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By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

Can a vegetarian diet have too many carbohydrates?
Asked by anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 in Alternative & Integrative Nutrition



I'm a vegetarian and I find it hard to get enough protein and filling foods that don't make my total carb intake a really high percentage of what I'm eating. Any suggestions? How high is too high?

Answer

Don't worry about your 'total carb' intake. Vegetarians usually eat more of their calories from carbohydrates. As long as you meet your requirements for protein and fat, carbohydrates can safely provide up to 75% of your daily calories. The best sources of carbohydrates are high fiber foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, and nuts. Those foods provide a sizable amount of protein, as do dairy products, eggs and fish, which some vegetarians eat.


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