Oldways Launches New Vegetarian, Vegan Pyramid

BOSTONA new updated Vegetarian & Vegan Diet Pyramid has been introduced at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

Oldways introduced the pyramid, along with easy-to-use resources including daily serving suggestions, practical cooking and lifestyle tips, recipes and other tools. For the first time, vegan guidelineswhich are similar to vegetarian guidelineswill be included.

Interest in following a plant-based diet is at an all time high, whether people pack their plates with vegetables once a day, once a week, or all their lives," said Sara Baer-Sinnott, president, Oldways. Yet there is more to vegetarian or vegan eating and Oldways Vegetarian & Vegan Diet Pyramid and other tools will help answer questions and provide people of all ages with a well-planned and well-balanced way to enjoy this healthy traditional diet."

Originally, the Vegetarian Diet Pyramid was released in 1997. The new diet reflects the variety of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, herbs and spices.

The vegan and vegetarian trend is increasing worldwide. Every day 2,000 people become vegetarian. Even those that are not vegetarian are consuming more meat alternative products.

Vegetarian diets have been shown to reduce heart disease by 32% and those who stick to a vegetarian diet have lower chances at developing diabetes.

To reap the health rewards, it is important that people plan their plant-based diet meals, not just eat blueberries and lettuce, for example," said Committee Member and Registered Dietitian Sharon Palmer. There are important nutritional profiles behind the Oldways Vegetarian & Vegan Diet Pyramid and it shows people the important variety of foods they can and should eat every day."

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