The biggest mistakes vegetarians make
Dubious dairy -
Vegetarians will likely up their dairy and yogurt intake. But not all yogurts are the same. Some are packed with sugar, so it's best to choose one that's plain.
Snacking on just fruit -
"Snacking on fruit alone can cause you to get super-hangry," explains Christy Brissette, president of 80 Twenty Nutrition.
Fake meat -
These kinds of products are often loaded with salt and preservatives, and may end up doing more harm than good to our bodies.
Overlooking other sources of calcium - If dairy products are out of the equation, it's easy to overlook other great sources of calcium like white beans, almonds, tahini, figs, and oranges.
Getting fooled by juices -
Some juice now and again is good for you, but the juice is generally full of sugar. Herbal tea is a healthier alternative.
Mistaking quinoa for high protein -
Lentils have about twice as much protein as quinoa does. Whole grain wheat and brown rice also have more protein.
Relying on almond milk for protein -
A lot of the fiber and protein is left behind when almond milk is made. However, it is often fortified with bone-building calcium and vitamin D.
Plan - Okay, so it's not necessary to plan and pre-prepare every meal, but it's important to think about what you'll make and have the ingredients on hand.
Read the label -
Consider yourself to be a student of food when you first become a vegetarian. There are a lot of misleading products out there.
Eating too many carbs -
The risk is that people fall into the trap of making up for the lack of meaty protein sources with an extra helping of pasta or rice.
Not meeting with a nutritionist -
Everyone has a different body. Some people might have different nutritional needs than others. It's always a good idea to speak with a professional.
Ignoring supplements -
The benefits of taking supplements are boundless for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It's not cheating.
Not drinking enough water -
Vegetarians will tend to consume more fiber, so it's important to consume a little extra water to aid digestion, which avoids bloating, gas, and constipation.
Not learning -
For most people who go from eating a dinner of a piece of meat, a portion of vegetables, and a portion of carbohydrates, it's a new way of eating and requires some learning.