Final answer:
The strictest vegetarian diet is the vegan diet, which requires careful planning to ensure proper protein intake, as individual plant proteins often do not provide all essential amino acids. Vegans can combine different plant proteins like legumes with grains to obtain complete proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strictest vegetarian diet, referred to as the vegan diet, excludes all animal products, and indeed, more planning is required to obtain sufficient protein. This is because plant proteins might not contain all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need. Unlike animal proteins, which are complete proteins, plant-based proteins often lack one or more essential amino acids. Vegans therefore need to eat a variety of plant proteins in order to obtain a complete set of amino acids for their dietary needs.
People who adhere to a vegan diet can ensure they are getting enough protein by combining different plant-based foods. For example, consuming legumes with grains or nuts can provide a complete protein profile. Some other examples of complementary plant proteins include rice and beans, peanut butter on whole wheat bread, or hummus with pita bread. These combinations allow vegans to receive the full range of essential amino acids necessary for health.