Can You Be A Vegetarian Without Eating Beans (Quick Facts)

Vegetarians don’t eat meat and often replace it with beans but, can I be a vegetarian without eating beans?

You can be a vegetarian without eating beans as long are you are eating a well-rounded diet that includes lots of protein, vitamins, and nutrients often found in other foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables like hemp seed, bananas, and avocados.

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Can I Be Vegetarian And Not Eat Beans

You can absolutely be a vegetarian and not eat beans.

Beans are just one food that is often included in vegetarian diets but, they can be replaced with other options.

Vegetarians often eat beans to provide protein as well as nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

As long as you are getting enough macros and nutrients in your diet you don’t need to eat beans.

How Do You Go Vegetarian If You Don’t Like Beans

You can be a vegetarian without eating beans.

While beans are a great source of protein and nutrients as well as being very filling you are not required to eat them.

Just like any diet, you can select the foods that you enjoy eating instead of forcing yourself to eat something you do not like.

Are Refried Beans Keto?

Do I Need To Eat Beans As A Vegetarian

You do not need to eat beans as a vegetarian, I would be aware of where you are going to get protein as well as some important nutrients.

For the most part, if you are eating a healthy diet you will most likely already be getting what you need without eating beans.

How Can I Get Protein Without Eating Beans

Protein is the almighty when it comes to being a vegetarian.

Everyone wants to know “where are you getting your protein?”.

You may panic if you want to be a vegetarian and don’t like eating beans.

Luckily there are plenty of other sources of protein.

Eggs
Nuts
Seeds
Nut & Seed Butters
Tofu
Tempeh
Edamame
Grains (quinoa is wonderful)
Faux Meats (not ideal but, an option)

How Do I Get B Vitamins Without Eating Beans

You can get B vitamins from a variety of foods including the following.

Bananas
Figs
Dates
Berries
Carrots
Oranges
Grains
Flax Seed
Chia Seed
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Almonds
Walnuts
Pecans
Nutritional Yeast
Spirulina
Vegan Powders

You do need to be aware that the majority of people are lacking B12 in their diets.

If you are concerned with the amount B12 you are consuming it’s best to speak with your doctor.

Can You Freeze Refried Beans?

How Can I Get Potassium Without Eating Beans

Potassium is also found in many common foods that are likely to be part of your diet.

Bananas
Celery
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Carrots
Leafy Greens
Beets
Avocado
Nuts

How Can I Get Magnesium Without Eating Beans

You are probably eating plenty of magnesium without even knowing it.

You can find magnesium in the following foods.

Bananas
Dates
Figs
Raisins
Squash
Potatoes
Leafy Greens
Avocados
Almonds
Chia Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Walnuts
Cashews

Are Refried Beans Keto?

What Are Good Substitutes For Beans

It will depend on where you are substituting the beans.

In some recipes like soups, you could leave the beans out or substitute split peas or fresh peas.

Tofu may be a good substitute in veggie burger recipes.

Nuts in seeds especially hemp seeds are a great alternative to beans in salads.

Guacamole makes a great swap for beans in many Tex-Mex Style recipes.

Final Thoughts

Many people automatically assume that you need to eat beans in order to be a vegetarian.

This is not a truth, where you do need to eat a well-rounded diet (everyone should) beans are a deal-breaker in a vegetarian diet.

There are many other foods you can eat like nuts, seeds, grains, bananas, avocados, potatoes, and leafy greens that will provide you with the same protein and nutrients found in beans.