Yes, Vegetarian… but Healthy?

By Ana Rodríguez, Nutrition Counselor, MyDiet™
Publicado:

Most people think that to be a vegetarian all you have to do is eliminate meats from your diet. Some vegetarians also eliminate  eggs, milk, and any other foods containing animal products.

However, being a healthy vegetarian is a little more complicated, because you need good information and to continue practicing healthy habits to make sure you still get all the nutrients your body needs.


Here are some basic guidelines to help you achieve a balanced vegetarian diet:


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  • Make sure you eat legumes, cereals, and whole grains; they provide you with the proteins your body needs.
  • Choose vegetable oils, such as canola, soy, linseed, and nuts. These foods and oils are sources of the healthiest types of fats, essential fatty acids, which contribute to maintaining the health of your heart and nervous system..
  • Assure a proper absorption of iron. The iron that comes from vegetable sources is not as easily absorbed as that which comes from animal sources. Eating vegetarian iron sources with vitamin C will help your body absorb it better. Try to include foods rich in vitamin C such as limes, oranges, tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries, etc. in every meal.

Vegetarianism can be a healthy diet if it is balanced and varied. Many famous artists, like Alicia Silverstone, Pink, Alec Baldwin and others have chosen this lifestyle and have explained the reasons for their decision, as well as the steps they have followed, during various interviews.


Small lifestyle changes make a big difference in your health and well-being. It is possible to be a healthy vegetarian; just make sure you do it correctly.