Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Vegetarian Nutrition for Teenagers
by Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D.
More and more teenagers are choosing not to eat meat, poultry or fish. They are becoming vegetarians. Teenage vegetarians are often faced with pressures -- pressures from parents concerned about their health, and pressures from within to continue on the path they have chosen.
Variety is the Key to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet
Probably the most frequent questions for teenage vegetarians are about the nutritional adequacy of their food choices. A vegetarian diet can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet is variety. Just as your parents should be concerned if you only eat hamburgers, they should also worry if you only eat potato chips and salad. A healthy, varied vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes. Some vegetarians also choose to eat dairy products and/or eggs.
Teenage vegetarians have nutritional needs that are the same as any other teenager. The years between 13 and 19 are times of especially rapid growth and change. Nutritional needs are high during these years. The nutrients you will probably be asked about the most are protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
What About Protein?
North American vegetarian teens eating varied diets rarely have any difficulty getting enough protein as long as their diet contains enough energy (calories) to support growth. Cow's milk and lowfat cheese are protein sources; however, beans, breads, cereals, nuts, peanut butter, tofu, and soy milk are also some foods that are especially good sources of protein. Only fruits, fats, and alcohol do not provide much protein, and so a diet based only on these foods would have a good chance of being too low in protein.
It is not necessary to plan combinations of foods to obtain enough protein or amino acids (components of protein). A mixture of plant proteins eaten throughout the day will provide enough essential amino acids.
Other Important Nutrients for Vegetarian Teenagers
Especially during adolescence, calcium is used to build bones. Bone density is determined in adolescence and young adulthood; so it is important to include three or more good sources of calcium in your diet every day. Cow's milk and dairy products do contain calcium. However, there are other good sources of calcium such as tofu processed with calcium sulfate, green leafy vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, and kale, and calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice.
Iron requirements of teenagers are relatively high. By eating a varied diet, a vegetarian can meet his or her iron needs, while avoiding the excess fat and cholesterol found in red meats such as beef or pork. To increase the amount of iron absorbed from a meal, eat a food containing vitamin C as part of the meal. Citrus fruits and juices (for example, orange juice), tomatoes, and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C. Foods which are high in iron include broccoli, raisins, watermelon, spinach, black-eyed peas, blackstrap molasses, chickpeas, and pinto beans.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin which only vegans (vegetarians eating no dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and birds) need to add to their diet. Some cereals and fortified soy milks have vitamin B12 (check the label). Red Star T-6635 nutritional yeast flakes (Vegetarian Support Formula) also supply vitamin B12.
Healthy Steps to Your Ideal Weight
Many teenagers are concerned about losing or gaining weight. To lose weight, look at your diet. If it has lots of sweet or fatty foods, replace them with fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. If your diet already seems healthy, try to get more exercise -- walking, running or swimming daily, for example.
If you are trying to gain weight, you will need to eat more food. Perhaps eating more often or eating foods somewhat higher in calories and lower in bulk will help. Try to eat three or more times a day whether you are trying to gain weight or lose weight. It is hard to get all of the nutritious foods you need if you only eat one meal a day.
If you feel that you cannot control your eating behavior or if you are losing a great deal of weight, you should discuss this with your health care provider.
Quick Foods for Busy People
With the demands of school and outside activities, it may often seem there is just not enough time to eat. Here are some foods that require little or no preparation. Some of these foods can be found in fast-food restaurants -- check the menu.
Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, peaches, plums, dried fruits, bagels and peanut butter, carrot or celery sticks, popcorn, pretzels, soy cheese pizza, bean tacos or burritos, salad, soy yogurt, soy milk, rice cakes, sandwiches, frozen juice bars.
A Vegetarian Diet Benefits Your Health, the Environment, and Animals Too!
Vegetarianism represents a positive move toward a cleaner and more compassionate world, a reduction in global hunger, and improved personal health. If you are concerned about the environment, consider meat production's negative impact on tropical rain forests, soil stability, and air and water quality. If you are concerned about animal rights, think about the billions of chickens and other animals slaughtered for food each year in the United States and the conditions in which animals killed for food are raised. If you are concerned about your own health, consider that vegetarians are generally at lower risk than non-vegetarians for heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and obesity.
