Why do people think Vegetarians can't get protein, iron, and other essential vitamins on a vegetarian diet?

You eat beans and greens and eat plenty of calories, you should be getting enough iron and protein. Why not ask your doctor for a consult with a dietitian? She/he can help you navigate a difficult diet with more suggestions than you probably can get here.

Considering your reaction to meat, dairy and grains, keep in mind that how they are prepared and seasoned often makes a difference in how well you tolerate them. Thats true of all foods. I don't have a gall bladder so french fries give me diarrhea...if I didn't know better I would think it was the potato that did it but I know its the fat and can eat mashed or baked potatoes just fine.

Preparation can make huge difference.

There are protein in a lot of foods such as beans and other vegetables. It is not as much as animal protein but it does suffice. Iron is in a lot of leafy green vegetables as well as root vegetables like sweet potatoes and beets.

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