What is a Vegetarian Diet?

What Is a Vegetarian Diet?

What can you eat on a vegetarian diet? While there are many versions of vegetarian diets, most consist of eating plant-based foods along with moderate amounts of eggs and dairy (but no meat). The staples of a balanced vegetarian diet include a variety of plants like fresh or cooked veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes.

How does a vegetarian diet work to promote heart health, weight loss and health benefits? And are there any risks involved in cutting out the majority of animal-based foods in your diet?

Because plants are low in calories but high in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, vegetarian diets can be very nutrient-dense. Research published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society found that “vegetarian diets are usually rich in carbohydrates, omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, carotenoids, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium, and relatively low in protein, saturated fat, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, retinol, vitamin B12 and zinc.” (2)

However, there’s no guarantee that a vegetarian diet will result in health improvements. Ultimately it all depends on the specific foods someone chooses to eat, plus his or her individual reaction to cutting out most, or all, animal products.