I enjoyed reading the lively debate about healthy eating, in response to my pescetarian eating blog. When it comes to eating style, "one size does not fit all", but the shared goal is meeting nutrient needs. It's all about balance.

When we look to nature for healthy eating advice, it's important to point out that gorillas living in the wild eat no meat or dairy products and only vegetation, and they are adequately nourished both for protein and other nutrient needs. They also spend most of their waking hours foraging for food, so it's a major time commitment.

Here's where worlds collide when it comes to meeting protein and nutrient requirements, whether you're eating from the animal or plant kingdom. While it is certainly possible—and clearly healthful—to embrace a complete vegetarian diet, it takes practice, effort, and time to maintain nutritional needs. The need for protein, as well as for iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and zinc can be satisfied without dairy products, or meat. These concentrated sources make it an easier task, and a sure way to maintain much needed daily nutrients for long term health.

While children are often making eating decisions based on issues unrelated to health, it's important to ALL eaters to connect what we eat with meeting our nutrient requirements to support long term health. However you choose to eat, an eye towards complete nutrient intake must be part of the equation. If you feel you can't maintain your nutritional needs with a particular style of eating, you need can readily adapt that by adding select additional foods (like lean meat and other protein sources, dairy, and eggs), and a vitamin/mineral supplement (100% of daily requirement) to keep you on track for comprehensive nutrient intake that works with your lifestyle.

What do you think?

Related Content:

• All About Pescetarians (Fish-Eating Vegetarians)