Vegetarian Advice: Healthy, Fit, Vegetarian

Question: How to get all the nutrients I need to stay fit and healthy

I've cut out all meat from my diet in the last 3 weeks, though I still eat fish. However, I've suffered from a cold and feverishness the past couple of days, which is something that I have rarely experienced before.

I'm sure the two things are just co-incidental, but nevertheless I thought I ought to look into vitamins and minerals etc to make sure my new vegetarian regime is not harmful to my health.

Unfortunately, I only have internet access at work and so cannot spend long looking for vegetarian information. I came across your Savvy Vegetarian site first, and thought it seemed like an excellent vegetarian resource.

I'd be very grateful for any advice you could give me with regards to getting all the nutrients I need and staying fit and healthy on a vegetarian diet.

I like just about all foods except for nuts, of which I can only stomach a couple of varieties, and am a keen cook. Thanks for your time - A. S.

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Savvy Vegetarian Advice

Dear A. S.,

I've attached the vegetarian nutrition report, because it could be more helpful to you than the vegetarian etiquette report. It'll give you a practical basis for starting a vegetarian diet.

It could be just a coincidence that you had a virus - there have been some bad ones floating around. But your body may be detoxing after quitting meat, and because of that, your immune system might be a bit low. I'd suggest taking something to boost your immune system.

It also could be food poisoning: You ate some spoiled food, or bad fish, or something just doesn't agree with you.

I recommend 'The New Becoming Vegetarian' by Melina and Davis as an excellent vegetarian nutrition reference.

Vitamin & mineral supplements - yes, if you feel the need, but not as a substitute for good food. Almonds, especially blanched, are easy to tolerate. Sunflower seeds, soaked overnight & sprouted 24 hours, are great in salads, cereals, etc. Hummus is good. Anything sprouted is excellent, and lots of green veggies of all kinds, of course. Whole grains of all sorts. These are all wonderful sources of protein, calcium and other minerals, & vitamins.

Enjoy endless vegetarian possibilities! Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

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