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Vitamin B12 is essential because it helps maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. More importantly though, it's needed to make DNA, the genetic material found in every cell in your body. An adult woman needs 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of B12 a day, and great sources of this vitamin include chicken, beef, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals. If you're vegetarian or vegan, or eat a Read more
There are a lot of B vitamins, and B12 is an important one. If you're deficient in this vitamin you can wind up feeling fatigued. Vitamin B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system and your healthy red blood cells. It is involved in the process of making DNA as well as metabolizing protein. B12 helps make white blood cells, which are important for your immune system, and are necessary for Read more
It's National Nutrition Month, and while you may be eating all the bright colors of the rainbow, don't overlook that less flashy color — brown. As in, the brown crimini button mushroom, a market and salad bar staple for good reason. The common mushroom is hiding some important nutrients that vegetarians should make sure they get enough of. One such important nutrient is selenium. While meat, Read more
I'm crazy for quinoa and crazy for pizza. Put them together, and you get a nutritious treat featuring the goodness of the whole grain packed with fiber and protein and a savory, gluten-free snack. The original recipe calls for pepperoni, but being a vegetarian I substituted diced cherry tomatoes for a sweet juiciness that complemented the basil and oregano. Whip these up for a flavorful nibble Read more
We know it best for sushi, ramen, and teriyaki chicken, but Japanese cuisine actually encompasses a vast range of dishes and flavors. Japan may be a relatively small island nation, but its topography is peppered with snow-capped mountains, broad agricultural fields, and plenty of seashore. Pasture land is at a premium, so the diet tends to be low in animal fats and relies heavily on locally Read more
While it's true that meat is an excellent source of protein, it's by no means the only source and also not always the healthiest. If you're avoiding beef, chicken, and fish for ethical reasons, or simply trying to avoid a diet that's high in saturated fat or cholesterol, feel assured that a vegetarian diet can offer you enough protein. You just need to pay attention to make sure you're getting Read more
Who doesn't love cupping their hands around a warm bowl of oatmeal, especially during colder, Winter months? Aside from a satisfying breakfast, the nutritional power of fiber- and protein-filled oats can be enjoyed in other ways as well. If you're tired of oatmeal for breakfast, reap the benefits of oats with these ideas. Meatloaf or veggie burgers: Since oats have a sticky, gelatinous Read more
I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years, so tofu, tempeh, and seitan are always stocked in my fridge. If you're new to the meat-free world, preparing and eating these new foods can be really intimidating. I'm here to break down the basics so you know how to choose the right one for your nutritional needs and what to expect from your first bite. Read more
Most broccoli cheese soup recipes are loaded with cream and cheese. Not so with this vegetarian-friendly recipe. The clean, bright flavor of broccoli is most prominent. The only cheese is sprinkled on the finished soup as garnish; however, the soup has a rich, nutty depth thanks to nutritional yeast flakes. This health food store ingredient is popular among vegans and can be used to add a Read more
I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years, so I've tried just about every vegetarian alternative to meat out there. Veggie burgers, fake bacon, and even mock eel (seitan) have crossed my lips. If you're wondering how these vegetarian foods compare to the meat versions they represent, then take this quiz. Take the Quiz Read more
