the good benefits definitely outweigh the bad ones as you will be getting direct benefits both calorically and nutritionally.
Nearly 16 million Americans (5% of the population) are vegetarian and 50% of them are vegan (Harris Interactive study commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group).
The number of vegetarians in the United States has doubled since 2009 when the figure was only 2.5%.
Results also show that around 33% of Americans, even though they are not 100% vegetarian, still eat vegetarian meals more often.
So let’s take a bit of a look at a vegetarian healthy diet and you can decide for yourself if it might be for you.
Eat Generous Portions of Healthy and Nutritious Foods
The vegetarian food pyramid will show you that there are a lot of options that are available for you to eat.
At the bottom of this food pyramid you will see whole grains, pasta, rice, cereal and breads.
A nutritionist will tell you to eat as many grains as you want if you are a vegetarian, as much as 6-11 servings in a day.
Vegetables are definitely acceptable to eat and around 3 servings a day. It is also recommended to have around 2-4 servings of fruit per day.
Non-fat and low-fat dairy products for lacto-ovo vegetarians are also listed at the upper tier of the vegetarian pyramid.
You should eat around 2-3 servings a day of cheese, yoghurt, low-fat and non-fat milk (sensible amounts.)
Along with the dairy products on the same tier is the list for legumes, seeds and nuts.
Again a sensible amount can be eaten of these, around 2-3 servings a day.
At the very top of the triangle are you vegetable oils and fats. These should be eaten sparingly and the same for olive oil and soy oil.