much protein as most cheeses and twice as much as eggs – but see the note about peanut allergy at the end of Chapter 7)
A well-planned vegetarian diet is extremely healthy. Vegetable protein foods are rich in fibre as well as protein, and contain many vitamins and minerals. Avoiding meat and using vegetable protein foods can be a good way of reducing your intake of saturated fat, and increasing your intake of fibre.
The protein in vegetable protein foods is less concentrated than the protein in animal protein foods. Servings tend to be larger. If you do not eat meat or drink milk, it is a good idea to include a serving of vegetable protein at each meal. Some other important nutrients are less concentrated in vegetable protein. Choose vegetable protein foods rich in iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin B12 (more about all of these nutrients in Chapter 2).
How much animal protein?
We can get enough protein from just two servings of meat protein foods each day. A serving of animal protein is equivalent to:
How much vegetable protein?
Aim for 2–3 servings of vegetable protein foods each day. A serving of vegetable protein is equivalent to:
What about milk foods?
The second of the small sections on our imaginary plate is for milk-based foods, or dairy products. Milk – and foods made from it, such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais – is an excellent and convenient source of calcium, zinc, some B group vitamins and protein.
Milk and milk products contain varying amounts of fat, depending on the type of milk and the way in which it has been processed. ‘Skimmed’ milk has had all the fat removed and ‘semi-skimmed’ milk has had half the fat removed. Both have the same amount of protein as whole milk – and slightly more calcium.
Liquid milk also contains plenty of water, so a glass of chilled, semi-skimmed milk is a refreshing and nutritious drink. If you do not like the taste of milk, try flavouring it with mashed banana or pulped mango. Use unsweetened cocoa powder in hot milk for a comforting evening drink.
The calcium in milk and other foods is very important. Calcium is a mineral needed by our bodies to ensure strong bones and teeth. A good supply of calcium is especially important during pregnancy (when your baby’s bones and teeth are developing) and while breastfeeding.
Can’t drink milk?
Some people strongly dislike milk and feel that it disagrees with their digestion. They may be allergic to milk or they may react badly to lactose, the sugar in milk.
In order to digest lactose, our bodies need an enzyme (special chemical) called lactase. Babies have plenty of lactase, but some adults have very little. These adults are unable to drink milk – but may find they can eat cheese and yoghurt because the lactose in these foods has been changed or removed. They may also be able to tolerate butter.
All of these nutrients in milk can be found in other foods, but it may be hard to get enough calcium if you dislike all dairy products. We suggest other sources of calcium in Chapter 2.
How much milk?
We need three servings of milk, or milk-based food, each day. A serving of milk is equivalent to:
What is so bad about fats and sugar?
The tiny section remaining on our plate is for fatty and sugary foods. Fats and sugar are found in many, many foods – not only in butter, cream and all types of sugar, but ‘hidden’ in lots of processed foods. Did you know, for example, that a large sausage contains the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of fat, and a can of soft drink 8 teaspoons of sugar?
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