A Healthy Food Guide for the Vegetarian Diet
The general point of view is that you can’t go wrong with a vegetarian diet; it is nutrient dense with lots of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. But did you know that vegetarian diets can be low in protein if adequate beans, lentils, and/or dairy products are not included? For example, a vegetarian meal that consists only of a green leafy salad with a side of whole wheat bread is low in protein. Adding beans to your green salad, a side of lentil soup, and/or a serving of skim milk or yogurt are easy ways to pack protein into your meal. Plus, eating the same lettuce salad for lunch every day can also mean your diet lacks variety. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits ensures that you regularly get different nutrients from natural foods. Whether you’re eating at home or at a restaurant, there are websites with free tools you can use to look up nutrition facts for foods and recipes.
Most of the free nutrition databases that are available online provide the calorie, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content of foods. They may also include additional nutrition information for foods such as dietary fiber, cholesterol, and sodium content. The field of nutrition is constantly evolving due to the extensive scientific research that is carried out worldwide. Board-certified nutrition professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills based on the latest scientific research findings. Stay up to date with dietary recommendations by reading nutrition advice provided by qualified experts; Avoid the yo-yo effects of fad diets and miracle foods.
Qualified nutrition professionals with specializations in chronic health conditions, food allergies, dietary restrictions or ethnic diets can also offer support through personalized dietary advice and consultation. Many Indians follow a vegetarian diet that also includes eggs and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, and butter. Most of the savory Indian snacks tend to be fried while the desserts are made with ghee (clarified butter). Moderation is important as both snacks and desserts are high in fat. There are very few free online food databases that provide accurate nutritional data for Indian cuisine or a list of protein-containing foods for ethnic cuisine. Working with a qualified nutrition professional who is also knowledgeable about ethnic dietary restrictions helps create proper meal plans and diet modifications that work for your lifestyle and health requirements. Whether it’s heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, or weight loss, use the services offered by qualified nutrition experts to achieve your health goals.