Vegetarian Diet Plan

It is very important to make your commitment with a well thought-out vegetarian diet plan. Simply removing meat from your diet is not in itself a guarantee of good health or of a reduction in calories in your diet. However, since you have come this far, it means that you are probably already becoming more aware of what you put into your body. The change from haphazardly eating based on cravings and satiety to being conscious of nutrition, is a huge first step on your way to success.

So let's assume that you have decided to stop eating meat but you are not quite ready to cut out the eggs or dairy. (For a completely plant-based vegetarian diet plan click here.) Here are some general guidelines for your daily intake.

1.Many of the foods that you already eat can easily be made vegetarian. Take the meatballs out of your pasta, or substitute the pepperoni on your pizza out for a vegetable topping.

2.Fill up with cooked vegetables, eating a good mix of colors, and leafy greens. Ideally, you should be getting your carbs from non-starchy vegetables (i.e. potatoes don't count) more so than bread, pasta, sugar, etc...

3. Eat whole grains, they contain more nutrition and more fiber than their white equivalents. If it is your first time eating whole wheat bread or brown rice, it might be a little bit different than you are used to. However, it is an acquired taste you will soon grow into, and it will work out in your benefit by giving you more of a 'full' feeling when you eat.

4. Dairy and eggs will probably provide you with all the protein you need, but should still be used sparingly Don't just replace all meat in your meals with extra cheese. Try to stick to low-fat dairy and egg whites. Start to integrate more plant-based protein sources such as legumes (beans, lentils, etc...) and nuts. If you are eating whole grains, this will have a positive impact on your protein intake as well.

5. Desserts, soda, and other sugar, while not meat products, are not part of your vegetarian diet plan and should also be eaten sparingly. Be smart, calories still count.

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