A member asked:

Please share some do's and don'ts when it comes to a vegetarian diet.

82 doctors weighed in across 121 answers
Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

B12: B12 is only found in animal products so take care to include a source or supplement of b12.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Scott J. Wolfson answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

As: As a vegetarian it is very important to have a varied diet and be willing to try all vegetables.

Answered 3/24/2014

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Do: Do try and include eggs and dairy if possible. Expand your diet as much as you can.

Answered 6/9/2013

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Dr. James Shoemaker answered

Specializes in General Practice

If: If you are vegetarian, are you getting enough iron and can you absorb it? Consider a supplement.

Answered 7/22/2014

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Can't: Can't get protein on a vegetarian diet? False! legumes such as beans and peas are a great source.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Peter Ihle answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

Talk: Talk to your pcp to be sure it is ok for you. Be sure you get adequate vits & minerals. C a dietition also.

Answered 4/11/2013

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Dr. Klaus d Lessnau answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Vegetable,: Vegetables, salad with appropriate dressings, fruit, fish twice weekly and exercise are healthy.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

A: A vegetarian diet needs nutritonal supplementation. Consult with a nutritionist or dietician!

Answered 9/15/2016

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Do: Do get enough B12 and iron from other sources. Dont overcook your meat if you want the iron.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Dr. Abhineet Chowdhary answered

Specializes in Neurosurgery

Do: Do eat a variety of vegetables, beans and legumes for protein, easy on the soy.

Answered 3/14/2014

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Small: Small amounts of lean meat are probably a good idea. If strict vegetarian, b12; also iron for women.

Answered 3/12/2015

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If: If you are on a vegan diet, make sure you get enough protein, iron and b-12 - these are overlooked.

Answered 5/14/2015

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Vegetarian: Vegetarian diet is O.K. As long as you get first class protein from seeds and legumes.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Steve Martinez answered

Specializes in Breast Surgery

Grilled: Grilled portobello mushrooms will provide your dish with an almost meaty texture and taste.

Answered 5/14/2014

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You: Myth: you shouldn't follow a vegetarian diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

Get: Get high quality protein from whey and eggs, other than plant-sourced protein!

Answered 4/22/2013

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Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

In: In addition to lower rates of diabetes, vegetarians are at lower risk of cataracts than meat eaters.

Answered 12/30/2013

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Dr. John Michalski answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

Garbanzo: Garbanzo beans are a great source of vegetable protein.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. John Michalski answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

Keeping: Keeping up with adequate fat and protein can be a challenge, but not impossible, for a vegetarian diet.

Answered 6/20/2014

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Dr. William Haynes answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine - Endocrinology

Get: Get a variety of proteins from beans, pulses, soy, grains, nuts, seeds and dairy products.

Answered 2/25/2014

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Dr. Joseph Accurso answered

Specializes in Radiology

Myth:: Myth: vegetarian diets are always low in fat and calories.

Answered 3/16/2014

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Dr. Taha Shipchandler answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Keep: Keep low-fat protein intake high: soy, tofu, fake meats, etc. Avoid high-fat protein (cheeses).

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Milton Alvis, jr answered

Specializes in Preventive Medicine

Vegan: Vegan may improve some aspects of health while harming others. Minimize carbs & avoid refined foods.

Answered 11/27/2017

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Dr. Manish Varma answered

Specializes in Palliative Care

Spirulina: Spirulina has the most amount of natural protein, iron and magnesium (more than meat).

Answered 5/12/2016

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Dr. Vikram Patel answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Veggies: Veggies have everything you need. Lifelong vegetarians have normal growth too!

Answered 6/9/2013

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Do: Do include some complex carbohydrates such as muffins and don't forget to eat protein such as legumes.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Make: Make sure you get adequate protein because if you don't it can affect absorption of some medications.

Answered 10/6/2013

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

You: You will need vitamins and supplements to ensure adequate nutrition.

Answered 7/6/2016

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Make: Make sure you get plenty of protein because vegetarian diets often lack protein.

Answered 6/21/2013

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Do: Do get enough protein because vegetarian diets are often low in protein.

Answered 6/21/2013

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

People: People often think it is healthier, but vegetarian diets are often low in protein.

Answered 2/28/2014

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Do: Do learn about nutrition so you know what types of foods to include in a healthy plant-based diet!

Answered 6/30/2016

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Eat: Eat fiber-rich foods. If they contain fiber, they're likely the healthiest. Get balanced nutrients.

Answered 5/12/2016

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Don't: Don't just eat things with lots of cheese. There's a lot of fat there.

Answered 7/6/2013

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Make: Make sure you have a source of vitamin B12 in your diet, or a suitable nutritional supplement.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Myth:: It's a myth that you'll get sick if you eat a vegetarian diet.

Answered 7/16/2014

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Converting: Converting plant-based omega-3 to the types used by humans is inefficient. You may need supplements.

Answered 2/21/2014

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

B12: B12 deficiency symptoms: mental fogginess, memory troubles, muscle weakness, apathy, and fatigue.

Answered 2/23/2015

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

When: When you are using carrots in soups, increase nutrition by adding the carrot greens as well.

Answered 7/16/2013

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Vegetarian: Vegetarian diet is not just avoiding animal products. Add seeds to diet for minerals and vitamins.

Answered 2/15/2014

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Make: Make sure to eat more beans and greens, and less carbs.

Answered 6/25/2014

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Dr. Ravi Chand answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Please: Please look towards east indian recipes, they have great vegetarian recipes.

Answered 3/17/2014

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Dr. Valencia Porter answered

Specializes in Holistic Medicine

Being: Being a healthy vegetarian isn't just a about avoiding meat. Try beans, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds.

