Nutrition Counselling for Vegan and Vegetarian Plant-Based Diets

Whether you're in the process of transitioning to a plant-based diet or simply aiming to enhance your current dietary habits, our team of health professionals is available to offer comprehensive guidance and support.

Plant-Based Foods​

Are you looking for a healthy and balanced plant-based diet that meets all your nutritional needs? A registered dietitian (RD) can help you achieve your goals by providing expert advice and customized meal plans. Our nutrition services are designed to guide you through the challenges of switching to a plant-based diet and ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs to thrive.

What Are the Different Types of Plant-Based Diets?

Plant-based diets have gained popularity in recent years, and there are various types to choose from. Here are some of the most common plant-based diets:

  1. Vegan diet: This type of diet excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
  2. Vegetarian diet: This diet excludes meat but may include some animal products, such as dairy and eggs. Additionally, there are subcategories of vegetarian diets, such as lacto-ovo vegetarian or lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarian.
  3. Flexitarian diet: This diet emphasizes plant-based foods but allows for occasional consumption of meat and other animal products.

What Are the Challenges of a Plant-Based Diet?

Although there are many benefits to a plant-based diet, transitioning to a plant-based diet can be challenging for some people, especially if they are used to eating a lot of meat and dairy products. Some common challenges include:

  1. Getting enough protein: Eating a plant-based diet may require a little more planning to ensure you are getting enough protein. However, with the right planning, it is possible to get enough protein from plant-based sources such as legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds.
  2. Getting enough iron: Iron is an essential nutrient that is abundant in meat products. However, it is also available in plant-based sources such as lentils, beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens.
  3. Getting enough vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. However, it is possible to get enough B12 from fortified plant-based foods or supplements.
  4. Limiting the use of processed foods: It is common for vegetarians to rely on convenient options such as premade meat alternatives, which frequently contain elevated levels of sodium and preservatives. A dietitian can assist in the inclusion of wholesome, healthy foods into your diet.

How Can a Registered Dietitian Help Me with a Plant-Based Diet?

A registered dietitian can help you overcome the challenges of transitioning to a plant-based diet. Here are some ways a dietitian can help:

  1. Customized meal plans: Our dietitian can create customized meal plans that meet your nutritional needs and food preferences.
  2. Nutritional education: Our health care professional can educate you on the nutrients you need to pay attention to, and where to find them in plant-based foods.
  3. Recipe ideas: Our dietitian can provide you with delicious and healthy plant-based recipes to try at home.

Special Conditions that Can Benefit from Receiving Nutrition Counselling while Following a Plant-Based Diet

Nutrition counselling can be beneficial for people with a particular condition or lifestyle who follow a plant-based diet. Here are some examples:

  1. Athletes: Athletes who follow a plant-based diet can benefit from nutrition counselling to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to fuel their performance and aid in recovery. A registered dietitian can help design a meal plan that meets their nutritional needs for optimal sports performance.
  2. Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can benefit from nutrition counselling to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy. Plant-based diets can provide all the necessary nutrients, but it may require careful planning to ensure that they are getting enough protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
  3. Children: Plant-based diets can be a healthy option for children when properly planned, but it is essential to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. A registered dietitian can help parents design a balanced plant-based meal plan that meets their child's nutritional needs.

In addition to these specific conditions, anyone who is following a plant-based diet may benefit from nutrition counselling to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs and preventing nutrient deficiencies. A registered dietitian can provide education, support, and guidance to help individuals achieve a healthy and balanced plant-based diet.

Why Choose TeamNutrition for support with a Plant-Based Diet?

We understand that every individual has unique dietary needs, especially when it comes to adopting a vegetarian diet. At TeamNutrition, our goal is not to impose a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather to accompany you on your personalized nutritional journey. After conducting a thorough assessment of your dietary requirements, we create a nutrition plan specifically tailored to you, taking into consideration your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and health goals. Choosing our team also means:

  • Flexible Consultation Options: Whether you prefer an online or in-person consultation, we offer you a choice from over 80 locations across Canada.
  • Ongoing Training for Our Experts: Our specialists stay continually informed about the latest advancements in vegetarian nutrition to provide you with the best practices in line with professional standards.
  • Highly Qualified Professionals: All our members are registered with the professional body in their province of practice, ensuring the highest quality nutrition services.
  • KoalaPro Health Platform: Benefit from our exclusive mobile app that offers recipes tailored to your dietary preferences, access to workouts adapted for everyone, and exclusive well-being discounts to support your journey.

  • Insurance Coverage and Tax Benefits: Our services are typically covered by most private insurance companies and may also be eligible for tax deductions, making it easier to access quality nutrition care.

We are here for you, ready to adapt our services to your reality, to provide you with the support and resources you need to effectively and empathetically follow a vegetarian diet.

Make an Appointment With a Dietitian for Plant-Based Diet

If you're considering transitioning to a plant-based diet, schedule an appointment with our registered dietitian today. Our dietitian can help you overcome the challenges and provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve a healthy and balanced plant-based diet. Contact us today to make an appointment with a TeamNutrition dietitian.