A useful everyday meal can combine a substantial carbohydrate, a protein source, vegetables and a flavourful sauce or seasoning. Rice with beans and vegetables, noodles with tofu, or a lentil stew with bread are familiar examples. This approach makes it easier to improvise without depending on an exact recipe.
Different ingredients have different nutritional strengths. Vary legumes, grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds where suitable, and plan reliable fortified foods or supplements as needed. A list of plant ingredients alone does not guarantee nutritional adequacy. The nutrition guide explains the essentials and situations where professional advice is valuable.