| Don't limit yourself when planning a healthy vegetarian | | | | potato, for example, can be a hearty entree. Serve it |
| diet. Variety is very important if you plan on | | | | with a sauce of stewed tomatoes or some salsa, |
| maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle. It's important to | | | | add some baked beans and you have a tasty and |
| include a wide variety of whole grains, fruits, | | | | creative meal. You could also make a simple meal of |
| vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts in your meals. | | | | pasta and sauteed vegetables. |
| Your vegetarian diet needs to be nutrient-dense, | | | | Don't worry too much about getting enough protein. |
| interesting, and fun! When you serve your favorite | | | | As long as calories are sufficient and the diet is |
| dishes, add variety by serving different side dishes, | | | | varied, most vegetarians easily meet protein |
| snacks and desserts. | | | | requirements. Grains, beans, vegetables, and nuts all |
| Sample a wide variety of grains such as barley, | | | | have protein. Vegetarians do not need to eat special |
| quinoa, couscous, bulgur, and wheat berries. Try | | | | foods to meet protein needs. Surprisingly however, it |
| vegetables and fruits from different cuisines, such as | | | | is important to be aware of fat. Even vegetarians |
| bok choy. Try new foods frequently. This will keep | | | | can get too much fat if the diet contains large |
| your diet interesting. | | | | amounts of nuts, oils, processed foods, or sweets. |
| You can ask the produce manager of your local | | | | There are many mouth watering, delicious and easy |
| grocery store if you are not sure how to prepare a | | | | to prepare meals that make eating a heart healthy |
| new food. The internet can also be a great resource | | | | diet really easy. By adding variety to your vegetarian |
| for new recipes and preparation ideas. Be creative in | | | | diet you'll find it much easier and enjoyable to stick |
| planning meals. A vegetarian diet can get boring if | | | | with it for the long haul. Try something different |
| you aren't creative. | | | | today. See you on the produce aisle. |
| You can plan meals around a vegetable. A baked | | | | |