Source: http://www.vrg.org/
More and more teenagers are choosing not to eat meat, poultry or fish. They are becoming vegetarians. Teenage vegetarians are often faced with pressures -- pressures from parents concerned about their health, and pressures from within to continue on the path they have chosen. Variety is the Key to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet
Probably the most frequent questions for teenage vegetarians are about the nutritional adequacy of their food choices. A vegetarian diet can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet is variety. Just as your parents should be concerned if you only eat hamburgers, they should also worry if you only eat potato chips and salad. A healthy, varied vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes. Some vegetarians also choose to eat dairy products and/or eggs.
Teenage vegetarians have nutritional needs that are the same as any other teenager. The years between 13 and 19 are times of especially rapid growth and change. Nutritional needs are high during these years. The nutrients you will probably be asked about the most are protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
What About Protein?
North American vegetarian teens eating varied diets rarely have any difficulty getting enough protein as long as their diet contains enough energy (calories) to support growth. Cow's milk and lowfat cheese are protein sources; however, beans, breads, cereals, nuts, peanut butter, tofu, and soy milk are also some foods that are especially good sources of protein. Only fruits, fats, and alcohol do not provide much protein, and so a diet based only on these foods would have a good chance of being too low in protein.
It is not necessary to plan combinations of foods to obtain enough protein or amino acids (components of protein). A mixture of plant proteins eaten throughout the day will provide enough essential amino acids.
Other Important Nutrients for Vegetarian Teenagers
Especially during adolescence, calcium is used to build bones. Bone density is determined in adolescence and young adulthood; so it is important to include three or more good sources of calcium in your diet every day. Cow's milk and dairy products do contain calcium. However, there are other good sources of calcium such as tofu processed with calcium sulfate, green leafy vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, and kale, and calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice.
Iron requirements of teenagers are relatively high. By eating a varied diet, a vegetarian can meet his or her iron needs, while avoiding the excess fat and cholesterol found in red meats such as beef or pork. To increase the amount of iron absorbed from a meal, eat a food containing vitamin C as part of the meal. Citrus fruits and juices (for example, orange juice), tomatoes, and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C. Foods which are high in iron include broccoli, raisins, watermelon, spinach, black-eyed peas, blackstrap molasses, chickpeas, and pinto beans.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin which only vegans (vegetarians eating no dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and birds) need to add to their diet. Some cereals and fortified soy milks have vitamin B12 (check the label). Red Star T-6635 nutritional yeast flakes (Vegetarian Support Formula) also supply vitamin B12.
Healthy Steps to Your Ideal Weight
Many teenagers are concerned about losing or gaining weight. To lose weight, look at your diet. If it has lots of sweet or fatty foods, replace them with fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. If your diet already seems healthy, try to get more exercise -- walking, running or swimming daily, for example.
If you are trying to gain weight, you will need to eat more food. Perhaps eating more often or eating foods somewhat higher in calories and lower in bulk will help. Try to eat three or more times a day whether you are trying to gain weight or lose weight. It is hard to get all of the nutritious foods you need if you only eat one meal a day.
If you feel that you cannot control your eating behavior or if you are losing a great deal of weight, you should discuss this with your health care provider.
Quick Foods for Busy People
With the demands of school and outside activities, it may often seem there is just not enough time to eat. Here are some foods that require little or no preparation. Some of these foods can be found in fast-food restaurants -- check the menu.
Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, peaches, plums, dried fruits, bagels and peanut butter, carrot or celery sticks, popcorn, pretzels, soy cheese pizza, bean tacos or burritos, salad, soy yogurt, soy milk, rice cakes, sandwiches, frozen juice bars.
A Vegetarian Diet Benefits Your Health, the Environment, and Animals Too!
Vegetarianism represents a positive move toward a cleaner and more compassionate world, a reduction in global hunger, and improved personal health. If you are concerned about the environment, consider meat production's negative impact on tropical rain forests, soil stability, and air and water quality. If you are concerned about animal rights, think about the billions of chickens and other animals slaughtered for food each year in the United States and the conditions in which animals killed for food are raised. If you are concerned about your own health, consider that vegetarians are generally at lower risk than non-vegetarians for heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and obesity.
Source: http://www.vrg.org/
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Vegetarian Diets for Pregnancy
Pregnancy means eating for two. But it helps to remember that one of you is very small. So while you will need more nutrition, your overall diet will not be dramatically different from your normal eating pattern.
