1600 Calorie Vegetarian Meal Plan

Looking for a 1600 calorie vegetarian meal plan? This well-planned vegetarian diet program is sufficient to meet the growth and nutritional needs of an adult. Let’s start if you’re ready!

All About 1600 Calorie Vegetarian Meal Plan

It has been proven that a vegetarian diet is a healthy, nutritious and effective nutrition program in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Large-scale studies also show that the mortality rate from heart disease is 30% lower in vegetarian men and 20% lower in women.

The program contains less saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein while having higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and antioxidants such as vitamin C.

So What Should A Good-Planned Vegetarian Diet Include?

Protein

1600 calorie vegetarian meal plan – There are 24.4 grams of protein in 100 grams of pumpkin seeds

One of the biggest mistakes with vegetarian diets is that they are thought to be not rich in protein. Many plant foods, such as whole grains, nuts, and legumes, are very rich in protein.

However, it is not enough to meet the protein requirement from a single plant species, as not all the necessary amino acid types can be obtained.

Contrary to popular belief, incomplete proteins should not be taken with a single food to meet protein needs.

The variety of legumes, seeds, whole grains, nuts and whole wheat will be sufficient to meet the required amino acid requirement.

Calcium

Collard contains about 350 milligrams of calcium per serving

The most common sources of calcium are dairy products. Dark green leafy vegetables, tofu (tofu), and calcium-fortified foods and drinks are other important sources of calcium.

Of course, not all dairy products and juices contain calcium. The best way to consume calcium-rich products is to read the product labels carefully.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods. It is essential for the spinal cord, brain, visual nerves and peripheral nervous system.

Deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems without treatment.

The active form of B12 in the human body is cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin can be found in some breakfast cereals, multivitamins, soy drinks, and edible yeasts from some brands.

However, it would be useful to note that some inactive counterparts of B12 are found in blue-green algae, seaweed and fermented foods.

Iron

100 grams of spinach contains 2.7 milligrams of vegetable-derived iron. But do not forget to increase the absorption of iron by combining it with foods high in vitamin C.

For vegetarians, iron levels have always been a concern. The reason for this is that the iron in plant foods rich in iron is not biologically usable as it is in animal food sources.

Iron deficiency is common, especially in women of growing age. It would be beneficial for vegetarians to consume iron-enriched cereals and cereal products, legumes, dried fruits, pasta and green leafy vegetables.

Zinc

Zinc is important for ideal growth and sexual development, especially during adolescence. It is recommended that an adolescent individual consume approximately 8-11 mg per day.

Zinc-enriched cereals, legumes, nuts, eggs, soy foods and dairy products are among the important sources of zinc.

Oils

Fat is an important source of nutrients for growth and development. At least 20% of the energy consumed should come from fatty acids.

In cases where this amount is not enough, problems such as deficiencies or growth retardation can be seen in the person due to insufficient fatty acids.

Especially in individuals in the growth period, the fat taken is very important and should be followed carefully.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be stored. The products with the highest vitamin D concentration are dairy products. Sunlight is also an important source of vitamin D.

If you live in an area with insufficient daylight, you must meet this need with nutrition. For vegans who do not consume dairy products, dairy-like products or breakfast cereals can be beneficial in obtaining this vitamin.