iron

[nutrient spotlight] Iron

[nutrient spotlight] Iron

Do you get tired from running up stairs? Have trouble catching your breath in sports? Feel listless in class? Iron could be to blame: Around one in ten teen girls is deficient in the mineral, which can lead to these and other debilitating symptoms. Getting enough iron is of extra concern for teens who don’t eat meat, since animal foods like beef, liver, and turkey are some of the most concentrated sources of the nutrient. So how can you get enough iron on a plant-powered diet?

Spotlight on: Marni Sumbal—triathlete, dietitian, vegetarian, and all-around rockstar (plus CLIF and LUNA bar giveaway!)

Spotlight on: Marni Sumbal—triathlete, dietitian, vegetarian, and all-around rockstar (plus CLIF and LUNA bar giveaway!)

Marni Sumbal tells us how going veg at age 10 powered her to become a competitive endurance athlete, along with her top tips for plant-strong students who do sports. Plus, a CLIF and LUNA bar giveaway!

[recipe!] Cocoa Halvah Spread

[recipe!] Cocoa Halvah Spread

Sesame seeds are packed with protein, iron, and calcium—nutrients all vegetarians, especially teenage ones, need to look out for. But how many meals can you sprinkle the little guys on? We combined a few simple ingredients to turn sesame superseeds into an easy peasy chocolate-y topping that would taste great on toast, as a dip for carrot sticks, or mixed into plain oatmeal.