Vegetarian Nutrition

Fruits and Vegetables

Use these handouts made for various age groups to help explain vegetarian nutrition.



MyPlate Tips for Vegetarians

USDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

Handout on vegetarian diets.


Teen Vegetarians - Facts for Teens (PDF | 225 KB)

University of Maine System. UMaine Cooperative Extension.

This two-page handout is photocopy ready. The handout provides information for teen vegetarians, discussing types of vegetarian diets, nutrition concerns, and methods of maintaining a health, balanced diet as a vegetarian. This is also available in HTML.


Teen Vegetarians - Facts for Parents (PDF | 225 KB)

University of Maine System. UMaine Cooperative Extension.

This two-page handout is photocopy ready. The handout provides information for parents of vegetarian teens discussing types of vegetarian diets, nutrition concerns, and methods of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet as a vegetarian. Also available as .


Vegetarian Eating

Australian Sports Commission. Australian Institute of Sport.

Learn about the different vegetarian diets and how they effect athletic performance.


Deliciously Healthy Dinners (PDF | 8.11 MB)

DHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

This collection of recipes includes vegetarian entrees (pages 81-96) and vegetable side dishes (pages 99-114).


fruit Healthy Eating Plan

DHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Sample one day menu for lacto-ovo vegetarians, based on both 1,200 and 1,600 calories a day.


Meatless Meals

University of Maryland Extension.

Web site teaches the benefits of eating meatless meals and provides some quick and easy recipes.


Dried beans Now Serving: Beans! (PDF | 186.49 KB)

North Dakota State University Extension Service.

This four-page handout discusses the benefits of eating beans including weight control, blood sugar management and anti-cancer properties. Also included are some preparation and cooking tips to increase the amount of beans in the diet along with some low-cost recipes that are easy to prepare.


Soy Fact Sheets

Soyfoods Association of North America.

This series of soy fact sheets offers nutrition highlights, facts and cooking tips for soy products including miso, soy flour, soymeat alternatives, soymilk, soy dairy free products, soy nut butter, soy protein isolate, tempeh, textured soy protein, tofu and whole soybeans.


Vegetarian Eating: Fact vs. Fiction (PDF | 342 KB)

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly ADA).

Presents myths and facts about vegetarianism.


Vegetarian Nutrition: Frequently Asked Questions

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association). Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group.

Series of colorful handouts on vegetarianism throughout the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation and child nutrition. The series also highlights vegetarianism and sports nutrition, as well as chronic kidney disease and vegetarianism. Nutrients such as isoflavones, vitamin B12, calcium and zinc are highlighted.


Choose MyPlate icon. Vegetarians: 10 Tips For Following A Vegetarian Diet (PDF | 361.8 KB)

USDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

Handout provides tips for following a vegetarian diet while meeting all nutrient recommendations.


graphic of eggplant and apples. Nutrition for Adults' Life: A Vegetarian Diet (PDF | 200 KB)

Michigan State University Extension.

Two page colored handout discussing the types of vegetarian diets and nutrition concerns. Includes Vegetarian Meal Ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.