Diet Tips for Vegetarians

Vegetarianism is a diet and lifestyle that is based solely around vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and seeds. According to Suzanne Havala Hobbs, author of "Living Vegetarian for Dummies," there are several reasons why a person might choose a vegetarian lifestyle. These reasons can range from having a moral objection to eating meat and dairy products to medical intolerances to the aforementioned food. If you choose a vegetarian lifestyle, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure that your body stays in good health, says Frankie Avalon Wolfe, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Being Vegetarian."

Eat Fortified Foods

Fortified foods have extra vitamins that your body might be missing from its diet. According to Suzanne Havala Hobbs, author of "Living Vegetarian for Dummies," you should look for food products fortified with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D to get an extra nutrient boost. Soy products are commonly fortified with such vitamins and minerals. If your diet is lacking in fortified food, mix some fortified tofu in with your next vegetable stir-fry or soup for extra flavor and nutritional value.

Eat Your Protein

Consume beans, nuts, and seeds every day for a good source of protein in your diet. Protein is one of the most important things that a poorly planned vegetarian diet can exclude says Brenda Davis, author of "The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet." Top your diet staples such as soups and salads with nuts, beans and seeds to give your body that extra protein boost. Nut butter is another source of protein for a vegetarian diet; have a slice of toast topped with 2 tbsp. of nut butter for to energize your muscles.

Take Your Vitamins

Daily multivitamins contain the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to maintain proper function. According to Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, authors of "The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet," a good daily multivitamin should be a staple in and vegetarian's diet. Pick a multivitamin suited to your gender and age range for best results as these products are tailored to what your body needs to support itself at your age. If you are pregnant, nursing or have any condition that would cause your body to require more nutrients, consult with a health professional to choose the best multivitamin for you.