Vegetarian Nutrition

There are many different types of “Vegetarian” eating. Below are some common definitions:

• Vegetarian: a generic term used to describe someone who does not eat meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.
• Lacto-vegetarian: someone who does not eat meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs, but drinks milk and eats dairy products.
• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: someone who does not eat meat, poultry, fish and seafood, but consumes milk, milk products, and eggs.
• Vegan: someone who avoids all animal-derived foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products and products that may contain these items, such as supplements).

There are many reasons a person may choose to avoid animal foods, such as religious, ethical or health reasons. Once the decision is made to become vegetarian, it can be done gradually or slowly over time.

When going vegetarian, it is important that a person does not neglect adequate sources of protein and B vitamins. Vitamin B12 in particular has been known to become deficient in vegans if they do not take a supplemental form.

Marquette Nutrition & Fitness, LLC can help you ensure your vegetarian diet is adequate in all nutrients. Whether you are new to being vegetarian, or just looking for help keeping your menu “fresh”, we are here to help.  Contact us to make an appointment today.