Vegetarian diets aren't always healthier. Red meat might be high in fat and calories, but it also contains protein and amino acids that you need for healthy functioning. If you don't find other protein sources, you could suffer from malnourishment.

Some vegetarians eat eggs, which are loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, you can get enough protein without eggs. Combine the following ingredients with fruit, vegetables, and dairy products to enjoy nutritious meals.

Whole Grains

If a meatless diet leaves you feeling hungry after meals, whole grains are just as filling and loaded with protein. You can buy whole grains in bulk and add them to virtually any meal. Make rice-based dishes, or add a helping of brown rice to your tofu and vegetables.

Make sure that you add whole, not refined, grains to your shopping list. Refined grains lose vitamins, fibers, and iron during processing, which increases their shelf life but makes them less nutritious. Common whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa, and millet. You can eat them individually or buy whole-grain bread and cereal.

Seeds and Nuts

Nuts and seeds have protein and nutrients, and you can eat them anywhere as a snack. Stock up on peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and sunflower seeds. They make hearty additions to bread, oatmeal, and trail mix and don't require refrigeration.

If you don't like raw nuts, you can eat nut and seed butters. Spread them on toast and crackers, or add a few tablespoons to a smoothie. Just look for minimally processed butters that aren't loaded with sugar. If you have the right equipment, you can make nut and seed butters in your own kitchen.

Plan your meals a week ahead of time to ensure that you eat a balanced diet.