Vegetarian Diet Info
Vegetarian Diet & Carbohydrates
Information on Carbs, Complex/Simple Carbohydrates & Vegetarian Diet for Vegetarians and Part-Vegetarians

Vegetarian Diet
More Vegetarian Nutrition Information
Calcium in Vegetarian Diet - Iron in Vegetarian Diet - Protein in Vegetarian Diet - Vitamin B12 in Diet - Zinc in Vegetarian Diet
Potassium, Iodine in Diet - Vegetarian Diet Carbs - Fiber in Diet Plan - Fat in Vegetarian Diet - Cholesterol - Essential Fatty Acids
Vitamin A for Vegetarians - Vitamin D for Vegetarians - Vegetarian Foods - Vegetarian Diet Nutrition

Carbohydrates in a Vegetarian Diet

Carbohydrate is a vegetarian's principal source of energy. Most carbs come from plant foods. There are three main types: simple sugars, complex carbohydrates (starches) and dietary fiber.

Simple Sugars/Carbs in a Vegetarian Diet

The sugars or simple carbohydrates are found in fruit, milk and ordinary table sugar. Refined sources of sugar, like table sugar, sweets, syrups and other highly refined products, are not good for any vegetarian diet plan as they provide calories which are 'empty' of nutrition. They lack fiber, vitamins, minerals and any other micronutrients beneficial to vegetarians.

Complex Carbs in a Vegetarian Diet

Complex carbohydrates can be found in cereals/grains (bread, rice, pasta, oats, barley, millet, buckwheat, rye) and some root vegetables, such as potatoes and parsnips. A healthy vegetarian diet should contain plenty of these complex starchy carbs as they are beneficial for health, weight and energy levels. Less refined complex carbs, like whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice, are best of all because they contain essential dietary fibre and B vitamins.

Healthy Amount of Complex Carbs in a Vegetarian Diet

The World Health Organisation as well as most dietitians recommend that 55-60% of our calories should come from complex carbohydrates. Even a vegetarian weight loss diet should contain plenty of complex carbs, as they keep us full without adding too many calories.

Fiber in a Vegetarian Diet

Dietary fiber (cellulose) is the indigestible part of a carbohydrate food. Fiber is found in unrefined or wholegrain cereals, fruit (fresh or dried) and vegetables. A good intake of dietary fiber reduces the risk of digestive problems as well as diseases like colon cancer and diverticular disease.
See also Fiber in Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian Diet