If you recently started reading about vegetarian diets, you have probably read all sorts of strange vegetarian terms and categories like "vegan," "ovo-lacto vegetarian," and "semi-vegetarian." You probably wondered what the big deal was. Afterall, what is so conceptually tough about not eating meat?
And you were right!
The distinctions between these sub-categories of vegetarian are actually small, but each is very important to members who belong to the groups. For them, these distinctions aren’t arbitrary lines; they are important dietary or ethical decisions.
Let’s take a look at some of these groups:
VEGETARIAN:
Vegetarian is a blanket term used to describe a person who does not consume meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. This grouping includes vegans and the various sub- categories of vegetarian; however, it generally implies someone who has less dietary restrictions than a vegan.
SEMI-VEGETARIAN:
The term semi-vegetarian is usually used to describe someone who is a vegetarian who consumes dairy products, eggs, and fish, but does not consume other animal flesh. Some people think vegetarian can eat fish but it is their opinion.
OVO-LACTO-VEGETARIAN:
Ovo-lacto vegetarians are vegetarians who do not consume meat, poultry, fish, and seafood, but do consume eggs and milk. This is the largest group of vegetarians.
OVO-VEGETARIAN:
Ovo-vegetarian is a term used to describe someone who would be a vegan if they did not consume eggs.
LACTO-VEGETARIAN:
Lacto-vegetarian is a term used to describe someone who would be a vegan if they did not consume milk.
VEGAN:
Vegan is the strictest sub-category of vegetarians. Vegans do not consume any animal products or by-products. Some go as far as not even consuming honey and yeast. Others do not wear any clothing made from animal products.
Important:Take some time to figure out for yourself, what group you will belong to when you become a vegetarian. You will want to consider both dietary and ethical reasons for choosing this lifestyle.
Also check out great recipes on blog for both Vegans and Vegetarians.
3 comments:
There is NO such thing as a semi-vegetarian! This is a term used by ignorant omnivores to make themselves feel special.
I agree with Poster Above me. That is an insulting term to ALL vegetarians. You need to remove it and not make being a vegetarian no different then being a meat eater because that is what you just did!
Anyone who eats meat is an Omnivore plain and simple. You want to eat Fish and Chicken Fine , But you are NOT in any way a vegetarian.
I agree with both comments!
Veganism is a lifestyle! Not a form of vegetarian!
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