How to Be a Healthy Vegetarian

Key Facts

  • There are different types of vegetarian diets.
  • Eating a healthy vegetarian diet requires you to pay attention to certain nutrients.
  • Being a healthy vegetarian is possible!

Esta guía en Español Young men's version of this guide

girl in kitchen

What is a vegetarian?

A vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat meat, including beef, chicken, pork, or fish and may or may not choose to eat other animal-derived products such as eggs, dairy, gelatin, or honey.

There are different types of vegetarians:

  • Flexitarian:Flexitarians are also known as semi–vegetarians. They occasionally eat fish or meat, but generally avoid animal products most of the time.
  • Pescatarian:Pescatarians eat fish, dairy, and eggs but don't eat poultry or any other meats.
  • Lacto–ovo vegetarian:Lacto–ovo vegetarians don't eat meat, fish or poultry, but do eat eggs and dairy products (ovo means eggs and lacto means dairy). This is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
    • Lacto–vegetarian:Lacto–vegetarians don't eat meat, fish, poultry or eggs, but do eat dairy products.
    • Ovo–vegetarian:Ovo–vegetarians don't eat meat, fish, poultry or dairy, but do eat eggs.
  • Vegan:Vegans avoid eating any animal products or animal-derived ingredients that can be found in processed foods. They don't eat meat of any kind, dairy, eggs, honey, or gelatin. Some vegans (and some other types of vegetarians) choose not to wear clothes containing animal products, such as leather, wool, or silk, or use products such as lotion or makeup that may have been tested on animals.

Why do people decide to be vegetarian?

People decide to become a vegetarian for many reasons. Some people choose to become a vegetarian for environmental, ethical (animal rights), or health reasons. You may relate to one or many of these or have different reasons altogether. Deciding to become vegetarian is a personal choice.

Are vegetarian diets healthy?

Vegetarian diets can be healthy and may even lower the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. However, eating balanced meals and snacks requires some extra attention when you are a vegetarian. Because vegetarians don't have certain foods in their diets, they often need to work to incorporate foods that will provide the same nutrients they might have previously obtained through animal products. By eating a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, soy products, and whole grains, vegetarians can get adequate nutrients from non–meat sources. Vegetarians, especially vegans, need to pay attention to ensure that they get enough protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega–3 fatty acids.

Macronutrients:

Carbohydratesprovide energy and vitamins for your brain and muscles. Grain products, especially whole grains, are very important because they provide the carbohydrate, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Vegetarians should be sure to eat a variety of whole grains such as whole wheat bread, pasta and tortillas, brown rice, oats, bulgur, and quinoa.

Fat is needed by your body to stay healthy. Fat provides essential fatty acids and helps your body absorb certain vitamins. Excellent sources of healthy fats include nuts and nut butters, oils, and avocados.

Proteinis needed for your muscles to grow. Vegetarians need to be sure to eat protein-containing vegetarian foods when avoiding meat. Nuts, seeds, nut butters (including peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter), soy foods (such as tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, tempeh, and edamame), legumes (such as beans, peas, hummus, and lentils), meat substitutes (such as veggie burgers or seitan), dairy foods (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese), and eggs all provide protein. Most plant-based proteins do not contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs on their own, so it is important to eat a variety of sources of protein to be sure you are getting all of the essential amino acids. Soy foods are an exception. They contain all of the essential amino acids which makes them a complete protein.

Minerals:

Zincis important for growth and your immune system. Zinc is found in whole grains (not in refined grains such as bread or pasta made from white flour or white rice), fortified breakfast cereals, dairy products, soy foods, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Iron is important for your blood and is found in beans, seeds, soybeans, tofu, fortified breakfast cereals, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and dried fruit such as apricots, figs, or prunes. Plant–based iron is not absorbed as well as iron found in meat, but adding foods rich in vitamin C can help your body to absorb iron better. When you are eating plant-based iron foods, include foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits and certain vegetables such as tomatoes and bell peppers.

Calcium is needed to build strong bones. Calcium is found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt (there is more calcium found in traditional yogurt compared to greek yogurt), and cheese. You can also find calcium in broccoli, butternut squash, collard greens, black beans, white beans, soybeans, and tofu. However, plant sources of calcium have less calcium per serving and are more difficult for our bodies to absorb compared to dairy products. Some foods that aren't naturally high in calcium have calcium added to them; these foods are called "calcium–fortified." Soy milk, fortified oat or milk, fortified orange juice, some cereal, and cereal bars are a few examples. If you choose to not eat dairy, eating calcium fortified foods is a great way to ensure you are eating enough calcium. Look at the Nutrition Facts Label to find out which brands are highest in calcium.

Vitamins:

Vitamin D is needed to absorb the calcium you eat and is necessary for strong bones. You can get vitamin D from foods, such as fortified dairy or soy milk products, fortified orange juice, egg yolks; or your body can make Vitamin D from the sun. If you live in a place that gets very little sunshine, especially during the winter months, it's harder to get enough vitamin D from sunshine alone. To figure out if you're getting enough Vitamin D from the sun, look at a map of the United States and imagine a line running between San Francisco and Philadelphia. If you live north of this line, it's necessary for you (during the winter) to get your daily intake of vitamin D through food or supplements. When you are able to make vitamin D from the sun, you only need about 15 minutes of sun exposure to meet your needs for the day – after that, lather up with sunblock!

Vitamin B12 is needed for your brain and nervous system to function. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods, so vegans must eat food fortified with B12. For vegetarians who are not vegans, examples of foods with B12 include cow's milk and eggs. For individuals who follow a vegan diet, foods like fortified nutritional yeast flakes, fortified soy milk, and fortified cereals are good sources of B12. Your health care provider or dietitian may also recommend taking a B12 supplement to make sure your body gets enough of this vitamin.

