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Vegetarianism for Beginners Part 1

Vegetarianism for Beginners

 Types of Vegetarians

So, you’ve decided you want to give this vegetarian thing a try.  After all, how hard can it be, right?  Don’t worry, I’ve got your back and I’m here to help!  I created this series to do just that.  Let’s take it step by step.

A pescatarian meal

First things first, you have to decide what kind of vegetarian you ultimately want to be. . . yes, there are different kinds!  If you want to include fish and seafood in your diet, then you want to be what is termed a pescatarian.  This is not a true vegetarian because you are still consuming animal protein, but still a much healthier choice than being a carnivore.

Lacto-Ovo

If you want to eliminate all animal flesh but still enjoy dairy and eggs, you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian.  This is what I have been for 30 years now.  What can I say?  I love cheese, yogurt, and eggs too much to give them up.

Now, if you want to eliminate all products of animal origin, you are striving to be a vegan.  This is the most restrictive form of vegetarianism because you are eliminating dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) and eggs from your nutritional plan.  This form of eating relies solely on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, beans, and legumes.  If you want to take it a step further, there are those who are known as raw vegans consume only fresh, uncooked plant-based foods.

Vegan

 

Raw Vegan

I’m not here to say which type of nutritional plan is better, but I can share that I personally am a gluten-free lacto-ovo vegetarian.  So, in a nutshell, I eat dairy and eggs but abstain from animal protein and gluten, which is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Stay tuned for part two in the series and remember to FUEL UP for a FIT LIFE!

 

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One Response to Vegetarianism for Beginners Part 1

  1. It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.