KEY TAKEAWAYS A well-balanced vegetarian or vegan diet can support athletes at all levels of training and performance. Meeting energy needs is a nutrition priority for all athletes, including vegetarian athletes.
A varied and well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, iron-fortified cereals, and green leafy vegetables can help ensure vegetarian athletes meet their needs for most nutrients.
Educating vegetarian athletes on food sources of carbohydrate, protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-12 should help ensure adequate health and performance.