What is a Vegetarian?

[SistahSpeak]

What exactly is a Vegetarian?

Vegetarian diets vary greatly. Some people choose to exclude meat, poultry and fish; while others will also exclude eggs and dairy products.

Vegetarian diets are classified in various ways:

• The LACTO-OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry and fish.
  The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. It is important to choose foods carefully to include adequate iron and zinc.
  
• The LACTO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  This type of vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. As with the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, it is important to include foods that are sources of iron and zinc.
• The OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry, fish, milk, and milk products.
  The ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and eggs, can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. In addition to iron and zinc, it is also important to include foods that are sources of calcium and Vitamin D. Vitamin B12 will be adequate if eggs are included in the diet.
  
• The VEGAN avoids all foods of animal origin.
  The vegan diet, which includes only fruits and vegetables can be nutritionally adequate if the Vegetarian Food Guide is followed. Careful attention to food sources of iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D is needed.

Be Empowered!

[Sumyr]

I’m not very knowledgeable in vegetarian diets or vegan diets. Presently I eat veggies and chicken (breast/white meat only) or beef – no fish or pork (well only breakfast pork – bacon, sausage, or ham). I could alternate the vegetarian diet (the first one you have listed) meaning I could do it every other month.

[s8loud]

I always wondered how someone who calls him/herself a vegetarian could eat animal products. I mean, isn't the label "vegetarian" implicit of one who only eats vegetables (and fruits, nuts, etc.)? All this "lacto ovo" stuff appears to be for people who have good intentions but fall a bit short in their own will to eat as healthy as they can. Fwiw, I'm a vegan, and I made a complete transition to that way of eating without the aid of animal products.

[SistahSpeak]

Originally Posted by s8loud

I always wondered how someone who calls him/herself a vegetarian could eat animal products. I mean, isn't the label "vegetarian" implicit of one who only eats vegetables (and fruits, nuts, etc.)? All this "lacto ovo" stuff appears to be for people who have good intentions but fall a bit short in their own will to eat as healthy as they can. Fwiw, I'm a vegan, and I made a complete transition to that way of eating without the aid of animal products.

Peace -

I, too, am vegan. When I came across this information I felt quite similar to how you feel - especially given the fact that I went from what I called "vegetarian" to a complete and strict vegan. I didn't appreciate people saying "I'm vegetarian, too; I just eat chicken and fish!"

LMBO!

I decided to share this here and on MySpace for the sole purpose of allowing people (who may not be aware) of the differences.

AND, hey, we have to meet people where they are. I don't beat people up and tell them it's vegan or nothin'! I tell them how they can transition. I'd rather someone give up meat gradually, then to be in shock and not do it at all.

So - for vegans, sure, this may come across as bologna (pun intended) - either you're vegan or not. However, for those who eat meat, if they eliminate meat and just consume milk and/or eggs, they've made a HUGE accomplishment. And I would agree!

A few small steps in the right direction can lead to a complete overhaul in our thinking and perception of food/die-t.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Meroe]

Thank you for breaking this down.

[SistahSpeak]

Originally Posted by Meroe

Thank you for breaking this down.

You're very welcome King - Glad to be of Service to my People!

Stay Upful!
S

[SistahSpeak]

****bump!****

[Moe17]

Originally Posted by SistahSpeak

What exactly is a Vegetarian?

Vegetarian diets vary greatly. Some people choose to exclude meat, poultry and fish; while others will also exclude eggs and dairy products.

Vegetarian diets are classified in various ways:

• The LACTO-OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry and fish.
  The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. It is important to choose foods carefully to include adequate iron and zinc.
  
• The LACTO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  This type of vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. As with the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, it is important to include foods that are sources of iron and zinc.
• The OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry, fish, milk, and milk products.
  The ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and eggs, can be nutritionally adequate by following the Vegetarian Food Guide. In addition to iron and zinc, it is also important to include foods that are sources of calcium and Vitamin D. Vitamin B12 will be adequate if eggs are included in the diet.
  
• The VEGAN avoids all foods of animal origin.
  The vegan diet, which includes only fruits and vegetables can be nutritionally adequate if the Vegetarian Food Guide is followed. Careful attention to food sources of iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D is needed.

Be Empowered!

Nice post; hmmmm, I have to think about being in one of these categories. I know I can easily eliminate red meat *gag*. My only problem would be fish...I love the taste. How was it when you had to give up poultry or fish; was it easy for you? Do you have any advice you could give me about it?

[JABOOM]

Originally Posted by Moe17

Nice post; hmmmm, I have to think about being in one of these categories. I know I can easily eliminate red meat *gag*. My only problem would be fish...I love the taste. How was it when you had to give up poultry or fish; was it easy for you? Do you have any advice you could give me about it?

I'm a complete VEGAN and giving up animal flesh isn't hard......once you see it being chopped up or where eggs come from (Eggs are chicken Menstruation)

But the key to eating a fleshless cow tityless and swimming toilet cleaners is just finding better alternatives like cars that use alternative fuels.

Just find something that taste better and that is healthier for you

[DBlack]

I just can't bring myself to give up the meats. What would I do with my grill in the Summertime, lol?!