When people hear the word vegetarian, they immediately think that the person does not consume meat, but not many people know that there are many types of vegetarians. Being a vegetarian is more than making the choice to eliminate meat from one's diet.
Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians
Lacto-ovo-vegetarians are one of the most common types of vegetarians. This kind of vegetarian does not eat animal meat of any kind, including fish and shellfish, but does eat dairy products and eggs. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians are divided into two subcategories: lacto-vegetarian and ovo-vegetarian. Lacto-vegetarians do not eat meat and eggs, but they do eat dairy products. Ovo-vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products, but do eat eggs.
Pescatarians
Pescatarian vegetarians avoid eating most meat, but will eat items like fish and shellfish. These kinds of vegetarians make the choice to follow this diet plan for health, rather than moral reasons. Some people think that the fish industry is less problematic than other industries. A pescatarian is sometimes called a semi-vegetarian. Other subcategories within this niche include pollo vegetarians (consume poultry, but no other meat) and flexitarianism (people who avoid meat that lived and died in cruel or inhumane conditions).
Vegans
Vegans do not consume any kind of product that came from an animal. This includes everything from meat to eggs to honey and food containing gelatin. There are even some vegans who would avoid cane sugar and beer because animal products were involved in at least part of their creation.
Raw Vegans
Raw vegans do not eat processed food or food that has been heated above 115 degrees. This diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Macrobiotics
Macrobiotics are individuals who follow a strict diet that is based around whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and soy products and follows the principle of balance of the yin and yang. This diet includes seaweed and some fish.
Fruitarians
Fruitarians are exactly what the word sounds like: These people only eat fruit or vegetables similar to fruit (tomatoes).
 | Cooking vegetarian food does require that you think outside the butcher's case, but it need not be intimidating. Start by replacing meat in recipes you already cook, then look for vegetarian recipes that appeal to your senses, making sure to stock up on plenty of herbs and spices. |
 | Being a vegetarian is more than just a moral choice to protect animals or to rage against distasteful conditions in farms and the like. There are many health benefits to making the choice to eliminate meat from one's diet. The benefits of being a vegetarian are numerous and can help a person live a long and full life. |
 | Everyone needs variety in their diets to stay healthy and to keep their taste buds happy. Vegans perhaps need even more diversity in their diets to cover all of their nutritional needs. However, getting the proper vegan nutrition is not difficult. |
Tempeh is a healthy and delicious meat alternative that not enough Americans are eating. It is firm and hearty in a way that tofu is not, and with more protein and fiber, it's better for you, too. |
Seitan is gaining popularity amongst vegans and vegetarians, partly because it contains so much protein, and partly because the texture is often considered preferable to tofu or tempeh. Once you learn the basics of how to make seitan, you can experiment with different flavorings and shapes, making your own "steak" or "chicken" seitan cutlets. |
