Types of Vegetarians & What They Eat
Vegetarian Food Pyramid : Article by Diet Bites
|
|
Why Choose the Veggie Lane?
There are many reasons why individuals choose the vegetarian way of life. The common thread is the desire for the preservation of life.
While some vegetarians desire this lifestyle with hopes of increasing the quality of their life - as well as their life span, others may choose a vegetarian diet in an effort to preserve animal life.
What do vegetarians eat?
One would assume that the Vegetarian Food Pyramid contains all the blocks of the standard food pyramid - minus meats - but not so, because there are many types of vegetarians. Some individuals abstain from meat while others exist on solely raw foods.
However, they can use a modified version of the pyramid guide to assist in meal planning and to meet the dietary needs of the body.
When one decides to enter the world of vegan, they should obtain the nutritional knowledge relating to this way of life or they may encounter mild to severe health issues. Vegetarian diets can be minimal in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins B-6, B-12 and D. Therefore, careful planning of the daily eating plan is essential. On that note, let's look at the different types - and there are many:
Semi-Vegetarians:
All meat sources are avoided excepting poultry and fish. This group will have an easier task in ensuring that all of the vital nutrients of the body are met. Grains, legumes and vegetables are good food sources essential dietary needs. Eggs and milk - as well as milk products are good sources for protein needs as well as other essential nutrients as long as the choices are low in dietary fat - and eggs are not consumed in excess. This assists in keeping unhealthy cholesterol and saturated fats in check.
|
|
Vegans:
All animal and animal by-products are stricken from the daily eating plan. Examples include: honey, eggs, and milk. This category makes it a bit challenging to meet the body's nutritional needs. When all animal products are avoided, the individual may be lacking a Vitamin B-12 food source.
Raw or Living Foodists:
These individuals exist solely on natural raw foods.
Fruitarians:
One of the stricter lifestyle forms in the world of vegetarians; these individuals exist on fruit and fruit-like vegetables, seeds and nuts. This group is at high risk for malnourishment so meals much be very carefully planned.
Ovo Vegetarians:
They do not eat any type of animal protein or dairy products, except eggs.
Lacto Vegetarians:
No animal protein is part of this eating plan, including eggs. However, this group does consume dairy products.
Picture of Vegetarian Food Pyramid
Dietary Recommendations for Vegetarians
A variety of fresh vegetables and fruits should be part of the eating plan - and the closer they are to their raw state, the more concentrated the levels of essential vitamins and nutrients.
When it comes to choosing grains, whole grains should be the first choice.
Vegetables and fruits should contain a well of colors; leafy greens, orange and yellow vegetables and servings from the citrus group for essential immunity boosting Vitamin C intake.
|
|
Related Articles
Calorie Burn Charts | Body Fat Index
Diet Bites is a Trademark