Vegetarian

Vegetarian Diet Variations

Vegetarian diets have been around for centuries.

People choose vegetarian diets for religious, economic, health-related, or other reasons.

When you hear the word "vegetarian," you automatically assume it's a diet that omits animal products. However, there are several variations of the vegetarian diet, as shown below:

• Semi-vegetarian diet--includes fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet--includes dairy products and eggs

• Lacto-vegetarian diet--includes dairy products

• Ovo-vegetarian diet -- includes eggs

• Vegan diet -- includes only plant foods and omits all animal products

Although you would think vegetarian diets lacked some of the nutrients of normal diets, a well-planned vegetarian diet can be just as nutritionally adequate and healthy.