Important

Louisville dietitian Michelle Eckhart highly recommends that those following a vegetarian diet include the following nutrients in their diet:

• Protein
has many important functions and is essential for growth and maintenance. Protein needs can easily be met by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Combining different protein sources in the same meal isn't necessary. Sources of protein for vegetarians include beans, nuts, nut butters, peas and soy products (examples: tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers). Milk products and eggs are also good protein sources.

• Iron