Meaty Advice for Vegetarians

Years ago, it took a few trips to different specialty stores to find popular vegetarian mainstays like quinoa, edamame and tofu.

Not anymore. A demand for vegetarian staples has placed them within easy reach at most neighborhood grocery stores.

These days, it’s not just your personal trainer who touts the vegetarian lifestyle.

It’s your grandmother, too.

Whether it’s to lose weight, improve your health or show respect for animals, vegetarians need to carefully choose their foods to make sure they get enough nutrition, according to the American Dietetic Association.

In a recent news release, the association encouraged future vegetarians – including those who struggle with obesity or type 2 diabetes – to consult a registered dietitian for advice.

“Appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases,” according to the American Dietetic Association.

Federal health officials agree. When they rolled out the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, they included sample vegetarian food patterns.

While some health studies have shown a vegetarian diet can help weight loss, people still have to make smart choices by avoiding too many calories and oversized portions.

That includes second helpings of vegan pumpkin cheesecake.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

+ Read about Medically Supervised Weight Loss