Types of Vegetarians

There are numerous levels of vegetarianism, and many names for specific diets.  It can get pretty confusing.  Here are some common types, hopefully it will clear it up a little bit.

Vegetarian (Lacto-ovo vegetarian)

A vegetarian is someone who does not eat beef, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish, gelatin, or animal flesh of any kind, but does eat eggs and dairy products are lacto-ovo vegetarians.  Lacto-vegetarian is used to describe a vegetarian who does not eat eggs, but does eat dairy products.  Ovo-vegetarian refers to people who do not eat meat or dairy products but do eat eggs.

Pescatarian

A pescatarian is someone who refrains from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. 

Flexitarian, Semi-vegetarian

A “flexitarian” is someone who eats a mostly vegetarian diet, but occasionally does eat meat.

Vegan

Vegans do not eat meat of any kind, fish, eggs, dairy products, gelatin, and honey.  Many vegans also refrain from eating foods that are made using animal products, such as white granulated sugar and some wines.  They do not wear anything produced by animals (leather, wool, silk, etc.) and purchase non-animal tested products.

Raw Vegan/Raw Foodist

A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).

Macrobiotics

A macrobiotic diet is mainly vegetarian, but it often includes seafood. All meat, eggs and dairy products are excluded. “Nightshade vegetables” (potato, pepper and eggplant), refined sugar and tropical fruits are not eaten. Many foods found in Asian countries such as miso soup, root vegetables, and sea vegetables (seaweed, kelp, arame) are included in the diet.  It also emphasizes eating locally grown, in-season foods.

Fruitarian

A fruitarian is someone who only eats fruits, and vegetables that are actually classified as fruits such as avocados, eggplant, nuts, seeds, zucchini and tomatoes.

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12 Responses to Types of Vegetarians

  1. Very informative and helpful. My husband is a Pescatarian at the moment, and I’m working my way there, and eventually to being completely vegan. My very picky eating habits have made it a bit hard for me, but I’m getting there.

  2. admin says:

    Thank you for the response. It is greatly appreciated. That’s really great that you are on the way to becoming a vegan! Good luck!

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  4. Jessica says:

    Very informative. I’ve just decided to go from being a flexitarian to a vegetarian. It took me several months to decide to make the full transition. It might take years before I’m convinced to go all the way vegan though. I do try to limit my dairy and egg intake.
    In high school, I used to be a pescatarian. I went back to eating meat when I no longer thought it was amusing to irk my family. They’re going to be irked now too, but I just can’t justify eating meat any longer.

  5. Cheryl says:

    The only thing I’ve had a hard time giving up is cheese! There are no soy cheeses that I’ve found that melt right when you heat them. Any one have suggestions? So I guess I’m a Lacto-vegetarian :)

  6. admin says:

    Thank you for the response Jessica, and congratulations on your decision to go vegetarian.

    Cheryl, why not try rice cheese, if you aren’t having any luck with soy cheeses? Galaxy Nutritional Foods offers vegan cheese made with rice milk. I haven’t specifically tried it, but I heard it tastes and melts great. You can click here for more info. Good luck!

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    • admin says:

      Hello,

      Sorry for the late reply, I will gladly exchange sites/or add yours to my blogroll if your site is of a similar topic. Thanks!

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  10. Yikes this really takes me back, i’ve been wondering about this for a while.

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