I'm a vegetarian; should I see a nutritionist?!
I'm a vegetarian; should I see a nutritionist?
I've been one for a year and I'm worried that I may not be healthy. I l feel and look it, but how do I really know? What do you think I should do?
Answers: There is no harm in seeing a nutritionist, it can only help give you insight and information. He/she may be able to ease your concerns about you diet. Seeing a nutritionist would not be a bad idea. There are some vitamins and minerals that are hard to come by if you're not on a diet that includes meat. For women particularly, you have to make sure that you get enough calcium, to avoid osteoporosis. No, unless the nutritionist is a "Veggie" he/she will not be much help.
Educate yourself.
Here a super resource for that kind of thing.
http://www.drmcdougall.com/
sign up for his free newsletter, go back through the old ones. Dr. McDougall is very a good resource & educator on being a "Veggie" I think it is a very good idea to see a nutritionist , specially because you are a vegetarian, and since you are not eating any kind of meat ( i supose )
Meat has many calories , minerals and vitamins that you should be getting, so to replace this nutrients with vegetables, fruits, we need the advise of a nutritionist, who will advise you the type of vegies and the quantities.
Your health is as important as your peace of mind.
Daniel G. Wow, more terrible advice from the omnivores. Sorry for that.
If you want to see a nutritionist, do so. But, being vegetarian does not automatically necessitate seeing one. As long as you are eating a balanced diet and are maintaining a healthy weight, I don't see what a nutritionist will do for you.
If you aren't sure that you are eating right, start a food journal on a site like http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/healthylivi... . This will give you a better idea as to if you are meeting your needs.
As far as others saying that meat-free means you are missing out on nutrients - this is BS and advice from people who have NO clue. Again, I'm sorry for this bad advice.
Good luck to you and I hope this is helpful. : ) Why do vegetarians seem to think they're missing out on nutrients? Look at the protein group on the food pyramid...it's not only meat, it's meat, eggs, beans, nuts and legumes. I know a lot of omnivores who hardly ever eat vegetables and they don't obsess about their lack of nutrition even though they probably should. Look at how many different vitamins are found in fruits and veggies! If you eat eggs and/or dairy you're not missing anything over a meat-eating diet. If you're vegan the only thing you might miss is B12, but that's an easy supplement. I tend to think it's the meatie types that should be seeing nutritionists! They all tend to think there's some kind of magic in dead animal flesh that prevents disease when it's really the other way around!
The very fact that you've asked the question shows you've got more nutritional knowledge than most folks<VBG>!
Why trust someone else with you're health! If you haven't already done so start studying nutrition on your own. If you do decide to go to one follow the advice of Celtic Tejas, otherwise you really can end up seeing someone that doesn't have a clue.