Vegetarian Grocery Shopping Lists

A vegetarian diet can provide optimum health and, with the added antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables, can prevent many diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Vegetarian diets can still follow the food pyramid and recommend daily values for nutrition. Create a list of groceries before leaving the house and map out a meal plan for the week so that your shopping goes efficiently and you can avoid multiple trips.

Produce

• Pineapple can be used for its juice, mixed into yogurt or as a stand alone dessert.

  Fruits and vegetables should be at the top of your shopping list. Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants vital to a healthy vegetarian diet. Purchase several different kinds of fruit which are rich in beta carotene, fiber and vitamin C. Fruits make a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert when served raw and satisfy your palate with natural sweetness. Fruit can be used as a complementary flavor to stir fries, muffins or cereals. Vegetables can be eaten raw, streamed, grilled or baked. Hearty-tasting mushrooms can serve as a stand-in for meat or used to accent a salad. Choose fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors to maximize you nutrition in every meal.

Nuts and Legumes

• Enjoy cookies that are vegetarian and high in flavor.

  Nuts and beans provide protein, fiber and iron essential to a vegetarian diet. Stock up on peanut butter, cashews, soybeans, black beans, hummus and lentils to ensure you receive the proper nutrients and give your diet sufficient variety. These foods can also replace meat in the recipes you make.

Grains

• Rice, potatoes, oats, pasta and bread are staples in anyone's diet. Use wheat, rice and flour to make your own breads, muffins, pancakes, cakes or cookies. Treat yourself to a new recipe once a week to diversify your meal planning. Stock up on whole grains and high fiber items to ensure you eat enough complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein.

Dairy and Soy

• Vegetarians can include milk and egg products in their diet, important items for getting sufficient protein. Soy is an alternative to dairy and can also be purchased in the form of meat substitutes such as soy hot dogs or burgers which are another way to diversify meal options.

Dessert

• Eating vegetarian meals does not mean there is no room for junk food. There are many vegetarian options that will satisfy your cravings or sweet tooth such as cookies, sweet cereal and Italian ice.