An official website of the United States government.

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Nutrition.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. Topics
  3. Basic Nutrition
  4. Eating Vegetarian

Eating Vegetarian

Find tips and resources for creating a healthy vegetarian eating plan that meets nutrient recommendations.

Beans, Peas, and Lentils
USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Beans, peas, and lentils are unique foods that can count toward the protein and vegetable food groups. Learn about the variety of nutrients they provide.

Enjoy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Choose plant foods that are rich in important nutrients to meet your nutrition needs.

Vegetarian Diet
HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus

Read general information about vegetarian diets, including recommendations for a healthy diet. 

GirlsHealth.gov - Vegetarian Eating
HHS, Office on Women's Health, National Women's Health Information Center

Do you know a girl between the 10-16 years-old who is interested in vegetarian eating? If so, share this fact sheet which discusses the different types of vegetarian diets and explains how vegetarians can be sure to get all the nutrients they need.

Vegetarian Diets
Colorado State University Extension

Printable fact sheet on vegetarian diets.

Plant-Based Diet
PennState Extension

Learn about the different types of vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, and find tips for making plant-based meals.