Calorie Count

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. Compared to meat eaters, vegetarians usually eat more of their calories in the form of carbohydrates, but as long as you meet your requirements for protein and fat, carbohydrates can safely provide up to 75% of your daily calories.  Just be sure that your carbohydrates come from high fiber foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, and nuts. Those foods also provide a sizable amount of protein, as do dairy products, eggs and fish, which some vegetarians eat.  Don't waste many carbohydrates on refined grains and food with added sugars. Fruit, which contains natural sugars, is recommended.


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