Calorie needs increase only modestly during pregnancy. In the first trimester, no additional calories are needed at all. However, an extra 340 calories are needed per day in the second trimester, and an additional 452 calories are needed per day in the third trimester.1 All pregnant women need to choose their meals wisely. It is important to eat foods that are rich in nutrients, but not high in fat or sugar, or excessive in calories.
A vegetarian diet, based on nutritious whole foods, is a healthful choice for any pregnant woman. Use the chart below to plan your meals.
Whole Grains, Breads, Cereals
9 or more servings
Serving = 1 slice of bread, 1/2 bun or bagel,
1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice, or pasta,
3/4–1 cup ready-to-eat cereal
Vegetables
4 or more servings
Serving = 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw vegetables
Choose at least one dark green vegetable daily
Fruits
4 or more servings
Serving = 1/2 cup cooked, 1 cup raw,
1 piece of fruit, 3/4 cup fruit juice, 1/4 cup dried fruit
Legumes, Soy Products, Nondairy Milks
5–6 servings
Serving = 1/2 cup cooked beans, tofu, or tempeh;
8 ounces fortified soymilk or other nondairy milk;
3 ounces meat analogue
Nuts, Seeds, Wheat Germ
1–2 servings
Serving = 2 tablespoons nuts or seeds,
2 tablespoons nut butter, 2 tablespoons wheat germ
*Be sure to include a reliable source of vitamin B12, such as many prenatal vitamins or fortified nondairy milk or cereal.
Nutrients
To make certain that you are getting adequate nutrition, pay particular attention to the following nutrients.
Calcium: The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for calcium during pregnancy is the same as before pregnancy, 1000 mg/day for women ages 19-50,2 due in part to increased maternal calcium absorption.
Just as it was before pregnancy, getting enough calcium on a vegetarian diet is easy. In fact, calcium absorption from plant foods is often superior to that of dairy products.3 Good sources of calcium include tofu and soy beans, dark green leafy vegetables, bok choy, broccoli, beans, figs, sunflower seeds, tahini, almond butter, calcium-fortified nondairy milk, and calcium-fortified cereals and juices. If these foods are included in the diet every day, calcium needs are easily met.
Essential fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid and an important component of the diet. ALA converts in the body into omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
The Institute of Medicine has set the adequate intake (AI) for ALA at 1.1 g/day for women ages 19-50 and 1.4 g/day during pregnancy.1 ALA can be found in a number of vegetarian foods. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are the most concentrated sources; however, ALA is also found in canola and walnut oils, walnuts, and soybeans.
An important factor in essential fatty acid status for vegetarians is the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. The World Health Organization recommends a ratio of 5:1 to 10:1 for proper conversion of ALA into DHA and EPA.4 The lower the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, the better the conversion. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in seeds, nuts, grains, legumes, and green leafy vegetables, as well as in high concentrations in certain vegetable oils (corn, soybean, safflower, cottonseed, sesame, and sunflower).
The fatty acid that is often discussed regarding vegetarian pregnancy is DHA. DHA has been shown to be lower in the plasma and umbilical cord of babies born to vegetarian mothers.5 Since vegetarians don’t consume any preformed DHA in the diet, they must convert it from ALA. It certainly is possible to meet omega-3 fatty acid needs on the vegetarian diet by consuming enough sources of ALA, balanced by not having too many omega-6 fatty acids. However, if a vegetarian woman is concerned about DHA, microalgae-based supplements are available, marketed under the name Neuromins.
Folate: Folate, or folic acid, is necessary to help prevent neural tube defects and serves other functions as well. Folate is especially important in the first weeks of pregnancy, and it is therefore important that all women of childbearing age get adequate amounts daily. As its name (derived from the word “foliage”) implies, its natural source is leafy greens. Legumes are also rich in folate. Because diets can be erratic, it is prudent to take a multiple vitamin or other supplement that provides at least 400 μg/day. Many breakfast cereals and other grain products are now fortified with folate. During pregnancy, 600 μg/day of folate is needed.6
Iron: Iron needs increase during pregnancy to aid in the development of the fetus and placenta and to maintain increased maternal blood volume. The DRI for women ages 19-50 is 18 mg/day, increasing to 27 mg/day during pregnancy.7 Iron needs may be greater for those on a vegetarian diet because of less efficient absorption of iron from nonanimal sources.8 Iron supplements (or prenatal vitamins containing iron) are often prescribed for women on any kind of diet, as it is difficult for any woman to meet increased needs through diet alone.
