The general view is that you can’t go wrong with a vegetarian diet; It is nutrient dense with lots of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. But did you know that vegetarian diets can be low in protein if adequate beans, lentils, and/or dairy are not included? For example, a vegetarian meal consisting only of a leafy green salad with a side of whole-grain bread is low in protein. Adding beans to green salad, a side of lentil soup, and/or a serving of skim milk or yogurt are easy ways to include protein in your meal. Also, eating the same lettuce salad for lunch every day can also mean your diet lacks variety. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits ensures that you regularly get different nutrients from natural foods. Whether you’re eating at home or at a restaurant, there are websites with free tools you can use to look up the nutrition facts of foods and recipes.

Most of the free nutrition databases that are available online provide the calorie, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content of foods. They may also include additional nutritional information for foods such as dietary fiber, cholesterol, and sodium content. The field of nutrition is constantly evolving due to the extensive scientific research that is carried out worldwide. Board-certified nutrition professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills based on the results of the latest scientific research. Stay up to date with dietary recommendations by reading nutrition tips provided by qualified experts; Avoid the yo-yo effects of fad diets and miracle foods.

Qualified nutrition professionals with specializations in chronic health conditions, food allergies, dietary restrictions, or ethnic diets can also offer support through personalized dietary advice and consultation. Many Indians follow a vegetarian diet that also includes eggs and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, and butter. Most of the Indian savory snacks tend to be fried, while the desserts are made with ghee (clarified butter). Moderation is important as both snacks and desserts are high in fat. There are very few free online food databases that provide accurate nutrition facts for Indian cuisine or list of protein content foods for ethnic cuisine. Working with a qualified nutrition professional who is also knowledgeable about ethnic dietary restrictions helps create appropriate meal plans and diet modifications that work for your lifestyle and health requirements. Whether it’s heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy or weight loss, use the services offered by qualified nutrition experts to reach your health goals.