WHAT: Vegetarians live on a diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with or without the use of dairy products and eggs (preferably free-range). They do eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustaceans, or slaughter by-products such as gelatin or animal fats. Lacto Vegetarians do not eat eggs, meat, poultry or seafood of any kind, but do consume dairy products. Ovo Vegetarians do not eat dairy products, meat, poultry or seafood of any kind, but do consume eggs. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry or seafood of any kind, but do consume eggs and dairy products. Demi-Vegetarians eat no or little meat but may eat fish. Pescetarians consume fish but no meat.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY: People become vegetarian because they believe it is wrong to inflict suffering upon animals or slaughter them for food. Other reasons include environmental devastation and the link between meat production and poverty and famine in developing countries. Health reasons, a dislike of the taste of meat and religious reasons are additional factors for some vegetarians.

HOW: According to the Vegetarian Society, “A well balanced vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs, and there is much scientific evidence to indicate vegetarians may be healthier than meat-eaters.” Their website, www.vegsociety.com, also states, “A vegetarian diet is healthy because it is typically low in saturated and total fat, high in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, and high in protective minerals and vitamins present in fresh fruit and vegetables.” Consult a nutritionist and a medical professional to determine how to healthfully integrate this type of diet into your life.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.vegsociety.com for information on lifestyle, diet, nutrition and recipe recommendations and more.

WHAT: A strict vegetarian who adheres to a lifestyle free from animal products and free from harm to animals in the production of food, clothing, footwear, toiletries, cosmetics and more.

WHY: People become vegan in an attempt to avoid causing the suffering and death of animals, protect the environmental health of the planet and guard their own health.

HOW: According to the Vegan Society: “The starting principle for health is to eat a wide variety of plant foods, including plenty of strongly colored vegetables and fruits. Each food has different strengths, so the fewer foods you eat the less likely it is that all your needs will be met. Vegetables and fruits provide plenty of many vital vitamins and minerals along with a host of other beneficial plant chemicals. In general, the stronger the color the better.” Their website, www.vegansociety.com, also offers many nutrition recommendations. Consult a nutritionist and a medical professional to determine how to healthfully integrate this type of diet into your life.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.vegansociety.com for information on lifestyle, diet, nutrition and recipe recommendations and more.

WHAT: A raw foodist keeps a dietary regimen consisting of uncooked and unprocessed organic foods. Usually at least 80% by weight are raw plants.

   Fruitarians mainly consume raw fruit, grains and nuts. Fruitarians believe only plant foods that can be harvested without killing the plant should be eaten.

WHY: According to the website for Nature's First Law (www.rawfood.com), “Those of us who follow a balanced, thoughtful raw-food diet believe that we have found the major piece of the answer to humanity's obvious disconnection with Nature. A multifaceted collection of scientists, spiritual leaders, researchers and grassroots raw-food enthusiasts have come to understand through experience that the great change in human life occurred after humans discovered fire and then began cooking food.” Other reasons include health benefits and environmental advantages.

HOW: Raw vegan diets are comprised of three key food groups: sweet fruit, high-fat plants and green leafy vegetables. Consult a nutritionist and a medical professional to determine how to healthfully integrate this type of diet into your life.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.rawfood.com or www.rawguru.com for information on lifestyle, diet, nutrition and recipe recommendations and more.

WHAT: People follow macrobiotic diets for spiritual and philosophical reasons, using practical tools for personal growth and transformation of body, mind and spirit. Progressing through ten levels, the diet becomes increasingly restrictive. Not all levels are vegetarian, though each level gradually eliminates animal products and, eventually, fruit and vegetables, to reach the level of a brown rice diet.

WHY: The term is derived from Greek and refers to the “big view of life.” A macrobiotic diet aims to maintain a balance between foods seen as ying (positive) or yang (negative).

HOW: A macrobiotic lifestyle involves more than just diet, and the structure varies by person and location in the world. It is recommended that you contact a macrobiotic practitioner in order to reap the benefits of this lifestyle. Also consult a nutritionist and a medical professional to determine how to healthfully integrate this type of diet into your life.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.macrobiotics.co.uk for information on lifestyle, diet, nutrition and recipe recommendations and more.