of us obtain from milk products. Eat a variety of foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients—check the Nutrition Facts Label on the foods you eat.
Eat less fat and fewer high-fat foods.
Eat smaller portions and limit second helpings of foods high in fat and calories.
Eat more vegetables and fruits without fats and sugars added in preparation or at the table.
EAT FRESH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Vegetarian Diets and Nutritional Requirements
Some people eat vegetarian diets for reasons of culture, belief, or health. Most vegetarians eat milk products and eggs, and as a group, these lacto-ovo-vegetarians enjoy excellent health. You can get enough protein from a vegetarian diet as long as the variety and amounts of foods consumed are adequate. Meat, fish, and poultry are major contributors of iron, zinc, and B vitamins in most American diets, and vegetarians should pay special attention to getting these nutrients from vegetarian sources.
Vegans eat only food of plant origin. Because animal products are the only sources of vitamin B12, vegans must supplement their diets with a source of this vitamin. In addition, vegan diets, particularly those of children, require care to insure adequacy of vitamin D and calcium, which most Americans obtain from milk products.
Grain products, vegetables, and fruits are key parts of a varied diet. They are emphasized in this guideline because they provide vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber), and other substances that are important for good health. They are also generally low in fat, depending on how they are prepared and what is added to them at the table.