National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

2

Vegetarian Diets

What is a vegetarian diet?

A vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, and fish.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

3

How common is it to be a vegetarian in America?

Nearly 5 million American adults 3% of youth ages 8 to 18 years

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

4

Why do people choose to eat vegetarian diets?

Religion Heritage Personal philosophy Health Economics

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

5

Vegetarian Diets

Do all vegetarians eat the same food choices? The answer is, it depends on the specific vegetarian diet.

Three main vegetarian dietsLacto-Ovo VegetarianLacto VegetarianVegan Vegetarian

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

6

Vegetarian Diets

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians eat: Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Legumes,

Nuts, and Seeds Milk and Milk Products (lacto) Eggs (ovo)

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

7

Vegetarian Diets

Lacto Vegetarians eat: Similar to Lacto-ovo diet, except does

not include eggs. Baked items and pastas may need to

be prepared differently.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

8

Vegetarian Diets

Vegans eat: Only plant-based foods No animal products Strict vegans avoid honey and

products made with animal by-products, such as gelatin.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

9

What are the health and nutrition benefits of vegetarian diets?Health Benefits include:

Lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels Reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood

pressure, and stroke Lowers body mass index (BMI) Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and some

cancers

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

10

Vegetarian Diets

Nutrition Benefits include: Higher intakes of some vitamins,

minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients Lower intakes of saturated fat and

dietary cholesterol

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

11

Are there nutrients of concern for vegetarian diets?

Nutrition Concerns–Protein Quantity Can a vegetarian diet provide enough

protein? Lesson Activity–Protein Predictions

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

12

Teen males need 52 grams protein Adult males need 56 grams

Mixed Lacto-Ovo Vegan 74 grams 63 grams 61 grams H M L

Vegetarian DietsLesson Activity–Protein Predictions

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

13

Vegetarian Diets

Do vegetarian diets provide quality protein?

Animal proteins are complete Plant-based proteins are incomplete

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

14

Vegetarian Diets

Complementary Proteins–combine to make complete proteins

Grains

Legumes Vegetables

Nuts/Seeds

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

15

Vegetarian Diets

Milk

(Lacto) Complete protein from an animal source.

CheesePizza Sauce and Crust

Grain and Vegetable

Both incomplete protein sources from plant-based foods.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

16

Physical Activity BoosterThe Perfect Complement

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

17

Vegetarian Diets

Nutrient of Concern–Adequate Calories Adequate calories are needed to

assure protein needs are met.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

18

Vegetarian Diets

Nutrient of Concern–Iron Plant foods have non-heme iron. Serve vitamin C rich foods with plant

sources of iron.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

19

Vegetarian Diets

Nutrient of Concern–Calcium Check milk substitutes to assure they

are fortified with calcium and other nutrients found in milk.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

20

Vegetarian Diets

Nutrient of Concern–Vitamin B-12 Vitamin B-12 is only found in animal

foods. Vegan diets need supplements of B-12.

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

21

Vegetarian Diets

Other Nutrients of Concern Vitamin D Zinc Iodine Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

22

Vegetarian Diets

According to the American Dietetic Association position paper on vegetarian diets, “…appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals in all stages of the life cycle…”

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

23

Vegetarian Diets

According to the American Dietetic Association position paper on vegetarian diets, “…appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals in all stages of the life cycle…”

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

24

Vegetarian Diets

Dietary Guidelines for Americans Food Groups to Encourage

Whole grains Vegetables Fruits Legumes Low fat and fat-free milk/milk products

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

25

Are vegetarian diets a special nutrition need?

What tools do school nutrition programs have to meet the preferences of students that want a vegetarian meal?

Vegetarian Diets

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

26

Vegetarian DietsTaste Activity

Post-Quiz

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

27

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

End of Lesson 6