Many vegetarians do consume some animal-derived products like eggs, milk cheese, and other dairy products; those who consume a pure diet of plant-based foods are called "vegans."
Some people eliminate animal foods from their diet because of health concerns. Studies indicate that animal products increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, caracts, stroke, hypertension, and other life threatening illnesses, while many vegetarian foods protect against these same diseases.
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Many people adopt the vegetarian diet because of concerns for animal rights, global warming and the environment, or for personal spiritual wellbeing. Whatever the reason may be, or however you spell the word (vegitarian, vegterian, etc) choosing a whole food plant diet is a win-win situation for your health, the earth, and the animals!
Different types of vegetarian diets
Mostly vegetarian - This is a good beginning for those who wish to switch gradually to an all vegetarian diet.
Usually, one starts by removing all red meats from their diet. Then gradually remove poultry and fish.
Those who choose to continue their vegetarian journeys may find themselves removing all animal products (including
milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) and eating only plant-based foods. They become "vegans." |
Lacto-Vegetarian - A vegetarian diet that includes dairy products (milk, butter, yogurt, etc.) but not eggs.
Macrobiotic - Usually vegan, but may contain animal products (always ask). A dietary & medical philosophy, balance of yin & yang. Emphasizes natural, whole, locally grown plant foods.
Ovo-Vegetarian - A vegetarian diet that includes eggs, might or might not include dairy.
Pescetarian - A non vegetarian who consumes seafood and / or fish as the only animal content in their diet.
Vegan - A vegan is someone seeking a lifestyle free from animal products for the benefit of people, animals and the environment.
A vegan therefore eats a plant-based diet free from all animal products, including milk, eggs and honey. Most vegans do not wear leather, wool or silk. (Vegan Society)
Pronounced 'VEE-gan,' the word originated from a British man named Donald Watson who had wanted an appropriate name to describe what a vegan eats, as distinguished from other types of vegetarianism. He called his newsletter "The Vegan News" and described veganism as "the practice of living on fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains, and other wholesome non-animal products."
Vegan Rawist or Raw Foodist - A pure vegetarian diet that consumes foods in its raw, uncooked form.
Buddhist vegetarian - Excludes animal products but some allow for milk and (unfertilized) eggs.
Many Chinese Buddhist do not use leeks, garlic, or onions.
Frutarian - A diet that consists of only fruits eaten in the raw form.
Ital - From the Rastafari movement that originated in the 1930s Jamaica. Cuisine is based on scriptural dietary guidelines and pacifism. Food is vegan except for honey, though some Ital restaurants serve fish.
Vegitarian, vegeterian, vegiterian, vegetare, vegitarien - See vegetarian terms above.
At HappyCow, we feel that it's more important to eat according to our conscience than to put a label on ourself, such as "I'm a strict vegetarian." We eat what feels good with conscious consideration for whatever it is we are putting into our bodies.
Also see: Animal Rights and Vegetarianism | Vegetarian Recipes | Famous Vegetarians
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More information on vegetarian diets:
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