Welcome to the website of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Our mission as the leading authority on vegetarian diets is to provide tools from evidence-based research to plan all types of vegetarian meals. We want to share information for all age groups, and fitness levels that will promote health and well-being based on the latest research.


Finding Fiber in Whole Foods

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Perhaps you’ve noticed the current focus on fiber in foods; occurring naturally or being added. It seems we should all agree that fiber is a good thing, right? Continue reading

Seitan Broccoli Hot Dish

Seitan Broccoli Hot Dish

When the weather turns cold and the nights are long, it is time to retreat to the dishes that bring warmth and good memories. The feature dish for this month is a vegetarian adaptation of an old family favorite. From my family to yours, enjoy! Continue reading

Transitioning to a Plant-based Diet

Ratatouille Pasta Bake

Add more plant foods to the mixed meals you are eating. Shift the balance of plant and animal foods toward more plants – the ones you already eat and love. Continue reading

Are you really eating for two this holiday season?

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The concept of ‘eating for two’, while probably well intentioned, has confused countless pregnant women. Let’s see what’s behind it. Continue reading

Quick Fare for November Nights

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As the holidays approach and nights are filled with after-school and after-work activities, it is good to keep staple ingredients on hand in order to make last-minute meals. Continue reading

Boost Your Fall Palate with Colorful Dishes

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Many seasonal gardens are dying back for the year; however this shouldn’t limit your palate to dull dishes. Excite your taste buds with two colorful and flavorful plates. Continue reading

Crunch into Crispy Collard Chips

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Tired of snacking on potato chips? Need something to munch on during the day without adding a lot of Calories to your diet? This crunchy recipe is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Continue reading

Nightshade’s Sweet Treat

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As daylight changes, subtly signaling the approach of fall, we can comfort ourselves against the loss of summer with anticipation of autumn harvest. This is the time of year when a magical little golden fruit within a paper lantern package begins to appear in farmers’ markets. Continue reading

End of Summer Sautéed Eggplant Parmesan

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August is a great time to start bringing in the harvest. Tomatoes and eggplants are now ripe for the picking all over the United States. What better way to enjoy this bounty than through a wonderful recipe that combines the … Continue reading

Got Enough?

This vegetarian meal offers enough for an individual to meet nutrient needs as well as support good health.

No matter how prolific the evidence nor how well presented our website, there will always be someone who asks, “Can a vegetarian diet provide enough?” Enough might mean enough protein, enough variety, enough nutrients, enough of whatever the questioner fears … Continue reading

Early Summer; Garlic Scapes

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One of the delights of visiting your local farmers market is to observe the march of produce across the months, throughout the year. Each season provides an opportunity to discover extraordinary varieties of ordinary fare. Garlic scapes, with their wildly twisted shapes are a perfect, early summer example of this. Continue reading

Going Green in July

Go Green!

Although most Americans associate the colors red, white, and blue with the month of July, summertime is a great time to go “green” from growing or buying produce from the local markets to saving some “green” by cooking at home. Continue reading

Picatta without the Chicken

Vegan "Chicken" Picatta

Hungry for a bit of chicken picatta, but don’t want to “ruffle the feathers” by using poultry? Seitan is a vegan protein source made from wheat gluten. Seitan is more chewy and springy than other meat alternatives, making it a … Continue reading

Celebrate Spring with a Spicy Mexican Salad

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May is a great time to celebrate the growth of new, green shoots of life in gardens across the country. Spicy Mexican Salad by Brenda Davis, RD, and Vesanto Melina, MS, RD, is a wonderful, raw salad that features delicious sprouted lentils. Continue reading

Food Art for your Palate

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We are often told that we “eat with our eyes.” Some recipes are enticing just looking at them. Continue reading

Spice Up Your Meals in March

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Tired of bland, boring food? Spice up your meals this month with two great recipes from our Vegetarian Nutrition DPG Recipe Contest. Now is the time to try new recipes to spice up your meal routine. Continue reading

Romancing the Stomach

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No matter if you plan to spend February 14th by yourself, with a loved one, or with several loved ones, everyone can agree that a great meal can add a lot of “love” to the festivities. Continue reading

Vegan Teen Athlete

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Being a vegan teen athlete is not complicated. It is easy for teens to receive proper nutrition for sporting events by eating a variety of foods. Teen athletes are able to receive everything they need from a vegan diet to perform at their maximum potential. Continue reading

Taking Comfort in Warm Food

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Winter is a time to take comfort in warm food. The weather outside might be frightful, but winter meals need not be. Three Vegetarian Nutrition members submitted recipes that are sure to become your favorite comfort food for cold weather! Continue reading

Festive Dips for All Occasions

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December is a time of celebration for many people around the world. However, it is often hard to find a healthy dish to bring when you need it. Continue reading

Purging May Cause Throat Cancer

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Eating and purging creates the perfect storm for a deadly form a cancer in the esophagus. Learn how the body attempts to protect the throat from frequent forced vomiting by creating new cells that can lead to Barrett’s Esophagus, a dangerous disease. Continue reading

Help Place a Salad Bar in Your School Cafeteria

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New rulings on the placement of salad bars in elementary school cafeterias create an opportunity for parents to improve the nutritious fruits and vegetables available during school lunch. Learn how you can participate in this opportunity. Continue reading

Vegan teen baker wins cash and meets the president

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Vegan teen baker wins $10,000 prize, plus a meeting with President Obama. See how she create a successful cookie business. Continue reading

Beans by any other name are, well…cancer fighters

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Eating beans everyday can reduce your risk for breast cancer. Learn how this small addition to your daily diet can keep you healthy. Continue reading

Vegetarian? Vegan? Raw Diet! What’s the difference?

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Plant based diets are gaining momentum and becoming more main stream. Pop your head into any grocery store and you’ll be able to find numerous products marked “Vegetarian” or “Certified Vegan”. It can be difficult to know what’s what! Continue reading