Plant-based diets are better for everyone, aren’t they?
Plant-based diets can certainly be nourishing for many people, and there are environmental and humane aspects to not eating animals. The range of vegetarian and vegan products and eating venues is growing rapidly, so your options are really varied. Following a plant-based diet does require some careful planning though.
Dietitians can help in this area by:
- Helping you meet your nutritional requirements – Vegetarian and vegan diets can be low in many essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium and B12, and supplements are not always the solution!
- Introducing you to healthy protein sources that are versatile and delicious, such as legumes, seeds & nuts, fermented products such as tofu, and wholegrains such as quinoa.
- Maximising your existing meals with nutritious whole foods, rather than relying on packaged ‘faux-meat’ products which may be high in saturated fats.
- Guiding you with label reading to identify foods fortified with calcium and other important nutrients.
- Ensuring that children or adolescents following plant-based diets are taking in adequate energy, and complete protein sources for growth and development.
- Adapt existing recipes to reduce animal products