Vegetarian women should include iron-rich plant foods daily, in addition to taking their prescribed vitamins or supplements. Iron supplements should not be taken at the same time as tea, coffee, or calcium supplements. Dairy products decrease iron absorption and should be avoided. Iron sources include whole and enriched grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, dried fruit, and blackstrap molasses. Including vitamin C-rich foods at meals can increase absorption of iron from these sources.
Protein: The DRI for women ages 19-50 is 46 g/day, increasing to 71 g/day during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (25 grams more than pre-pregnancy needs).1 This is a greater increase than previously recommended; however, it is still easy to meet these protein needs on a vegetarian diet. DRIs are intended to cover the needs for 97.5 percent of the population, so actual needs for most individuals may be slightly lower than this.
Protein sources on a vegetarian diet include whole grains, beans and legumes, soy products, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. A balanced vegetarian diet, providing adequate calories and including these foods, will likely meet protein needs.9 The meal-planning chart above provides plenty of protein for pregnancy.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 needs increase only slightly during pregnancy, increasing from 2.4 μg/day for women ages 19-50 to 2.6 μg/day during pregnancy.6 Vitamin B12 is found in fortified foods, such as fortified cereals, meat substitutes, nondairy milk, and nutritional yeast. Be certain to check the labels to find out which foods are fortified. Seaweed and foods like tempeh are generally not good sources of vitamin B12. To be sure of getting adequate B12, it is prudent to take a prenatal vitamin containing vitamin B12 or to take a vitamin B12 supplement.
Vitamin D: Although vitamin D needs during pregnancy are the same as before pregnancy (5 μg per day),2 it is important to both mother and baby to ensure adequate intake. Vitamin D is made in the body as the result of exposure to sunlight. For many people, 5 to 15 minutes per day of sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the arms and legs or hands, face, and arms during the spring, the summer, and the fall is sufficient to meet vitamin D needs.10
This nutrient is poorly supplied in all diets unless people use foods that are fortified with it. Many brands of ready-to-eat cereals and nondairy milks are fortified with vitamin D. Pregnant women who don’t regularly spend time in the sun, live in northern latitudes, or have darker skin will want to be sure to include fortified foods in their diet. Many prenatal vitamins contain adequate amounts of vitamin D as well.
Zinc: Zinc needs increase during pregnancy. The DRI for women ages 19-50 is 8 mg/day and increases to 11 mg/day during pregnancy.7 Needs for women following a vegetarian diet may be higher, however, because of lower absorption of zinc on a plant-based diet.8
Zinc is often included in prenatal vitamins. In addition, zinc is found in legumes, nuts, whole grains, and cereals. Zinc absorption from plant-based sources can be increased by including sprouted grains, beans, or seeds and yeast-raised breads in the diet, soaking and cooking legumes, and combining zinc sources with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or tomato sauce.
A note about dietary supplements: Your doctor may recommend a supplement to ensure you are meeting your vitamin/mineral needs. Most prenatal vitamins will be adequate to cover your needs. If you are interested in taking any additional dietary supplements, including herbal or botanical supplements, talk to your doctor. Many herbal supplements have not been adequately tested for safety in pregnancy.
Menu Ideas
Plan meals around nutritious whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Add sesame seeds, wheat germ, or nutritional yeast for flavor and nutrition.
Cooked leafy green vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrition. Add them to soups and casseroles.
Snack on dried fruits and nuts to boost your intake of iron and other important trace nutrients.
Sample Menu Plan for Pregnant Women
Breakfast
1 cup ready-to-eat cereal topped with 1/4 cup raisins and 1 cup fortified soymilk
2 slices whole-wheat toast with 2 tablespoons almond butter
3/4 cup calcium-fortified fruit juice
Lunch
Sandwich with 1/2 cup baked tofu, 2 slices whole-grain bread and lettuce
2 cups tossed salad with herbs and lemon juice
1 piece fruit
Dinner
1 cup red beans and 1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup cooked broccoli with nutritional yeast
1 cup spinach salad
1 cup fortified soymilk
Snacks
2 tablespoons nuts
1 cup mixed fruit
4 whole-wheat crackers
*Be sure to include a reliable source of vitamin B12, such as many prenatal vitamins or fortified nondairy milk or cereal.
