The definition of “vegetarian” that is most widely accepted by fellow vegetarians is “a person who does not eat any meat, fish, or poultry.” A vegetarian consistently avoids all animal flesh, as well as byproducts of meat, fish, and poultry. Although this is what defines a true vegetarian, there are many variations on the theme.
These include:
- Pescatarians (also known as pescovegetarians) who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. Pescatarians often believe that moderate consumption of fish or fish oils, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, is necessary for optimum health, although vegetarian alternatives, such as flax seed oil, are available.
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarians who abstain from eating all meat, poultry, fish or any animal flesh but consume eggs and dairy products. In Latin, “lacto” means milk and “ovo” means egg.
- Lacto-vegetarians who abstain from eating all meat, poultry, fish or any animal flesh and eggs but consume dairy products. Many Hindu vegetarians are lacto-vegetarians who avoid eggs for religious reasons but are allowed to eat dairy products.
- Ovo-vegetarians who abstain from eating all meat, poultry, fish or any animal flesh and dairy products but consume eggs. Many ovo-vegetarians are lactose-intolerant and depend on eggs as a source of protein.
- Vegans who abstain from all meat, eggs, dairy products and processed foods containing these or other animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. Strict vegans also refrain from using products made with wool, silk, leather and any other nonfood items made with animal byproducts. There is some debate as to whether certain foods, such as honey, fit into a vegan diet. Some vegans also avoid honey.
- A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). “Raw foodists” believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body.
- Fruitarians who eat a raw vegan diet restricted to fruit, greens and some nuts and seeds.
- The macrobiotic diet, revered by some for its healthy and healing qualities, includes unprocessed vegan foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and allows the occasional consumption of fish. Sugar and refined oils are avoided. The macrobiotic diet emphasizes consumption of Asian vegetables, such as daikon and seaweed.
More and more people are adjusting their diets and adapting to a partially or wholly vegetarian diet for health reasons. The benefits of consuming less animal flesh and more fresh fruit and vegetables in conjunction with whole grains are wide ranging. Most notably, those who have health challenges involving the heart, circulatory system and obesity should consider switching to some form of vegetarianism.
