Explain Science

Vegetarian (Nutrition)

Being a vegetarian is a dietary choice where people don’t eat meat or seafood. Some people choose this way of eating for different reasons, such as protecting animals or the environment. Vegetarians get their protein from plant-based sources like beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts. They also consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy or dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk.

It’s important for vegetarian teenagers to make sure they eat a balanced diet and get all the necessary nutrients. They might need to pay closer attention to getting enough iron and vitamin B12 because these nutrients are mostly found in animal products. However, there are plant-based sources of these nutrients that vegetarians can include in their diet, like spinach for iron and fortified foods for vitamin B12.