Including Complementary Proteins in the Diet

Contrary to what you might think after reading the preceding discussion, you do not have to be a biochemist to prepare vegetarian menus. A basic understanding of what foods go together to supply complete proteins is the best place to start and will carry you a long way.

The following pairings of food categories are the most useful complementary proteins for planning vegetarian diets:

The first two of these pairings are important in vegan diets. The third pairing can be included in the diet of lacto-vegetarians.