Vegetarian Diet Info
Questions About Vegetarian Diet Issues
FAQs, Basic Questions on Vegetarian Eating, Foods & Diet, and Vegetarianism

Vegetarian Healthy Diet Program
More Vegetarian Information
Vegetarian Types - Vegetarian Diet Myths - Becoming Vegetarian - Vegetarian Nutrition
Vegan Nutrition - Macrobiotic Diet - Ovo Lacto Vegetarians - Part/Semi Vegetarian - Vegan Diet

Common Questions About Becoming a Vegetarian

What is a Vegetarian?

Generally speaking, a vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat, fowl, fish or any by-product such as bonemeal, animal fats or gelatin. Vegetarians live on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit - some vegetarians eat eggs, milk and milk products. Vegetarians who avoid all flesh and meat products, and eat only plant-based foods are called vegans.

Part or Semi-Vegetarians

You don't HAVE to give up ALL flesh to be a vegetarian. You can be a part-vegetarian who eats (say) fish or a little chicken. Vegetarianism doesn't demand obedience to a set of strict veggie-rules. So be the kind of vegetarian you WANT to be, and follow the sort of vegetarian diet you WANT to follow. The Vegan Police ain't gonna arrest ya!!

For an ultra-simple Vegetarian Diet which you can adjust to any calorie-level, see Vegetarian Diet Program

Is it Difficult Being a Vegetarian?

Not really. Vegetarian food is widely available in most shops and eating places. Vegetarian food is easy to cook - many of your snack meals may already be 'vegetarian'. And there are lots of delicious vegetarian recipes and vegetarian flavors to choose from. On the minus side, because meat supplies a range of different minerals and vitamins, becoming a vegetarian means eating a wider variety of foods than meat-eaters. Because only a variety of vegetarian foods can deliver the nutrients for a healthy diet.

Do I Have to Give Up Using Animal Products (Leather etc.)

No. There are no specific rules about becoming a vegetarian. Be the sort of 'vegetarian' you want to be. Don't let vegans or macrobiotic vegetarians push you around any more than meat-eaters!

But is Vegetarianism Healthy?

Yes. As long as you follow a balanced vegetarian diet, you'll be perfectly healthy. The truth is, a balanced vegetarian eating plan has significant health benefits over the Western meat-diet. That's why medical studies keep showing that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, diet-related diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Is Vegetarian Food as Tasty as Meat?

Yes. Remember, much of the 'taste' we associate with meat is actually 'fat.' And many instant or processed meat-foods are high in salt. So you're often tasting fat and salt - not the meat itself! Besides, a vegetarian meal doesn't mean taking the meat away and leaving the side vegetables. There are loads of different vegetarian tastes you can create from the hundreds of different vegetables, grains, fruit, pulses and nuts and seeds that exist.

Do Vegetarian Foods Take Longer to Cook?

No. The days of soaking dried beans for hours are long gone. Many vegetarian foods are available frozen, or in cans and most food manufacturers now also offer a wide range of ready-made vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian meals can be just as fast as meat-based meals.

I'm Told That Vegetarian Diets Lack Vital Nutrients Like Protein

A well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the nutrients you need for good health. For example, adequate protein is found in dairy products, eggs and nuts, as well as in combinations of foods such as pulses and grains. For more details, see Health Benefits of Vegetarian Diets and Vegetarian Diet Nutrition

More About General Diet Nutrition

For information about dietary nutrition, eating advice for special health conditions, calorie needs and general dieting, a useful website to visit is: Diet Advice and Information