Vegetarian Types

There are a several categories to take into account when it comes to defining a vegetarian. Some people also have some slightly different views on what makes a vegan. In my attempt to keep this blog simple, I will save the vegan debates for another day. Some of the motives for the vegetarian lifestyle change may be health, environmental, and/or humanitarian related.

There are five main categories of vegetarians. These include; Lacto-vegetarian, Lacto-ovo vegetarian, Ovo-vegetarian, and Vegan. The fifth category is Semivegetarian, also known as Flexitarian. While reading the definition below keep in mind that the first four categories do not include meat, fish, and poultry. This would include foods that contain these items; for example, chicken broth.

• Lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy products. (e.g., cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt)
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy, but they also eat eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs, but do not eat dairy products.
• Vegans do not eat any do not eat dairy or eggs. 
• Flexitarians do eat small quantities of meat and/or meat by-products on occasion.
• Pesco-vegetarian are said to be vegetarians who also eat fish.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Nutrition and healthy eating. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596

Rodale News. (n.d.). The Healthy Secret to a Longer Life. Retrieved from http://www.rodale.com/benefits-vegetarian-diet?utm