Vegetarian/Vegan Diets
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EatWellGuru
Maryam Dadkhah, Ph.D., RDN, CPT
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist located in Vienna, VA
If you’d like to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet because of a personal preference or health reasons, see Maryam Dadkhah, PhD, RDN, CPT, at EatWellGuru in Northern Virginia or the Washington, D.C. Metro area. She can help you plan a balanced plant-based diet that provides numerous health benefits without the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Schedule a nutrition evaluation with Dr. Dadkhah by phone or request one online today.
Eating Disorders Q & A
What are vegetarian/vegan diets?
Vegetarian diets are primary plant-food diets, while vegan dieting involves eating entirely plant-based foods. These diets offer an array of health and wellness benefits when carefully planned. Dr. Dadkhah determines if a vegetarian/vegan diet is right for you and works with you to develop a personalized meal plan and menu that optimizes your well-being.
What do vegetarian/vegan diets consist of?
Vegetarian and vegan diet plans include the following:
Vegan diets
Vegan diets contain all plant-based foods, including:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
- Other plant-based protein foods (tofu, tempeh, etc.)
- Plant milk
- Plant-based oils
Vegan dieters avoid meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and other foods from animal sources.
Vegetarian diets
Vegetarian dieters eat all of the plant-based foods included in vegan diets. They also consume eggs, dairy foods, or both. Another version of the diet is called a pescetarian diet, which consists of a vegetarian eating pattern with the addition of fish.
What are the benefits of vegetarian/vegan diets?
Researchers have reported numerous benefits associated with vegetarian and vegan dieting. Examples include:
- Reduced chronic disease risks
- Easier weight management
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Lower rates of Type 2 diabetes
- Improved blood cholesterol
- Better blood pressure control
- Reduced risk of heart disease and vascular diseases
You may experience more energy, mood improvements, and a better quality of life by omitting specific animal-based foods like fatty cuts of red meat and highly processed meats. This is particularly true if you exercise regularly, don’t smoke, get enough sleep, and minimize stress.
Are there any potential risks involved?
Nutrient deficiencies are potential risks of vegetarian/vegan dieting if you adopt a meal plan that’s not well-balanced. Dr. Dadkhah creates a plan that includes all essential macronutrients and micronutrients. She may also suggest you take dietary supplements to avoid deficiencies and maximize your energy levels.
What should I expect during vegetarian/vegan nutrition evaluations?
Dr. Dadkhah will meet with you to discuss your nutrition goals. She weighs you, determines your body mass index (BMI), and evaluates your blood pressure and other vital signs. She also reviews your medical history and the results of any lab tests.
Dr. Dadkhah asks about your lifestyle, medications, and health goals to personalize a vegetarian/vegan diet plan that best matches your needs. She follows up to maximize your health outcomes and can alter your vegetarian meal plan whenever necessary.
Schedule a vegetarian/vegan diet evaluation with Dr. Dadkhah at EatWellGuru by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Payment Options
Not all insurance providers cover nutrition services. Please call the number on your insurance card prior to your visit to learn if medical nutrition therapy services are a covered benefit. When you call us to make an appointment, we will also obtain your insurance information to check your insurance coverage. We bill your insurance provider for each visit, and you cover the co-payment or deductible. The amount that you owe depends on the specific health insurance plan you have. For your co-payment or for those who prefer to pay out-of-pocket, we accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards.
Words from our patients
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"She has helped me to lose weight, but more importantly, she's helped me become healthier by teaching me the right foods to eat in the right quantity."