Answered 5/28/2016

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Packing: Packing your lunch can help you stay on your vegetarian diet.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

Eating: Eating more blueberries, grapes, & apples, fruits not juices, lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Answered 9/6/2013

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

Mediterranean: Mediterranean diet that focuses on nuts, legumes, fruit n vegetables can lower type 2 diabetes risk.

Answered 9/6/2013

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Do: Do make sure that you consistently include high protein sources and iron rich veggies.

Answered 6/21/2014

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Do: Do be very careful to balance your proteins.

Answered 2/17/2014

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Adding: Adding spices can create a variety of different flavors especially with different oils like coconut.

Answered 4/30/2015

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Dr. Parham Gharagozlou answered

Specializes in Sleep Medicine

Make: Make sure you don't eat too much fat/fried stuff. Make sure you get vitamins you need.

Answered 5/24/2015

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Do: Do take B12 supplements and eat walnuts for some essential fatty acids.

Answered 5/27/2015

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Don't: Don't forget smoothies to pack in a lot of micronutrients.

Answered 5/27/2015

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Get: Get a great cookbook and discover a new vegetable or fruit daily.

Answered 7/15/2014

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Dr. Randy Stevens answered

Specializes in General Surgery

Enjoy: Enjoy the vegetarian diet, it is your decision. Take a vitamin supplement.

Answered 11/1/2013

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Dr. Olivia Liao answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Prolonged: Prolonged vegetarian diet can be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Important: Important to combine whole grain rice and beans/legumes together when eating to eat complete protein.

Answered 5/7/2016

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Dr. Jane Steiner answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Make: Make sure to get enough protein through eggs, cheese, rice and beans, and quinoa.

Answered 5/21/2014

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Ignore: Plan your meals ahead and look at the vegeterian diet benefits!this will motivate to start..

Answered 11/15/2013

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Ignore: Vegetarian diet can be rich in fats too.Make healthy choices if eating out. Cook less fatty at home.

Answered 11/16/2013

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Ignore: Always take iodized salt. Vegetarian diet is low on iodine needed for your thyroid.

Answered 11/23/2013

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Ignore: A vegetarian diet is not unhealthy if certain precautions and supplements are taken.

Answered 4/21/2018

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets may not provide all of your essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Answered 7/17/2014

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 9/29/2016

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in certain vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

Thank
Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

Thank
Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Vegetarian diets are often low in protein and some vitamins and minerals. Consider a multivitamin.

Answered 12/18/2013

4.7k views

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Ignore: Avoid excessive sugars/starches to help avoid cavities.

Answered 1/31/2014

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Eat: Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables to get enough folate (folic acid) in your diet.

Answered 2/11/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: You may need additional supplements with vitamin B12 if you're vegetarian.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Eating a diet lot of sugars and carbs only is not considered a vegetarian type.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Do you have a food allergy panel done, so that when you're eating nuts, you're not eating things are allergic to.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Read up and get some good vegetarian recipe books to begin your move to a vegetarian-based diet.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: If you're going for a all plant-based diet, make sure you're eating or planting organic foods.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: A desiccator, and vita mix blender are lhelpful for vegetarian cooking.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: The life force of the plant is the energy it will bring to your body when you're eating vegetarian.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't overcook vegetables to preserve the life force energy.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Before cooking brown rice, don't forget to soak it in purified water.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Substitute healthy snacks made with vegetables in place of sugary snacks that aren't vegetarian.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't overdose on starches when you're eating a balanced vegetarian meal.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Do eat all the colors of the rainbow in your diet.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Consider whether you're a vegetarian who enjoys eggs, or whether you prefer being completely plant-based.

Answered 1/1/2017

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't buy fruits with thin skins that are not organic, because they may have high pesticide residue.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Learn how to combine grains, rice, grasses. Peas, and beans, for better protein value.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: In vegetarian cooking, an avocado can be used in place of butter, especially in desserts.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Coconut oil, and avocados are good sources of monosaturated fats and vegetarian cooking.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: When eating out, make sure to inquire about the type of oil your food was cooked in.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't forget to ask whether thr vegetable soup has been made with chicken or beef broth when eating out.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't eat wheat products that you may be allergic to just because you're vegetarian.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Consider where the vegetables were grown before buying them.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Do buy organics, as they have higher mineral content than conventionally grown vegetables.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Take some vegetarian cooking classes to learn the best way to combine foods.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Join a local co-op or farm for cost savings on buying organically grown food products.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Make sure to use purified spring water when cooking organic vegetables.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: When you clean or peel your organic fruits and vegetables, use the leftovers for compost.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: When buying root vegetables, go for the organics instead to reduce exposure pesticides in soil.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: When you buy conventional vegetables and fruits, don't forget to wash off the pesticide residue first.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Cook greens are easily assimilated and digested in the body.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Cooking with tumerick, curry, or cumen are wonderful spices to use if you want to give your vegetarian dish a boost.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't compromise quantity of food for quality when eating vegetarian.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Eating greens is an easy way to get trace minerals in soluble form in the body.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Sue Ferranti answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Don't forget to choose a non-meat protein. Examples include soy protein products, beans, etc.

Answered 7/21/2014

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Ignore: Do get plenty of protein with nuts and legumes to maintain energy kevels.

Answered 5/15/2015

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Ignore: Maximize color in your fruit and veggies. Minimize pasta and bread. Add Vit B12.

Answered 11/8/2014

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Dr. Mohammed Parvez answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Have plenty of green leafy vegetables and avoid those which are starchy.

Answered 4/19/2016

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Dr. Randy Baker answered

Specializes in Holistic Medicine

Ignore: Emphasize vegetables, beans, fruits and nuts; don't overdo foods like french fries, bread & cheese!

Answered 12/27/2015

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Is a vegetarian diet bad for a person?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers