Even though being a vegetarian may be thought of as following one strict form of this diet, there are in fact several variations that an individual may choose from to suit her own particular needs. Just as there is a great variety among individual situations and lifestyles, so too is there variety in the type of vegetarian or related diet to follow.
The Demi-veg Vegetarian Diet
In this form of the vegetarian diet, also known as pescatarian or pesco, all meat except seafood is eliminated. Some people find this form of the diet to be an easy way to try out a vegetarian lifestyle without discarding all forms of animal protein.
The Fruitarian Diet
The people who follow this type of vegetarian diet believe that plants should not be killed during harvesting. As a result of this belief, they consume mainly fruits, grains and nuts.
The Lacto-vegetarian Diet
This vegetarian diet includes dairy products, but does not allow meat or eggs. The option of including cheese, yogurt, milk and cream gives the vegetarian following this format more variety when cooking and baking.
The Lacto-ovo-vegetarian Diet
Allowing eggs and dairy products, this form of vegetarianism, also known as regular, is the most popular. It allows for a large variety in the production and consumption of vegetarian meals and baked goods.
The Macrobiotic Vegetarian Diet
This diet, followed for spiritual and philosophical reasons, seeks to maintain a balance between foods that are considered yin or positive and yang or negative.
The Raw Food Vegetarian Diet
Following the belief that cooking kills the beneficial enzymes in foods, this diet promotes the consumption of raw or warmed vegetarian foods.
The Vegan Diet
This diet does not include any animal products at all, including eggs and dairy products. This diet form is much more difficult to follow and the individual must examine all ingredients carefully to ensure a complete absence of animal products.
Rather than just a way of eating, this diet is part of a lifestyle that is based on concern for animal welfare and the environment. Along with eliminating all animal products from the diet, these people also avoid clothing and products made from animals.
The Flexitarian Diet
The people who follow this diet do not avoid animal products altogether, but rather reduce the amount of meat eaten overall. They focus on eating a healthier diet comprised mainly of fruits and vegetables.
The category of vegetarian or related diets is not as cut and dried as may first appear. There are many options available to the individual seeking to follow a diet that suits her unique situation and circumstances.
Sources:
- Graimes, Nicola and Biggs, Fiona (consultant editors). Vegetarian Bible: From the Earth to the Table. Bath, UK: Parragon Books Ltd, 2008.
- Easy Vegetarian. Bath, UK: Parragon Books Ltd, 2009.
- VegetarianNook.com, 2007. Visited June 22, 2010.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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