1. broccoli.
Broccoli actually has more calcium than milk! Calcium is the most active mineral in the body, and a recent study at Purdue University in Indiana found that one thousand milligrams of calcium a day helped prevent weight gain and actually promoted weight loss in women aged 18 to 31! High protein diets (aka meat-eaters) have a harder time absorbing calcium, so eat your greens!

2. cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice helps flush out nasty little ailments like UTI’s by altering the PH of urine to discourage bacteria from multiplying in the bladder and urinary tract. Blueberries have similar properties and are also very helpful in stopping bladder infections and UTI’s.

3. flaxseeds.
Flaxseeds are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fatty acid is found in meat, but as a vegetarian, you can reap the healthy benefits by eating flaxseed! These nutty-tasting little brown seeds can be baked into breads and muffins, or come in the form of flaxseed oil or supplements.

4. 20%
Approximately 20% of the total daily calories should come from protein. Two to three servings of protein-rich food will meet the daily needs of most adults, unless you were a body builder and were bulking up... but in the gothic scene that seems highly unlikely! You can get your protein by eating a variety of plant foods and having an adequate intake of calories. Foods high in protein include legumes, grains, soy products and nuts.

5. a vegetarian who eats no meat, poultry, or fish but does eat dairy and eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarians do not eat anything that had to be killed (i.e. no meat, poultry or fish) but do eat eggs and dairy products. Any “vegetarian” who tells you they eat fish and chicken is full of shit. Since when is chicken or fish a vegetable? My general rule-of-thumb is, “if it had a face then I don’t eat it.”

6. 3 or 4 servings of cereals/grains, 4 or 5 servings of fruit or vegetables, 2 or 3 servings of nuts or seeds, 2 servings of dairy/soy, and a small portion of plant oils.
As a basic guide, it is recommended that a vegetarian diet should include the following each day:

So there you have it. Now, before you go off thinking I’m giving y’all the holier-than-thou attitude, I’ll admit I don’t eat these things everyday, but I do make conscious decisions of what I eat. And especially in summer, there’s lots of refreshing fruit in season, that are low in calories and very good for you.