Vegetarian Food Pyramid

If you have decided to become a vegetarian, it is very important that you become familiar with the food pyramid for vegetarians. Although it is different from the traditional food pyramid for meat eaters, following the recommended guidelines will ensure that your body is still getting all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs.

Dairy & Eggs

Dairy and eggs are needed in a vegetarian diet. The recommended daily serving of dairy and eggs for a vegetarian on a 2500 calorie diet is a half of an egg and two servings of dairy. Although it is OK to exceed this amount, this is the minimum daily amount that you should consume to ensure that your body gets the calcium that it needs.

Vegetable Oils

It is recommended by the vegetarian food pyramid that a vegetarian on a 2500 calorie diet consumes at least 2 servings of vegetable oils. Although this may seem like an odd requirement, some vitamins and minerals are fat soluble and need oil to dissolve properly within your body.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein when not received through the consumption of meat. For this reason it is suggested that a vegetarian on a 2500 calorie diet consumes at least two servings of nuts and seeds a day.

Fruits

If you are practicing a vegetarian diet, you should be consuming approximately four servings of fruit in your diet each day. Fruit is a great option that is very good for you and provides your body with many of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your health.

Vegetables

As the name vegetarian diet suggests, you will be consuming a lot of vegetables daily on your 2500 calorie vegetarian diet. It is suggested that you eat at least 8 servings of vegetables daily to ensure that your body is getting all of the vitamins and minerals that it needs to stay healthy.

Beans & Soy

Beans and soy products are a good meat replacement because they are high in protein and iron which is usually consumed by eating meat. You should eat at least four servings a day of soy or beans to ensure that your body is getting enough protein and iron to stay healthy and strong.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are great for our body, and provide it with the fiber that it needs. They help regulate our digestive system and prevent toxins from building up. You should consume eight to nine servings daily of whole grains such as whole grain bread or brown rice each day.