Vegetarian diets, when carefully planned, can help reduce the risk for a number of common, chronic diseases while providing your body with all of the nutrients necessary for you to operate with an abundance of energy and vitality.

Vegetarianism and hypoglycemia have only a few rare links, and eating a balanced vegetarian diet can actually help control the blood-sugar-level problems associated with hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Developed by Men's Health editor in chief David Zinczenko, the Abs Diet is based on the premise that eating certain foods every day will help you lose weight and gain lean muscle mass.

Getting 200 grams of protein a day is normally too much. However, if you need this much protein, you can get it from a mix of plant protein, eggs and dairy.

Nearly 5 million Americans, or more than 2 percent of the population, follow some form of a vegetarian diet. Although you might miss eating meat when you start a vegetarian diet, the benefits of vegetarianism can outweigh the disadvantages.

Here's a list of protein-packed vegetarian foods commonly used in Indian cuisine — plus some flavorful, healthy Indian vegetarian recipes to fill you up.

Omega-3 fatty acids -- eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA -- are abundant in fish, and plants contain alpha-linolenic acid or ALA.

Diet restrictions for vegetarians depend on several factors, including the type of vegetarian diet you follow. Semi-vegetarians sometimes eat chicken and fish, while lacto-vegetarians, lacto-ovovegetarians and strict vegetarians eliminate all meat, fish and poultry, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Confused by your meat substitute options? Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information and health benefits to help you find the best one for you.

On average, vegetarians consume less saturated fat, salt and protein and fewer calories--choices that generally are healthier, according to the American Heart Association. Vegetarians typically eat more fiber and fresh vegetables as well.

A plant-based diet can benefit the planet, your health and animals -- but not everyone is ready or able to go vegan. Reducetarianism offers an alternative.

LIVESTRONG recently hosted an intimate dinner with Chef Tal Ronnen at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles to try the Impossible Burger.