Vegetarian Diet Info
Vegetarianism - Vegetarian, Vegan & Semi Vegetarian Diets
Information About Vegetarianism, Vegetarian Diets & Vegetarian Eating

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

Vegetarianism

Definition of Vegetarianism: The theory or practice of living solely upon vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts.

Motivation for Vegetarianism: Generally, vegetarianism is practiced for ethical (moral), ascetic (self-denial), or nutritional (dietary) reasons, although latterly eating fashion (fad diet) and health (BSE) are popular motives for taking up vegetarianism and vegetarian eating.

Vegetarianism - Types of Vegetarians

There are many different types of "vegetarians." In general, vegetarians are classified according to the type and range of vegetarian foods consumed. For example:

Vegans
Vegan diets exclude all foods of animal origin. Vegans are 'strict' vegetarians as they abstain from consuming or utilizing any products of animal origin.

Ovo-Vegetarians
Ovo-vegetarian diets exclude all animal flesh and milk but include eggs.

Lacto-Vegetarians
Lacto-vegetarian diets exclude all animal flesh and eggs but include milk.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians
Lacto-vegetarian diets exclude all animal flesh but include eggs and milk.

Pesco-Vegetarians
Pesco-vegetarian diets exclude red meat and fowl but include fish and seafood.

"Semi"or "Partial" Vegetarians
So-called "semi-vegetarians" or "part-vegetarian" eaters include some milk products, eggs, poultry and fish in their diets, but consume primarily plant based foods.

Strict Vegetarianism - Semi Vegetarians

Vegetarianism is incompatible with eating meat or flesh (of any kind). Furthermore, vegetarianism means avoiding all exploitation of animals for animal products (such as clothes of animal origin) - at least according to vegan philosophy.

Therefore, people who eat mostly vegetables and only tiny amounts of meat or flesh are not vegetarians.

However, most of us live in a meat-eating, animal-exploiting society which makes it difficult to practice strict vegetarianism. Because of this, many vegetarian-eaters need time and practice to progress towards proper vegetarianism. So although we fully respect the stricter interpretation of vegetarianism as promoted by vegans, we welcome all types of vegetarian-eaters.

Vegetarian Healthy Diet Program