Omega–3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids; "essential" means you need to eat these fats from your diet since your body is not able to make them on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids help to control inflammation and help to prevent heart disease. Vegans or vegetarians who don't eat eggs or fatty fish like salmon must include other sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, canola oil, soybeans, or tofu.

Iodine is a mineral that helps your body's metabolism. Plant–based diets can be low in iodine, so vegans should try to use iodized salt in recipes that call for salt. Seaweed (the type that wraps up sushi or ) is also a good source of iodine. Check the label of your salt before you buy it to make sure it is iodized. If you choose to use sea salt, be sure to look for brands that specify they are iodized.

Is it possible to be a vegetarian and be unhealthy?

It's important to remember that while vegetarian diets can have health benefits, it is also possible to be missing out on important nutrients as a vegetarian or vegan. For example, a diet that consists of grilled cheese, pizza, pasta and candy is technically vegetarian, but will not include all of the nutrients that your body needs. Similarly, if someone only eats fruits and vegetables, they will not be getting enough protein. In order to get all of the great vitamins and nutrients listed above, make sure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based protein sources such as beans, tofu or nuts into your diet. Be mindful of meat or dairy "substitutions" because some substitutes may not be nutritionally equivalent to meat and dairy. To ensure you are being healthy as a vegetarian, be sure you are eating a variety of foods.

How can I reassure my parents that I can still be healthy while following a vegetarian diet?

Your parents may be worried that you are choosing to follow a vegetarian diet without knowing how to do it in a healthy way. If you can explain your plan to eat a healthy balance of foods and your reasons for wanting to become a vegetarian, your parents may be more likely to understand. You still might need to give them time to accept your new diet. Read vegetarian cookbooks or nutritional information with your parents and offer to help with the shopping and cooking.

Here are some ideas for kitchen staples that will be helpful when following a vegetarian diet:

Fruits

  • Citrus fruit
  • Melons
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Dried fruit

Dark green leafy vegetables

  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Collard greens
  • Spinach

Dark orange or yellow vegetables

  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Winter squash

Legumes

  • Black, navy, pinto and/or white beans (canned or dry)
  • Lentils
  • Vegetarian baked or refried beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Hummus

Whole grains

  • Brown rice
  • Whole wheat bread, pasta, tortillas
  • Corn
  • Oats
  • Quinoa

Soy products

  • Calcium fortified soy milk
  • Tofu
  • Edamame (young green soy beans)
  • Tempeh

Meat substitutes

  • Texturized vegetable protein (TVP)
  • Seitan (gluten based meat substitute)
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Veggie burgers (such as Morningstar®, Boca®, or Quorn®)

Eggs and dairy

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese

What are some healthy meals that I can prepare?

Refer to our sample menu suggestions to get ideas about incorporating enough protein and other nutrients into your vegetarian diet. You can also look at vegetarian cookbooks or websites for more ideas. As always, make sure you consult with your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet to ensure you are eating enough of all the nutrients you need!

*You may need more or less than this depending on a multitude of factors, including your age and activity level.

**Menu 1 illustrates use of a food (Total® cereal) that is fortified with 100% the recommended intake of vitamin B12 and the minerals zinc and iron, nutrients that are more difficult to get when a teen is not eating meat. On day two, it may be necessary to supplement intake with a standard Multivitamin.

Vegetarian Sample Menu 1,vegan modifications in italics

  • Breakfast
    • Whole Grain Total® cereal topped with fruit (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, banana) and chopped walnuts
    • 1% milk (or calcium-fortified soy milk)
  • Snack
    • Hummus
    • Assorted raw vegetables (e.g., baby carrots, bell peppers, sliced zucchini)
  • Lunch
    • Whole wheat wrap/tortilla (or brown rice)
    • Black beans
    • Avocado (or guacamole)
    • Assorted veggies such as shredded carrots, sprouts, mushrooms, etc. (in the wrap, or sautéed and mixed with the rice & beans)
    • Vanilla yogurt (or soy based or coconut based yogurt)
    • Angel food cake (or sorbet)
    • Peach
  • Dinner
    • Morningstar® veggie burger
    • Whole wheat English muffin, toasted
    • Part-skim mozzarella cheese (melted on burger) (or vegan friendly cheese such as Daiya® or Violife®)
    • Steamed broccoli seasoned with B12 fortified nutritional yeast
  • Snack
    • Celery sticks
    • Peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
    • Raisins

Vegetarian Sample Menu 2, vegan modifications in italics:

  • Breakfast
    • Whole wheat toast
    • Peanut butter
    • Banana
    • Greek yogurt (or soy based or coconut based yogurt)
  • Snack
    • Granola bar (e.g., Kashi®, Clif Z bar®)
    • Baby carrots
  • Lunch
    • Whole grain bagel
    • Eggs(or a tofu scramble, seasoned with B12 fortified nutritional yeast)
    • Cheddar cheese (or vegan friendly cheese such as Daiya® or Violife®)
    • Sliced bell pepper (red, yellow, orange or green)
    • Apple
    • Pudding cup (or vegan-friendly dark chocolate)
  • Dinner
    • Pasta
    • Tomato sauce
    • Gardein® soy meatballs
    • Whole wheat dinner roll
    • Lettuce
    • Assorted vegetables
    • Dressing
    • Calcium-fortified soy milk
  • Snack
    • Popcorn
    • Peanuts or almonds