Learn about being a Vegetarian, and the different types of Vegetarians. There are so many levels of vegetarianism. Check out the basics!

Different Types of Vegetarians

People choose to assume a Vegetarian lifestyle for many reasons. Some of these reasons are moral, while others may be based on religious beliefs, or even for better health.

Whatever the reasons, becoming a Vegetarian isn’t difficult, but you do need to make some educated decisions on how to proceed with your diet.

In general, a Vegetarian doesn’t eat meat.

They eliminate beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood from their diet while providing plant-based foods to replace these during meals. There are different types of Vegetarians, though, and some may include foods that others choose to eliminate.

What are the different types of vegetarians? 

There are 6 main types of vegetarians actually, 7 if you include vegan. Here is more information about each kind.

Here is a quick run down:

• vegetarian
• lacto vegetarian
• ovo vegetarian
• flexitarian
• pesco vegetarian
• pollo vegetarian
• vegan

Vegetarian

Vegetarian, also Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian – This is the type most people practice.

• Does not eat meat
• Can eat dairy and eggs

So if you are wondering, can vegetarians eat dairy? The answer is generally, yes.

Although this diet is healthier than a meat-based diet, the Lacto Ovo needs to keep an eye on the amount of cholesterol they consume. Dairy and eggs contain a significant amount of cholesterol. The easiest way to avoid too much cholesterol is to eat plant-based sources of protein.

Lacto Vegetarian

Lacto Vegetarian – same as above, but this vegetarian does not eat eggs. The same warning for cholesterol applies. Those who eat dairy products in excess may find that their cholesterol is high.

• No meat
• No eggs
• Does eat dairy

Ovo Vegetarian

Ovo Vegetarian – Same as above, but does not consume dairy products. Again, watch your cholesterol intake. Those who follow this diet may get much of their protein from eggs, which is a high cholesterol food.

• No meat
• No eggs
• No Dairy

There is some argument as to whether the next three types are Vegetarians at all, but they are trying to eat a plant-based diet, and it’s still healthier than a meat-based diet.

You might consider these to be semi-vegetarian diet choices. These versions have been included to show the range of choice available. They may also include eggs and dairy, or they may exclude them.

The Flexitarian

The Flexitarian – This is a ‘I’m a Vegetarian most of the time, but I still eat meat occasionally’ diet. They follow the principles of Vegetarianism but eat meat when they want to. Still better than a meat-based diet, but non-committal.

• Eats meat occasionally
• Can eat dairy and eggs

Pesco Vegetarian

PescoVegetarian – This type, also known as a Pescatarian, eats fish as part of their diet. (A Vegetarian that eats fish). This is still a healthier option than a red meat based diet but isn’t without its own risks. Seafood contains many harmful pollutants and chemicals which have been ingested by the fish and can cause mercury poisoning, as well as other illnesses.

So, if you were wondering, "do vegetarians eat fish?" the answer is yes, but only the PescoVegetarians will. All others avoid them.

• No red or white meat
• Can eat fish

Pollo-Vegetarian

Pollo-Vegetarian – In this variation, chicken is part of the meal plan, but no red meat or seafood. Do vegetarians eat chicken? Generally, no, but this type would.

• No red meat
• No seafood
• Can eat chicken

Vegan Lifestyle Diets

The next group of dietary choices is based on a Vegan Lifestyle. Whereas Vegetarianism, in general, is considered a nutrition or diet choice, Veganism is more of a lifestyle choice.

Vegans tend to make this choice for moral reasons, mostly based on the ethical treatment of animals used to provide food. They feel that even animals that aren’t killed to provide food are not necessarily treated humanely, and this trickles down to insects, including bees.

Generally, Whole Food Vegans do not consume any type of meat or seafood. They also do not consume dairy products or eggs and avoid honey and beeswax products. They only eat plant-based foods. All animal-based foods are off limits. And yes, you can get your nutrition from this type of diet.

Vegans often don’t wear leather, silk or wool, as they are products derived from animals. The biggest issue with a Vegan diet is the ‘hidden’ animal products, like gelatin, that are used in foods, and will require some label-reading, especially in the beginning.

What are the different types of vegans?

There are also variations within the Vegan Lifestyle. Here are some of the choices:

Beegan – Although Vegans feel that taking honey from bees may harm them, Beegans don’t feel this way. They eat the same plant-based diet, plus honey.

Raw Food Vegan – Raw Food Vegans don’t heat any foods above 116 degrees F, as they feel that higher temperatures destroy the nutritional value. You may hear these folks referred to as “raw foodists”.

Macro-Biotic – This diet is based on Japanese diet and nutrition, as well as some religious beliefs included. It gained popularity in the 1960s and has its own nutritional food pyramid. It avoids any processed foods, meats, etc., as well as heavily spiced foods and alcohol. Macro-biotic diets are popular among many celebrities.

Junk Food Vegan – This diet consists of anything that doesn’t contain meat, eggs, or dairy. Believe it or not, many junk foods don’t contain any of these ingredients, like Oreos and potato chips. As with all things, moderation is the key, and you still need to consume a well- balanced diet to maintain good health.

How to Start Eating Healthier

When deciding to eat healthier, you may want to start with a diet like the Common Vegetarian diet and work your way to a Vegan Diet.

This way of eating includes many choices that will appeal to you, and what you eat doesn’t need to feel restrictive or boring. The choice of which types of vegetarians you relate to is up to you, but in any case, your lifestyle will be enhanced with better nutritional choices. 

Another element to add into your daily life to to be mindful, positive and manifest what you want to see. If you want to be healthier and make better choices, you need to fully believe that you! We've recently been introduced to the technique on TikTok!

Looking for some meal ideas? We have plenty of good main dishes, side dishes and dessert recipes!

If you are stuck and not sure what to make, I suggest you check out Gumbo, a new site I recently found! Gumbo is a revolutionary new recipe search engine that uses that finds delicious meals based on the ingredients you have at home. Using Gumbo you can reduce your food waste, save money on your weekly grocery bills, and discover exciting new dishes that cater to your preferences and dietary restrictions. I've enjoyed using Gumbo to find new, tasty recipes with the ingredients I already have on hand!

Let's talk! Where do you fall in all the levels of vegetarianism? How long have you been a vegetarian?

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Let's talk! Where do you fall in all the levels of vegetarianism? How long have you been a vegetarian?

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