Guidelines for Good Health During Pregnancy
Begin a healthful diet before you become pregnant. Your body stores of nutrients support the early growth and development of your baby.
Maintain a steady rate of weight gain. Aim for about 2 to 4 pounds total during the first trimester and then about 1 pound per week during the second and third trimesters. If you were at a normal weight before you became pregnant, the recommended weight gain overall is 25 to 35 pounds. However, if you were underweight before pregnancy, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds, and if you were overweight, you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Women carrying twins should gain 35 to 45 pounds.11
See your health care provider regularly.
Do not consume alcohol or use tobacco products during pregnancy.
If you choose to consume caffeinated beverages, limit caffeine intake to <300 mg per day (the amount in about 3 cups of coffee). Exercise during pregnancy is often beneficial to both mother and baby. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise plan for you. Limit empty calories found in highly processed foods and sweets. Make your calories count! Breastfeeding The guidelines for breastfeeding mothers are similar to those for pregnant women. Milk production requires even more calories than pregnancy, so you will need to boost your food intake a little bit. During the first six months of breastfeeding, you need 500 calories more than you did before you became pregnant. This drops to 400 additional calories during the second six months of breastfeeding. Protein needs are the same as during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (an additional 25 grams per day over pre-pregnancy needs).
References
1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, and amino acids (macronutrients). Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2005.
2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride. washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1997.
3. Keller JL, Lanou A, Barnard ND. The consumer cost of calcium from food and supplements. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102(11):1669-1671.
4. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization. Fats and oils in human nutrition: report of a joint expert consultation. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 1994. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper, No. 57.
5. Reddy S, Sanders TA, Obeid O. The influence of maternal vegetarian diet on essential fatty acid status of the newborn. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(5):358-368.
6. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.
7. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000.
8. World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Vitamin and mineral requirements in human nutrition. 2nd ed. Rome: World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2004.
9. Messina VK, Mangels R, Messina M. The dietitian's guide to vegetarian diets: issues and applications. 2nd ed. Sudburg, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2004.
10. Holick MF. The vitamin D epidemic and its health consequences. J Nutr. 2005;135(11):2739S-2748S.
11. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Nutrition during pregnancy.
Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1990.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sheesy Baked Potato Serves 4
WHAT YOU NEED
4 Large baking potatoes
1 tub Creamy Sheese with Chives, or any Sheese of your choice,
(grate hard Sheese first).
2 Small red onions finely chopped
2 teaspoons of Dijon Mustard
Freshly ground black pepped
Slice of tomato (optional)
HOW TO DO IT
1 Bake potatoes at 180°c until cooked through. To save time, microwave for 5 min or so first, then finish off in the oven.
2 Cut the top off the potatoes and scoop out flesh. Mix the potato flesh with the other ingredients and spoon (or pipe) back into the potatoes.
3 Top with sliced tomato and return to the oven for approx. 20 min until golden brown.
Serve with salads or steamed vegetables.
source: http://www.buteisland.com/a_recipe_page.htm
The Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research Highlights
Download full PDFThe number of people who are adopting a vegetarian diet is on the increase - in Canada it is estimated that about 4% of the adult population chooses a vegetarian eating style. According to a joint position of Dietitians of Canada and the American Dietetic Association published in the June issue of the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research (2003;64(2):62-81), appropriate planned vegetarian diets are healthful and nutritionally adequate for people of all stages of the lifecycle. A vegetarian diet also provides health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Registered Dietitian and DC member Vesanto Melina co-authored this position along with American colleagues.
The DC / ADA position details the most current science regarding key nutrients and how to obtain them through a vegetarian diet. Numerous health benefits are also cited - lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein and higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
Vegetarians have been reported to have healthier body weight than non-vegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels and lower rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and prostate and colon cancer.
To take the guess-work out of vegetarian meal planning, ensuring that food choices are well-balanced, the authors of the position paper have also devised a Food Guide for North American Vegetarians. The new Guide uses the familiar framework of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and the US Food Guide Pyramid in making recommendations for numbers and kinds of food choices that would fit a completely plant-based or a lacto-ovo vegetarian eating style. The Guide is also described in the June issue of the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research (2003;64(2): 82-86.
For more information on this article, or to interview the lead author, contact the DC Central Information Office at (416) 596-0857 or email us at media@dietitians.ca
Source: Dietitians of Canada
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