A meatless or vegetarian diet excludes all types of meat, including red meat, poultry and seafood. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, people choose meatless diets for a variety of different reasons, such as animal rights, economic concerns, environmental issues, religious views and health-related concerns. Within the broad category of vegetarianism, there are a number of different diets based on what foods adherents decide to include or omit.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian
The least restrictive type of meatless diet, the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet prohibits meat but includes diary and eggs, according to TeensHealth from Nemours. Lacto-ovo vegetarians may also avoid products whose production requires the death of animals, such as some gelatins and cheeses. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains, lacto-ovo vegetarians may enjoy a number of different meat substitutes for meat products like sausages, burgers and hot dogs, made from vegetarian alternatives like soybeans, vegetables or wheat gluten. Tofu and tempeh, both made from soy, are also easy stand-ins for meat in many recipes.
Lacto-vegetarian
A lacto-vegetarian diet omits meat and eggs while including dairy, according to TeensHealth from Nemours. Lacto-vegetarians may still be able to cook many recipes that call for eggs by utilizing vegan egg substitutes; these are available commercially or may be made in your own home. If you become a lacto-vegetarian due to concerns about animal rights, you might consider further supporting humane treatment of animals by sourcing all of your dairy products from organizations that utilize grass-fed or pasture-based farming as opposed to confined animal feeding operations.
Ovo-vegetarian
An ovo-vegetarian abstains from meat and dairy but eats eggs. As Vegan Outreach explains, there are a number of dairy-free alternatives to replace foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt and ice cream, made from substances such as soy, nuts, rice and coconut. Ovo-vegetarians who are concerned about humane treatment of animals might consider sourcing all of their eggs from free-range chickens rather than caged chickens.
Vegan
As The Vegan Society explains, a vegan diet is entirely plant-based, omitting meats, dairy, eggs and other animal products like honey and gelatin. Vegan diets typically incorporate foods like beans, nuts, vegetables, fruits and grains. Vegan diets may also include many of the meat, dairy and egg substitutes utilized by other types of vegetarians.
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